9. RIDE SALEM’S RIVERFRONT CAROUSEL This handcrafted carousel in Riverfront Park is fun for all ages, and you can grab a sweet treat at the gift shop afterward. 10. RELAX AT BREITENBUSH HOT SPRINGS East of Salem and in the Willamette National Forest, unplug from the grid for a day or a weekend and feel your stress melt away with a soak in a natural hot spring. 11. VISIT MOUNT ANGEL ABBEY’S BENEDICTINE BREWERY Grab a handcrafted ale at one of the few monastic breweries in the country about 30 miles northeast of Salem. 12. EXPLORE LOCAL HISTORY AT WILLAMETTE HERITAGE CENTER In addition to visiting some of the oldest homes in the state, take a self-guided tour through a restored 1889 woolen mill, check out art exhibits and explore the history of the Kalapuya people. 13. PEDAL THE MILES OF SMILES BIKEWAY Bike along the 28-mile Western Valley Scenic Bikeway, starting in Salem and rolling through farmland, over historic bridges and along the Willamette River. 14. PICK PEACHES AT PERRYHILL FARM If U-picking is on your agenda, grab the kids and pick plums, blueberries, cherries, apples and 30 kinds of peaches from summer through late October. 15. CAMP AT DETROIT LAKE About 60 miles east of Salem, Detroit Lake State Recreational Area has nearly 300 camping sites, plus swimming, fishing and boating. 16. CELEBRATE THE 4TH OF JULY IN INDEPENDENCE Independence Days is a party like no other. Venture to Riverview Park for three days of nonstop family fun, including an awe-inspiring fireworks display over the Willamette River. 17. TAKE IN A MUSICAL PERFORMANCE Classical-music enthusiasts will be inspired by the soul-stirring sounds of the Oregon Symphony in Salem, the locally grown Salem Orchestra and the Salem Philharmonia Orchestra. 18. GO ANTIQUE SHOPPING IN AURORA Located 30 miles north of Salem, the historic town of Aurora has been hailed as one of the top antiquing destinations in the country. 19. PLAY ARCADE GAMES AT THE COIN JAM Pop your quarters into classic pinball and video games — plus get your fill of pork-belly tacos, beer or cider — at this 21-and-over retro arcade in Salem. 20. EXPLORE THE ENCHANTED FOREST THEME PARK This old-school amusement park just south of Salem is where kids can go down Alice’s rabbit hole and live out their storybook imaginations. It’s usually open from March to September. The Coin Jam Enchanted Forest 7 TravelSalem.com
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