Downtown Salem is undergoing a renaissance, and it’s stacked with cute boutiques, provoking galleries and public art sculptures, modern and historic shopping malls and top-notch eateries. Here are 20 top spots to check out on your next visit.
Play Retro Games, See Public Art or Ride a Carousel
1. Self-Guided Art Walking Tour
Explore Salem’s amazing public art at your own pace. Download the map to see the dozens of sculptures, paintings, wood marquetry and other pieces by Oregon artists are on display around the city’s core.
2. The Hallie Ford Museum of Art
With over 9,000 works showcasing everything from Native American masks to collections exploring the history of Ancient, European, American and Asian art, this meticulously curated museum will take you on a cultural journey around the globe.
3. Pinball and Tacos at the Coin Jam Arcade
Plunk your quarters into Ms. Pac-Man, Star Wars pinball and other classic games at this 21-and-over retro bar and arcade — then celebrate your high score with pulled-pork sliders and a local beer.
4. Carousel Rides and a Kids’ Museum at Riverfront Park
Sprawling along the banks of the Willamette River, this public park has something for kids of all ages. The Riverfront Carousel is always a hit, as is the Gilbert House Children’s Museum with its 20 hands-on exhibits, including bubble-making machines and an Erector-set maze.
5. Axe Throwing at Oregon Axe
Ever dream of being a lumberjack? Everyone 12 years and older can give axe-throwing a try in a safe environment at this adventure-filled spot. Seasoned “axe-perts” will help you and your crew hit the bull’s-eye (reservations are recommended).
6. Escape Tech Escape Rooms
Whether you choose a murder-mystery theme or want to hunt for lost treasure, enter your chosen escape room and try to solve puzzles and clues in order to “escape” the room within a set time limit. The collaboration — and confusion — is a blast for families.
Shop for Art, Jewelry, Apparel and Antiques
7. Salem On the Edge Art Gallery
If you’re interested in modern Pacific Northwest art, this edgy gallery is a standout. Peruse everything from fine art by established artists to experimental pieces and local graffiti artists.
8. Elsinore Framing and Art Gallery
This gallery showcases a robust community of local artists working in many mediums, including oil paintings, photography, watercolor and more. See a new featured artist each month — you might even meet the artists, as many hang out here.
9. Stefani Art Gallery
Artist and owner Christina Stefani believes art elevates the soul, and her powerfully arranged gallery of modern local, national and international art does just that. Exhibits feature original paintings, abstract art, fine art, photography and more.
10. The Forge Shopping Mall
This three-story modern mall located in the heart of downtown is the new face of Salem and the perfect place to spend an afternoon shopping. Check out Satin & Stone to create 14K jewelry at the charm bar or Ivory Bull & Co. for women’s clothing, plus lots more options.
11. The Historic Reed Shopping Mall
For shopping with a dash of history, what was once the Reed Opera House circa 1870 is now four stories of buzzy shops and eateries. Shop for rock-band tees at The Awkward Peach, check out fedoras at Hattawear and nibble salted-caramel macarons at Let Them Eat Cake.
12. Olivia’s Boutique
Pick up a new outfit for brunch or a gift for your new granddaughter. This spacious boutique is your go-to for fashionable yet casual women’s clothing, jewelry, leather bags, body products and darling blankets for baby.
13. Engelberg Antiks
The oldest running antique mall in Salem is home to over 50 vendors with a treasure trove of curiosities: vintage writing pens, toys and jewelry, Dolly Parton paraphernalia, vinyl records, clothes, and much more. Clear your calendar.
Dine on Pasta, Elk Burgers or Sheep’s Milk Ice Cream
14. Clink! French-American Restaurant
This lovely Champagne bar and eatery offers smoked-salmon niçoise salad, burgers on brioche buns and late-night happy-hour sips like the Clink Royale, with sparkling wine, crème de cassis and violette. Sit under the faux pink blossoms and make a toast.
15. The Cozy Taberna
Looking for a romantic spot? This dimly lit enclave tucked away in historic Electric Alley offers elevated squid-ink pasta, spice-rubbed steak with piquillo peppers, shareable papas fritas, and a Spanish-inspired wine list and cocktails. Salud!
16. Venti’s Cafe
For a quick and healthy lunch, pop into this cafeteria-style spot for in-house or to-go bowls loaded with Cajun-spiced tempeh or pork belly, hearty burgers made with hormone-free beef, and sweet-potato fries topped with honey and toasted coconut.
17. Adobe Restaurant and Bar
The flavors at this chic new Latin eatery are divine. For brunch try the huevos poche: poached eggs on a homemade biscuit with chipotle cream. For dinner wash down the churrasco, marinated flank steak, with a craft cocktail. Live DJ sets on Saturday nights spice things up.
18. Taproot Lounge and Cafe
Enjoy your bacon-jam elk burger with a frosty local pint and a side of live music. Taproot offers delish breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy-hour options and welcomes minors until 9 p.m., when it transitions into a bar with live music.
19. Fork Forty Food Hall
If your crew can’t agree where to eat, this food hall has seven restaurants under one roof. Pick from pillowy bao sandwiches with scratch-made sauce, wood-fired pizza, burgers and more. Add ice cream or a cocktail from the Goose Bar, and everyone’s happy.
20. Dreamies Creamery
The scoop is out: This Dallas-based sweet spot’s Salem debut at the Forge is a hit for people with sensitive tummies. Enjoy 16 rotating flavors of lactose-friendly sheep’s milk ice cream — try the ube and sugar-free mint chip — plus pints to go.
