small-town day trips

The region around Salem is a roadtripper’s dream. There are countless friendly communities to discover, each with its own distinctly charming shops and eateries, farm stands, hidden trails and more. Here are just a few to explore.

Fifteen miles west of Salem along Highway 22, the town of Dallas is postcard-perfect, with rows of restaurants, antique shops and murals centered around its historic courthouse. Built in 1900, the Polk County Courthouse is one of the oldest courthouses still in use in

Oregon, and it’s hard to miss with its 95-foot clock tower. Dallas is a haven for foodies as well as nature lovers.

Also in Polk County and nestled along the Willamette River, the adorable town of Independence was prized by pioneering farmers who settled here. Stroll through downtown and explore the historic buildings or float across the Willamette River on the Buena Vista Ferry

Pedal the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway for some of the region’s most stunning views, or sip your way through Oregon’s oldest wine country.

Independence also sits at the heart of the Great Oaks Food Trail. You won’t go hungry here.

Southwest of Salem and along Highway 99W, Monmouth offers some of the best attractions in Willamette Valley wine country. The town buzzes with activity from Western Oregon University, one of the state’s oldest universities, founded in 1856. Downtown offers a mix of old and new, with historical charm and newer spots for foodies to crave. Find craft brews, pizza, artisan coffee, homemade ice cream, boutique shops and more. Just south of town, Sarah Helmick State Recreation Site — Oregon’s first state park — provides a lovely retreat along the Luckiamute River

Less than 30 miles northeast of Salem, Aurora is home to the state’s first registered National Historic District and has been rated one of the top 10 best antiquing towns in the country, with more than 23 antique shops. For a history dive, visit the Old Aurora Colony Museum and take a self-guided tour. Aurora is also surrounded by farmlands, wineries and tasting rooms. Visit the Aurora Colony Vineyards & Winery for handcrafted wines, homemade pizza and live music. Pheasant Run Winery, located in the old Aurora State Bank, focuses on distinctive pinot noir and aromatic white wines.

Nearby Silverton’s downtown invites visitors all year with its welcoming coffee shops and bakeries, farm-totable restaurants, and a handful of notable wineries and breweries in the area. Just southeast of town, Silver Creek Reservoir is a popular place for fishing in spring and summer, when it’s stocked with hatchery trout. Silverton is also home to the 80-acre botanical Oregon Garden, featuring 20 specialty gardens.