

It’s always been one of my favorite places to go jogging (see the routes here) and also to pick blackberries. I’ve been going to Minto for years and there are still some areas of the park I’m not familiar with. New way-finding signs have been installed around the park, which makes it easy to navigate around the giant acreage. That’s not even mentioning the historic Bush House museum and the Bush Barn Art Center & Gallery. From tennis courts and reservable baseball field, to playgrounds, picnic areas, a soapbox derby track, jogging paths, and an extensive garden, there is something for everyone.

Bush Parkīush Pasture Park is truly a multi-use space. When I think of great places to hang out in Salem’s outdoor public spaces, three parks come to mind: Bush, Riverfront, and Minto. Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11am-9pm, closed Mondayīest for: Tasty food, quality beer, hanging out A great way to sample their craft beers, brewed in house, is with a flight of 5 for $7. Everything was delicious and colorful but especially the taquitos and fried avocado. We shared smoked fish taquitos, BBQ chicken sopes, aguacate frito, and fish tacos among four adults. Be prepared to wait most evenings as they seem to be busy a lot of the time. Colorful, casual booths, tables for larger parties, and bar seating is also available. In the summer, you can enjoy outdoor seating and even a game of corn hole. Xicha Brewing is an innovative eatery that pairs Latin American cuisine with house-brewed beers in a family-friendly atmosphere. This places elevates the Salem food scene in a big way, and we’re so happy it’s here!īest for: Casual meet ups for a meal or treat with friendsĪ brand new addition to West Salem has come out with a bang and has not slowed down since. Though we didn’t dine in, we loved the decor of the food hall. The flavor combinations were exciting and unlike typical Salem fare. We were delighted to pick up a sampling from four of the Fork Forty eateries during their soft opening. Vendors include: King’s Kitchen (creative Southeast Asian food), Slick Licks (soft serve from scratch), Chubby Panda Bao House, The Brick Oven Pizza Co, Smooth (smoothies, acai bowls, avocado toast), and The Portland Press (gluten-free waffle sandwiches).
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In the front are a series of food vendors, each individually owned, encircling an open dining area. But I had no idea any of the workers were in a training program! Despite being a non-profit, the folks at IKE Box are keen to provide top notch service and quality.įork Forty, in the historic Gray-Belle building, features the Best Goose Bar in the back. I could tell that the community vibe was strong – they’re known as the “Cheers” of Salem coffee shops. All I saw was a popular coffee shop (with over 500 transactions a day and some distinguished political figures as customers) that had a good selection of food and drinks. My first time into the shop, I had no clue about the story behind it. Their website says: “Over the next couple of years we will be raising support to do much needed work and upgrades to our almost 100 year building as well as pay off the building.” Through the generosity of many, Ike Box recently raised funds to buy out their historic building before it was demolished. In the downtown Salem building they call Isaac’s Room, the Ike Box Coffee Shop supports a training and life skills program for teens and young adults on the margins. What started with foster parenting eventually extended to a life-development program and social enterprise. This powerful video tells it well, too:Īlthough they lost their son, Isaac, in 1998 at just two months old, Mark and Tiffany Bulgin were compelled to use that space Isaac left in their home and their hearts to serve. Like Broadway Coffeehouse, it offers some great work and hang-out spaces with a strong focus on community.Ī couple years ago, we had the opportunity to sit down with Assistant Manager, Krizti, to learn more about the amazing story behind this place. Ike Box Coffee Shop is another cool space that came to Salem after I moved away. Their emphasis on community-building is evident with special touches like a parent room, art and music from local artists, a space to feature community partnerships, and a commitment to giving back to the community.īest for: High quality coffee on the I-5 corridor, work or studying, meeting with friends, meeting with clients.
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Apart from the spacious coffeeshop and outdoor seating in the summer, there are also meeting rooms upstairs that are free to reserve online. Coffee is also great for bringing people together, and Broadway Coffeehouse is well set up for that.
