Earlier this year, officials weren't sure whether an in-person Oregon State Fair could be held in Salem in 2021 because of the COVID pandemic. But now, there's good news: It's on! The 2021 fair starts Friday, August 27, and ends Monday, September 6 (Labor Day). Tickets are now on sale online for fair entry and … Continue reading The 2021 Oregon State Fair is on for late August-early September
Humpty Dumpty at the Enchanted Forest near Salem, Oregon (photo credit: Enchanted Forest) Enchanted Forest is 50 years old, and it's celebrating its anniversary on Sunday, August 8, at Western Town in the park. The celebration kicks off at 12:45 p.m. with founder Robert Tofte and his family. Special question and answer sessions are scheduled … Continue reading Enchanted Forest celebrates its 50th anniversary on August 8
Vintage John Deere tractor (photo by Cheryl Landes) Step back in time to watch vintage machinery in operation and learn about those original innovations at the 50th annual Great Oregon Steam-up at Powerland Heritage Park in Brooks. Activities include traditional tractor pulls, threshing, flour milling, steam sawmilling, fire appartus demos, and train and trolley rides. … Continue reading The Great Oregon Steam-up at Powerland Heritage Park
Photo credit: Enchanted Forest The Enchanted Forest in Turner, Oregon, near Salem, has been closed since the coronavirus pandemic gripped the country. The owners planned to reopen the weekend of May 22 but decided to postpone until further notice. In a statement on the amusement park's website , the owners wrote, "We have been hard … Continue reading Enchanted Forest near Salem delays reopening
It isn't certain yet whether an in-person Oregon State Fair will be held in Salem in August this year because of the COVID pandemic. Plans are underway, according to an announcement on the fair's website, and "we will continue to follow the advice and public health regulations of the State of Oregon and the Oregon Health Authority." … Continue reading Will there be a 2021 Oregon State Fair?
The sign at the entrance of the Gilbert House Children's Museum in Salem, Oregon (photo by Cheryl Landes) It's time to play and learn again at the Gilbert House Children's Museum! The museum has reopened, with some changes due to the ongoing COVID pandemic. Reservations are required, because the number of people who can visit … Continue reading Gilbert House Children’s Museum reopens in Salem, Oregon
The Reckless Abandon iris from Schreiner's Iris Gardens in Salem, Oregon (photo by Cheryl Landes) In the years before COVID-19 gripped the world, Shreiner's Iris Gardens in Salem, Oregon, hosted an iris festival during bloom season in May, in conjunction with KeizerFEST. Their iris fields and display gardens were open during that time. Last year's … Continue reading Schreiner’s Iris Gardens planning to reopen display gardens this spring
Image credit: Clackamas County Scare Fair in Canby, Oregon So many changes in haunted experiences have happened this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's the rundown on what's open and closed this year in and near Portland, Oregon. If you have any information on other experiences not listed here, please post in the comments … Continue reading Which haunted houses and other experiences are open in Oregon in 2020?
Photos by Cheryl Landes The Deepwood House & Museum consists of a Queen Anne Victorian home, carriage house, greenhouse, formal beaux-arts gardens, and nature trail on five acres near the Oregon State Capitol Building and Bush's Pasture Park in Salem. Architect William Knighton designed the home and carriage house for Dr. Luke A. Port … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Deepwood House & Museum in Salem, Oregon
Photos by Cheryl Landes Bush's Pasture Park is a 100-acre public park and botanical garden near downtown Salem, Oregon. It's the site of the Bush House Museum, the home of Asahel Bush's family from 1878 until 1953. The Italianate house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The City of Salem … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Bush’s Pasture Park and Bush House Museum in Salem, Oregon
Tabby Cat's Pawprints 