The Mid-Willamette Valley region has wondrous small communities with their own personality and lure. Just the drive from Salem to these quaint towns is a scenic experience. Below is a sample of a few communities to spend the day.

Aurora, Oregón, es una ciudad pintoresca con mucho que hacer. Inscrita en el Registro Nacional de Lugares Históricos, la ciudad cuenta con docenas de tiendas de antigüedades, varios restaurantes, un par de salas de degustación y un montón de historia. Incluso ha sido catalogada como uno de los principales destinos de antigüedades del país.

Don’t miss the meatloaf sandwich, pork chops, or bread pudding at Filbert’s Farmhouse Kitchen in the 1865 historic Mohler farmhouse.

Tip: Most of the town’s restaurants and stores are located within a five-block radius, making it easy to park the car, get out and explore.

In downtown Woodburn, you will find a community that is a capital of Latinx culture in Oregon. The authentic Mexican vibe that reflects the heritage of the town’s many immigrants make Woodburn a bicultural and bilingual community. All seven regions of Mexico are represented in the businesses and restaurants downtown.

Tip: Shop at the Woodburn Premium Outlets – and remember Oregon has no sales tax.

In Silverton, visit The Oregon Garden an 80-acre botanical wonderland that features 20 specialty gardens, a hobbit house for children, and an onsite resort and restaurant. You can choose to tour through the garden at your own pace or take a guided trolley tour.

Silverton’s downtown is vibrant with shops, restaurants, and colorful murals that visually relay the story of the Silverton area.

Independence is located on the west side of the Willamette River offering a charming walkable downtown with inter shops, boutiques, and one-of-a-kind restaurants.

There is a regular series of free concerts and movies during the summer, as well as festivals and other events in the Riverview Park Amphitheatre.

The Independence area is also part of the Great Oaks Food Trail (see below).

Una foto frente al histórico Palacio de Justicia del Condado de Polk le recordará a la película "Regreso al futuro", con la torre del reloj y la pintoresca plaza del pueblo. Dallas alberga también el Arboreto y Jardín Botánico Delbert Hunter, que se recorre a lo largo del apacible arroyo Rickreall y es un museo viviente de plantas autóctonas. Justo al norte de Dallas se encuentra el Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Baskett Slough, de 2.492 acres, que es un imán para las aves acuáticas migratorias.

The Dallas area is also part of the Great Oaks Food Trail (see below).

The Great Oaks Food Trail invites visitors and locals alike to explore the scenic beauty and unique products of the Polk County area west of Salem. With experiences ranging from craft beer tasting to filling a bucket full of blueberries, the Great Oaks Food Trail will guide guests on a journey filled with culinary treasures and unique agritourism experiences. Explorers can choose their own adventure by visiting any of the 40-plus stops on the Trail.