The Willamette Valley continues to reopen, so we've launched the Responsible Reopening commitment to help local businesses do so as safely as possible-and to make your next visit warm, inviting, and relaxing.
And there's plenty to love about the Salem area, where vaunted wineries abut scenic parks and where cozy bookstores wait to be explored in the heart of charming communities.
So here's a guide to making the most of your next trip-whether sipping your way through wine country or staying the night for some added fun. We've made sure to shout out businesses that have pledged to create a safe environment for all by signing onto our Responsible Reopening commitment.
Up for a day of wine tasting? Start with Lady Hill Winery, which pours beautifully crafted Northwest wines in a bright, airy tasting room overlooking the vines.
Elsewhere, Left Coast Estate produces a popular Pinot noir and other top-flight varietals with an eye toward sustainability and minimizing the winery's environmental impact. (Reservations are recommended, and social distancing is made easy with covered outdoor seating areas.)
Closer to Salem, Eola Hills Wine Cellars is among Oregon's largest wineries and is noted for its Pinot noir and Chardonnay.
When you want someone else to do the driving, consider a winery tour through Embrace Oregon. The local company leads custom private tours of Willamette Valley wineries for groups of up to four, with heightened safety protocols for a fun, stress-free experience.
If you're hungry, fuel up at Gilgamesh Brewing's The Campus-one of Salem's first craft breweries. Tables are spaced to allow for easy social distancing while enjoying classic pub fare and the brewery's popular ales. Closer to downtown, Sybil's Omelettes specializes in-you guessed it-hearty omelettes, with more than 100 on the menu.
Spending the night? Stay at the new Independence Hotel, a cozy, boutique hotel situated on the Willamette River, with bike-friendly rooms and an on-site restaurant with an outdoor fire pit. As part of its Responsible Reopening commitment, the hotel is offering "no-touch" entry and exit-and using enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols.
And just outside Salem, the tranquil Oregon Garden Resort boasts 103 rooms surrounded by the lodging's signature greenery. Amenities include pet-friendly rooms, a seasonal pool and hot tub, electric car charging stations, an on-site restaurant, and more. And as part of its Responsible Reopening commitment, the hotel offers contactless check-in, sterilizing high-touch areas with hospital-grade disinfectant, and maintaining a six-foot distance between staff members and guests at all times.
Learn more about our businesses' commitment on the official Responsible Reopening website, which includes an interactive map where you can find local businesses-lodgings, restaurants, wineries, and more-that have taken the pledge to reopen with your safety in mind.
