fall and winter in the salem area FALL n What to Do Every autumn the colorful foliage in the Salem area puts on a spectacular show, and you can soak it all up on a ride through the Black Rock mountain bike trails in Falls City. Harvest time also means nonstop celebrations in the Willamette Valley, so gather the kids for pumpkin picking and hayrides at Bauman Harvest Festival in Gervais. For cider tastings and orchard walks, head to Salt Creek Cider House in Dallas. In September the Mt. Angel Oktoberfest kicks off its annual folk festival with Bavarian food, music, kids’ activities, beer, wine and cider — come thirsty. Immerse the family in art at the Salem Art Fair, where close to 200 musicians and visual artists spark wonder. Feeling brave? Join the Independence Ghost Walk, a guided tour of the town’s spookiest establishments. Or try axe throwing at Salem’s family-owned Oregon Axe, where expert coaches will guide you to hit the bull’s-eye. n What to Wear Daytime temperatures drop from high 70s to low 50s from September to November; pack sweaters, long pants and a jacket. WINTER n What to Do Usher in the magic of the holidays with twinkling lights, live performances and kids’ activities at the Willamette Heritage Center’s Magic at the Mill. Keep the magical vibes going by taking the family to the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” at the historic Elsinore Theatre or a local play or band at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Music lovers can hear an inspiring performance by the Salem Philharmonia Orchestra or catch the Salem Symphonic Winds’ annual Salem Tuba Holiday. For more holiday sparkle, head to the Silverton Christmas Market at the Oregon Garden Resort, where you can meet Santa and shop for gifts while strolling luminous paths draped in more than 1.5 million lights. Savor the slowed pace of post-holiday wine country during Willamette Valley Wine Cellar Season, when many wineries offer cellar tours, barrel tastings and fireside tastings. And find a world of inspiration at Willamette University’s Hallie Ford Museum of Art, the third-largest art museum in Oregon. n What to Wear Winter ranges between 35 and 50 degrees with frequent rain showers. Snowfall is rare within Salem city limits; pack a warm jacket, hat, gloves and water-resistant shoes. E.Z. Orchards Harvest Festival 9 TravelSalem.com
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