Hey Salem,

Last week we started something, and you showed up.

The replies came in hot. You told us about your hidden spots, your go-to orders, your "I can't believe more people don't know about this" picks. That's exactly what this city is about.

So we're back. Seven more things only true Salem locals know.

Last week we posted on IG first, but this week we wanted our newsletter readers to be able to give us feedback first.

Some of these are obvious if you've been here long enough. Others might be new to you.

And same question for you all, what did we miss?

1. Dough Hook is Latina-owned, Willamette Valley-made, and one of the best donut shops in the entire Pacific Northwest.

Thanks Sharon for making sure this one ended on this week’s list.

Not Portland. Not the whole state. The whole PNW.

Family-owned, handcrafted, using local ingredients, and the Crème Brûlée Donut alone is worth the trip to Lancaster. The Churro Croconut has a fan club. They sell out fast, so plan accordingly. If you've been sleeping on Dough Hook, wake up.

What's your go-to order at Dough Hook?

2. The Little Cannoli Bakery has been quietly perfecting their craft in downtown Salem for over 17 years.

Seventeen years. In a city that loves its chains, this family-run bakery has been doing things the old-fashioned way. Handcrafted desserts and breads, every single day. The cannoli shell is the thing.

Crispy, toffee-like, just sweet enough. Pistachios or chocolate chips on top. Or both.

Don't let anyone judge you.

3. Bigwig Donuts has been making gluten-free, plant-based donut holes since 2014, and skeptics become regulars after one visit.

I know what you're thinking. And I thought the same thing.

But these are made to order, come out fresh every time, and the lemon poppyseed alone has converted people who swore they'd never eat a vegan donut. Downtown on Liberty. Go with an open mind.

What’s your go to order? Or do you just get one (or two) of everything like I do?

4. Wabi Sabi Tea has a near-perfect rating from over 200 reviews, and every drink is made from real, fresh ingredients. Not powder.

The colors are real. The ingredients are real. Every drink is hand-mixed, made per order, sourced from natural and organic teas. People drive from Portland and Eugene just to come here. They're on Commercial St SE, open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. If you haven't been yet, this is your sign.

Have you been? What are you waiting for?

5. Frida's has an $8 lunch menu. Reviewers are calling it the best deal in Salem.

Bold claim. But if you've been, you already know. Named after Frida Kahlo, this South Salem spot brings bold flavors, family recipes, and a vibe that makes you feel like you're somewhere special.

The $8 lunch menu is the kind of thing that should have a longer line than it does. Consider this your heads up.

6. Straight From New York Pizza has been a Salem original since 1986, before they ever touched Portland.

Most people think of it as a Portland thing. It's not. It started right here. Three Salem locations, hand-tossed thin crust, big foldable slices, local beer, and prices that feel like a different era. This is old Salem. The kind of institution that deserves its flowers.

Plus you can get two huge slices and a soda for $11

7. Northern Lights Theatre Pub is showing first-run movies for $9, and every Monday and Tuesday it's $5.

A first-run movie. For five dollars. With food, beer, wine, and cider brought to your seat.

Northern Lights is one of those places Salem should be louder about. Date night under $30 is real here. If you've never been, this is the kind of thing that makes you feel lucky to live in this city.

So here's our question:

What's the #1 thing only Salem locals know that we missed?

Hit reply. The best answers might show up in the next edition with a shoutout to you.

Salem has more hidden gems than most people realize. That's not a secret to us. But it should be something we talk about more.

See you out there,

Jacob

“Delicious with a hint of vicious.”

Bold flavors, creative heat, and a hot sauce brand with a story behind the name. 9 Circles of Hell brings a fiery lineup of sauces and spicy treats to the Salem Saturday Market, all inspired by Dante’s Inferno.

The business started in 2011 after the owner fell in love with The Divine Comedy back in high school. After moving to Oregon seven years ago and settling in Salem two years ago, he has been building a loyal following with what he proudly calls “the nerdiest hot sauce around town.”

Each sauce is made with nine all-natural ingredients, using fresh produce sourced from local farmers markets and suppliers. His approach to heat is simple: “I want my customers crying, not dying,” delivering bold flavor and spice without going overboard.

Fan favorites include the White Lies Verde, his personal favorite and top seller, along with a brand-new creation this season: hot sauce “jerky.” This dried version rehydrates into a full sauce with just a bit of water. I picked some up myself for a recent trip and can confirm it comes right back to life and still packs incredible flavor.

If you are feeling bold, try the new spicy challenge cookie, which has already been putting brave customers to the test. And if you want to stock up, the sauces freeze well without losing their heat.

Ernie

Comics, collectibles, and a weekend full of creativity. The Mid Valley Comic Art Expo brings together artists, vendors, and fans for one of Salem’s biggest pop culture events.

Meet creators, browse unique art, and dive into the world of comics.

Live music, big energy, and a milestone worth celebrating. Syco Billy’s marks nine years with a high-energy show blending Americana, folk, and bluegrass influences.

With special guest Elijah Rowan, this anniversary show is set to be a good one.

Pop, emotion, and a bold live performance. Fiona Grey brings her Tantrum Ball Tour to Salem with a high-energy show built on expressive, danceable music.

Joined by Grimiss, this is one for anyone looking for something a little different.

A classic crime film back on the big screen. GoodFellas returns to Salem Cinema, offering a chance to experience the rise and fall of Henry Hill in a theater setting.

Perfect for first-time viewers or longtime fans. Enjoy a night at the fantastic Salem Cinema.

Books, costumes, and a night straight out of your favorite story. The Booklover’s Ball transforms the Grand Ballroom into a literary dream with live music, drinks, and a vendor floor featuring 30+ independent artists and authors.

Dress up as a favorite character, a stylish villain, or your most elevated self. Enjoy a Bridgerton-inspired performance by Synergy Quartet before DJ RoQuest takes over the dance floor, plus photo ops and plenty of chances to mingle.

Attendance is limited, so grab your ticket early.

High energy performances, confident stage presence, and a lively night out. The Women Next Door brings a female revue full of choreography, personality, and crowd interaction.

Bring your friends for a wild night out. .

Fresh air, beautiful gardens, and a day focused on sustainability. The Oregon Garden’s annual Earth Day Celebration brings together education, activities, and community in a scenic outdoor setting.

Spend this Earth Day in the beautiful Oregon Garden!

Better form, stronger lifts, and a chance to level up your technique. This free CrossFit clinic focuses on the Clean and Jerk, breaking down mechanics for all experience levels.

A great free opportunity to build confidence and improve your lifts with expert guidance.

R&B, throwback hits, and a packed dance floor. Just Friends brings live performances, DJs, and high-energy vibes to The Rec: Grange.

Expect sing-alongs, dancing, and a room full of good energy.

No guitar? No problem. This beginner-friendly class gives you everything you need to start playing, including a guitar, instruction, and a chance to perform with a live band by the end of the night.

All for a simple donation to the Keizer Community Food Bank.

Interested in connecting with our audience and supporting the growth of this publication? Simply reply to this email and we can help you get started.

Thanks for keeping up with Salem this week!

Spotted something interesting in town? Drop us a note at [email protected] We love hearing from you.

See you next Thursday,

Ernie