SALEM IS MOPO SEASONS spring and summer in the salem area Oregon State Capitol SPRING Every March, the Oregon State Capitol is draped in pink as cherry blossoms burst into bloom. Experience the enchantment of “Yozakura,” with lantern-lit trees glowing nightly from mid-March through March 31. Celebrate Cherry Blossom Day on the third Saturday with live performances and family activities. In May, Schreiner’s Gardens are a magical explosion of colorful irises, and in late spring, the wineries and farm stands along the Great Oaks Food Trail entice visitors with juicy berries, hazelnuts, artisan cheeses and honeys. At Deepwood Museum & Gardens, plan a mid-spring walk to catch yellow and white lilies at their peak. After exploring the estate’s formal gardens, tour the historic Victorian home dating back to 1894. For creative play and fun for kids, head to the Gilbert House Children’s Museum at Salem’s downtown Riverfront Park — sunny spring days are ideal for the 20,000-square-foot Outdoor Discovery Area. Immerse yourself in the history of vintage tractors, steam engines and antique cars at the 62-acre Powerland Heritage Park. From March through May, sports fans can cheer on the Salem Capitals, the city’s pro basketball team, at the Salem Armory. SUMMER Summer is an idyllic time to visit Willamette Valley wineries. Enjoy tastings on patios and walk through leafy, sunlit vineyards. Pair your pinot with charcuterie boards at Van Duzer Vineyards, or try seasonal wine-paired bites at Andante Vineyard. Celebrate music, dance, food and traditions from 60+ nations at the World Beat Festival each June at Salem’s Riverfront Park. Look to the sky during the rare Flying Legends Tour, when vintage bombers Boeing B-17G “Sentimental Journey” and North American B-25J Mitchell “Maid in the Shade” visit the B-17 Alliance Foundation Museum in August. Experience steam engines, trains, tractors and more during the Great Oregon Steam-Up at Powerland Heritage Park over two weekends in July and August. Outdoor adventurers can spot wildlife while gliding across the Willamette River with Oregon Kayak Tours, launching from Wallace Marine Park in West Salem, or cycle Champoeg State Heritage Area trails to the Historic Butteville Store for refreshing scoops from Half Pint Brothers ice cream. Cheer for the Marion Berries, Salem’s new collegiate wood-bat baseball team, or enjoy local heritage at the St. Paul Rodeo in July and the Oregon State Fair in late August. TravelSalem.com 8
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