Happy Tuesday,

It’s finally starting to feel like autumn! As you know, it is just a matter of time before the Oregon rain returns, but for now… we enjoy the last of sunshine-tinged days. Since yesterday was the first day of autumn, bring on the pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon, and other fall flavors! I’m excited to share with you the places to get autumn specials but also enjoy the other delights of autumn: viewing the leaves changing color, apple picking, and more. 

Do you have other topics you’d like me to cover? Feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]. 

Wrapping myself in scarves,

Em

Fall leaves changing color, a new crop of seasonal produce to enjoy, and so much more make autumn one of the best seasons to enjoy in Salem. If you enjoy activities or food-based seasonal treats, there’s something for everyone. 

If you enjoy apple picking, there are u-pick apple picking at Beilke Family Farm and True North Orchards. Most other farms will have apples available, but are pre-picked bags. I have not been to True North Orchards, but I have to Beilke Family Farm. Both offer several apple varieties and keep their websites regularly updated on which ones are ready for picking. Beilke has more apple varieties, while True North also offers pears and plums. 

If you’re not a fan of (or in my case, mildly allergic to) apples, there’s still good weather for hiking and viewing leaves. If you’re staying in Salem, Wallace Marine Park, Deepwood Museum and Gardens plus Bush’s Pasture Park are classic destinations. Skyline Trail and Croisan Creek Trail are underrated gems to check out as well, moreso if you’re looking for longer trails. 

There will also be lots of local harvest festivals starting up in October! Keep your eyes peeled for next week’s newsletter for the entire month’s preview of events for more info.

Perhaps you’re not an outdoorsy person. That’s okay - there’s plenty to do inside. 

The various museums and galleries are good options to check out. When was the last time you stepped inside the Hallie Ford Museum of Art or the various museums of Powerland Heritage Park? Of course, you can always check the Salem Public Library for Cultural Passes, which are free passes to places in Salem but also in Portland and greater Mid-Valley. 

Or, you’ve got a family with cabin fever that are looking for a play place? The Athletic Edge Adventrue Park, Kroc Center, and newer Wunderland may be the perfect places to go. Kroc Center has the heated pool and general fitness areas, while Athletic Edge and Wunderland will have more children-oriented activities, like play spaces and arcade games. 

Is it a newsletter from me if there is no mention of food? So of course, one of my favorites of the season are food specials with the bounty of the season. 

Apple specials like apple pie, apple cider (non alcoholic), and apple cider donuts can be found at many places. The apple cider and the cider donuts can often be found at harvest fests but also inside E.Z. Orchards Farm Market and Fordyce Farm. Apple pie, on the other hand, can be bought at Willamette Valley Pie Company and – if you’re willing to drive a bit out – Blue Raven Farm Stand in Amity. It’s the perfect season for WV Pie Co’s Dutch caramel apple pie, personally speaking. 

It’s a bit early in the season for pumpkin specials, so for now I recommend going to coffee shops for pumpkin spice lattes and Costco for pumpkin pie. (My mom bought one last week…)

Other seasonal produce great for this time of year include pears, hazelnuts, parsnips, radishes and leeks! Thankfully, the Salem Saturday Market goes through October, so there’s still time to snag some fresh produce.  

Now that my list is over, I am just so excited to be partaking in fall activities. I think my favorites are picking up a pumpkin, getting freshly picked flowers and enjoying lots of freshly-pressed apple cider. What’s not to love about apple juice? 

I think what I dislike about autumn is just… how gloomy it feels once the rain sets in. I’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest my entire life, yet it never ceases to surprise me. What else should I (and the What’s Happening Salem team) be looking forward or not forward to? 

Narrowing down my next autumn delight,

Em 

Introducing another mini segment: high school sports you can check out this week! For fall, it will be football and girls’ varsity volleyball. You’ll be able to find this segment after my main topic every week. If there’s any special info you have about games or matches that I should know, feel free to let me know by email at [email protected]. 

Have an idea you’d like to see us cover in a future Tuesday send?

Let us know by simply replying to this email.