We are so grateful to all of you who are planning to “fly away with us”
for our spring nuptials. (We love you Oregonians too, don’t you worry.)
We hope that while you’re here, you can enjoy the beauty of Oregon and see some of our favorite things. Whether you’re looking for a lunch spot or planning a hiking excursion, we have recommendations for you!
Our hand-picked haunts are listed below for your reading pleasure. You can also view them on our Google map. With the exception of Silver Falls State Park, all of these destinations are within 10 miles of downtown. Most are within walking distance of the Phoenix Grand Hotel.
Note: Allie has been on a bit of an “I heart Salem” campaign lately, so forgive the effusive commentary.
Transportation
The closest airport to Salem is Portland International Airport (PDX). PDX is approximately 60 miles from downtown Salem.
Generally, Enterprise has the best rates on rental cars out of Portland. You can also travel between PDX and Salem on the HUT Shuttle. The shuttle runs every 90 minutes.
Accommodations
We have reserved rooms for our guests at the Phoenix Grand Hotel at 201 Liberty St SE. Located in downtown, the Phoenix Grand is within walking distance of restaurants, parks, and entertainment. Onsite dining is also available at Bentley’s Grill — a great spot for steaks, salads, and other cuisine.
Six room sizes are available, ranging in price from $119 (deluxe king or double queen) to $199 (deluxe spa) per night. A family suite is available for $179.
You can make reservations by calling 503-540-7800 or 877-540-7800. Mention the Rice/Towers wedding to receive discounted rates. If you run into any problems, ask for Tamy Perkins, Reservations Manager. She is responsible for our group reservation.
Important: Reservations must be made 30 days in advance to qualify for discounted rates.Wedding & Reception
Both the ceremony and reception will be held at Zenith Vineyard. More details →
Eateries & Coffeehouses
Yes, we know that you’d have to stay here for a week to visit all the restaurants we list here, but we like options. Just making sure you’re taken care of. It’s Allie’s way of playing hostess even when you’re not staying at her house.
Bentley’s Grill
291 Liberty Street SE
Conveniently located inside the Phoenix Grand Hotel.
Best Little Road House
1145 Commercial Street SE
Two words: Tri-tip salad.
Blue Pepper Cafe
241 Commercial Street NE
Internet cafe and art gallery with live music on the weekends.
Christos Pizzeria
324 Church Street NE
Hands down, best pizza in town.
Croissant & Co.
190 High Street SE
Perfect lunch fare. On the corner of High and Ferry.
DaVinci Restaurant
180 High Street SE
A little spendy, but nice steaks and great ambiance.
Fuji Rice Time
159 High Street SE
Fantastic sushi, tempura, and other Japanese dishes.
Great Harvest Bread Co.
339 Court Street NE
Freshly-prepared breads and baked goods.
Jonathan’s Oyster Bar
445 State Street
My favorite place for appetizers. Dinners are excellent as well.
La Margarita
545 Ferry Street SE
I highly recommend the enchiladas, but everything on the menu is top-notch.
Quiznos
479 Court Street NE
I’ve eaten more lunches here than I can count.
Starbucks Coffee
399 Court Street NE
For that morning grind.
Thai Orchid
285 Liberty Street NE
I’m not even a big Thai food fan, but their rice bowls are really tasty.
Wild Pear
372 State Street
All-time favorite lunch spot. Everything on their menu is fantastic.
Willamette Noodle Company
1405 Broadway Street NE & 380 High Street NE
Best Italian food in town! Original location on Broadway and their new, larger location on High Street in downtown.
Parks & Gardens
These are all great places to bring your camera.
Bush Pasture Park
600 Mission Street
Gorgeous park with lots of trails to explore and playgrounds for the kids. Also on the grounds are a museum and art gallery.
Salem’s Riverfront Park & Carousel
101 Front Street NE
Beautiful park with a view of the Willamette River. While you’re over there, take a spin on the carousel.
Silver Falls State Park
20024 Silver Falls Highway SE, Sublimity, Oregon
Spring is the best time to hike around the falls. Definitely worth the drive. You can see the main falls without hiking at all, or you can take the long loop and see all ten falls.
Wilson Park
700 Court Street NE
Located next to the capitol, this is a great spot for photo-taking. After you check out the park, you can take a tour of the capitol or head across the street to Willamette University to see more beautiful buildings and scenery.
Entertainment
Salem Cinema
445 High Street SE #2
Shows mostly independent and limited-release films.
Regal Movieland 7
501 Marion Street NE
Traditional movie theater, located adjacent to the mall.
Wine Country
Visit on your own or join our wine tasting trip, tentatively scheduled for the Friday before the wedding. More details →
Evesham Wood Vineyard & Winery
3795 Wallace Rd NW
Located just north of West Salem, Evesham Wood has a wide variety of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Stangeland Vineyards & Winery
8500 Hopewell Rd NW
Among Stangeland’s best are their Gewurztraminer and their estate reserve Pinot Noir.
Witness Tree Vineyard
7111 Spring Valley Rd NW
My favorite winery in the Salem area. Hands-down best Pinot Noir. Fantastic dessert wine as well.
Cristom Vineyards
6905 Spring Valley Rd NW
Right down the road from Witness Tree, Cristom has multiple Pinot Noir varietals rated above 90 points.
Bethel Heights Vineyard
6060 Bethel Heights Rd NW
Bethel Heights offers a great Pinot Gris, among other whites and reds.
Beauty & Shopping
Safeway
1265 Center Street NE
For those forgotten toothbrushes and whatnot.
Arbor
367 State Street
Wonderful gift shop. Lovely items.
Twig Downtown
327 State Street
Also fabulous for gifts and home decor items.
Salon 554
554 Ferry Street SE
Full-service salon with great aestheticans.