Best of the Willamette Valley

12/21/2024

Recycling your live Christmas tree is an easy way to support the environment and community programs. Local options across the Willamette Valley, including Boy Scout troops and transfer stations, make it simple. Click the link for all the details on where and how to recycle your tree.

There are myriad nonprofit groups or businesses taking trees and other yard debris to be chipped or incinerated.

12/19/2024

Rebecca Donaldson was more than a celebrated realtor and past Best of the Willamette Valley winner—she was a devoted mother, friend, and a true advocate for her community. From helping veterans find homes to giving back in countless ways, Rebecca's kindness and dedication left a lasting impact. 💙

Learn about her incredible journey and the difference she made for so many.

Rebecca Donaldson passed away in Tennessee after being diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme in May this year. She had moved to the southeast to be closer to her daughter, Peyton, but had worked earlier in her career in the Willamette Valley.

12/04/2024

Hanukkah is a celebration of light, miracles, and cherished traditions. This year, join the Salem community on Dec. 29th for the grand menorah lighting ceremony. Enjoy music, games, and treats as the community celebrates the season's miracle. Click to learn more about the Hanukkah festivities!

A joyous time of year, Hanukkah serves as a bright light, and Salem’s grand menorah lighting is one way the community celebrates this festive season

12/03/2024

Celebrate the holidays at Deepwood Estate’s Christmas open house on Dec. 7th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy Victorian decorations, handcrafted gifts, and a visit from Santa in this historic 125-year-old home. Step into the magic of Christmas—click to discover more!

The historic Victorian estate is once again inviting the public to join it for holiday festivities during its annual open house

12/02/2024

Kwanzaa, a week-long celebration of unity and culture, begins December 26th! Explore local events and activities to honor this special holiday. Click to find out more about Kwanzaa celebrations in your area!

Kwanza is a nonreligious winter celebration that blends traditions from African cultures the world over. The week-long holiday celebrates family, community togetherness, and cultural solidarity.

11/30/2024

For over 90 years, Peacock Lane in Portland has become a magical holiday wonderland, with homes decked out in lights and festive scenes. Experience the tradition in person starting December 15 and get into the holiday spirit!

Click to read more about this enchanting event!

For eleven months out of the year, Peacock Lane looks the same as any other street in Oregon. But when December rolls around, it transforms into a magical street full of colorful lights and carolers, ready to share the spirit of Christmas.

11/28/2024

The historic Elsinore Theater in Salem is the place to be this holiday season, offering everything from festive ballets to classic holiday movies. With performances from talented musicians and dancers, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season.

Click to learn more about this historic theater’s festive events!

Array of holiday shows scheduled at historic theater again this year

11/27/2024

What an honor it is to work with a growing number of local businesses who have a value and focus on celebrating the Best in our communities. Thank you to those past, present and future that we will work with. Happy Thanksgiving!

11/26/2024

Santa kicks off this year’s Holiday season at Salem's Riverfront Carousel on November 29, arriving aboard the Christmas Express Train at 12:30pm. Don't miss out on the fun and festive activities for all ages this season.

Grab your tickets for Photos With Santa and other Holiday events at the carousel before they sell out!

This local landmark will be the site of a unique holiday events for kids from 1 to 92.

11/25/2024

On December 6, Western Oregon University’s giant sequoia tree lighting brings the community together with festive cheer, hot cider, and a holiday parade. Click to read more about this cherished tradition!

Western Oregon University’s annual sequoia tree lighting brings holiday cheer and community spirit to Monmouth. On December 6th, enjoy a festive parade, local vendors, hot cocoa, and the dazzling illumination of the 123-foot sequoia. Free admission!

11/15/2024

Oregon's hidden speakeasies are reviving the mystery and thrill of the 1920s, from secret entrances to password-only access. Discover unique cocktail spots like Portland’s Voysey, Grandma’s Secret, and many others that bring Prohibition-era charm into the present. Click to explore these hidden gems and start planning your next night out!

The Willamette Valley area is unapologetically hiding several underground cocktail bars – here’s how to find them.

11/14/2024

Get ready to experience a world of culture at Salem’s first-ever World Beat Holiday Night Market! With 26 global vendors offering unique, handmade items, live music, and delicious treats, it’s a holiday shopping event like no other. Click to learn more about this exciting multicultural celebration on November 16th.

The cultural nonprofit World Beat is hosting its first Holiday Night Market which showcases an array of global vendors’ handmade goods perfect for gifting, along with music and food, all indoors

11/13/2024

Pedro Perez Berry Harvest and Christmas Stuff offers affordable holiday greenery that’s handmade and full of charm. With wreaths, garlands, and swags for a fraction of retail prices, click to discover how Pedro’s passion brings seasonal cheer to the community.

Pedro Perez Berry Harvest and Christmas Stuff has been plying his Christmas greenery trade for more than 30 years out of his West Salem home.

11/13/2024

From shimmering lights to warm mugs of traditional glühwein, the Silverton Christmas Market is bringing old-world holiday magic to Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Explore the full story and learn how this beloved event will brighten your season with German holiday spirit starting November 21st!

One of the Willamette Valley’s holiday traditions has added half a million more lights to its display and continues to share handmade, traditional German goods and libations all with a festive flair.

10/16/2024

WE ARE HIRING!!! 🥕🥑🍊🥥🍍🌱

Salem people you are absolutely amazing! 🫶🏼

Thank you so much for your continued support, it's been the most incredible journey! 🙌🏻
We hope to continue making a difference in people's lives by offering Healthy Foods, Açai smoothie bowls, Fresh Pressed Juices full of Nutrients and Vitamins, and of course amazing Super Smoothies!

WE ARE OFFICIALLY OPENING OUR 3RD LOCATION IN DOWNTOWN SALEM! 🥳 🎉

Stay tuned!!! 🫶🏼🍍🥥🌱🍊

10/10/2024

For years, many media companies have relied on "Best Of" or "Reader’s Choice" programs as a cornerstone of their community engagement and revenue generation strategies. These contests, which highlight local businesses and draw in substantial community participation, have long been a valuable part of a media outlet's portfolio. However, for those managing these programs in-house—whether for five years or twenty—the process can become overwhelming, even unsustainable. MORE>

For years, many media companies have relied on "Best Of" or "Reader’s Choice" programs as a cornerstone of their community engagement and revenue generation strategies. These contests, which highlight local businesses and draw in substantial community participation, have long been a valuable part ...

09/30/2024

✨ Join Our Team! Apply Now! ✨

We're hiring a Market Operations Specialist to join our team and help manage our “Best Of” contests, including the Best of the Willamette Valley! 🏆 We’re all about showcasing the best local businesses, and we need someone detail-oriented and passionate about making an impact.

This is a full-time, in-person role located in Salem, OR—perfect if you’re organized, great with time management, and enjoy working with a supportive team. Competitive pay, benefits, and a chance to highlight the best in the community!

📩 Apply Now at indeedhi.re/3Y7GSog

09/22/2024