Downtown Salem, Oregon is an enjoyable place to explore – the nice level streets are filled with independently owned shops, coffee shops, and restaurants. The downtown shopping area is nestled between the Willamette River’s Riverfront Park with walking paths and a carousel on the west and the State Capitol building, Elsinore Theater, and Willamette University on the east. Take note of the historic architecture – especially the ornate Ladd & Bush Bank building at the corner of State and Commercial streets. Along Front Street you can still see old ghostly paintings showing when this area was an active railroad area. There is so much to explore in downtown Salem!
Photo by Dawn Woolcott
A few recommendations: Start your day with coffee at Isaac’s Coffee, grab some gourmet donut holes at Big Wig Donuts and enjoy breakfast strolling through the waterfront park. Wander through the shops along Court Street or inside the Reed Opera House – a historic old building with an indoor shopping area. Take in the original detailing inside. For lunch, take a look at Archive Coffee & Bar or Wild Pear (corner of State Street/Liberty St) or Basil & Board before continuing your explorations around downtown, meandering towards Pringle Creek and the park at Commercial/Trade Street. Follow the creek east to Church Street and head north towards the big white steeple of the Methodist Church. That puts you back within view of the Oregon State Capitol building.
