Welcome to the Newto News for May of 2026. My name is Zack Cockfield, and my team and I created Newtomedia as a way for visitors or new residents to get information about a city. Each month we bring together resources that will update you on the history, amenities, culture, future opportunities and all other things inside a city that make it unique. We also hope to be a resource for connecting you with people and businesses that can help you live a better life. If you find our efforts useful, please click on the links to get more information!

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Salem, Oregon, named after the biblical city of peace, was founded in 1842 by Methodist missionaries seeking to establish a Christian community in the Willamette Valley. The city quickly grew into a bustling hub of commerce and industry due to its strategic location along the Willamette River. In 1851, Salem was officially designated as the capital of the Oregon Territory, cementing its importance in the region. The city played a pivotal role in the state’s history, hosting the first state fair in 1861 and later becoming the permanent capital of Oregon in 1859. Throughout the years, Salem has experienced periods of prosperity and development, as well as challenges such as economic downturns and natural disasters. However, the resilient spirit of its residents has helped Salem overcome these obstacles and continue to thrive as a vibrant cultural and economic center in the Pacific Northwest. Today, Salem is known for its picturesque parks, historic architecture, and strong sense of community.

  1. Healthcare
  2. Technology
  3. Education
  4. Hospitality
  5. Manufacturing
  6. Finance
  7. Retail
  8. Construction
  9. Transportation
  10. Administration
  1. Hiking
  2. Biking
  3. Skiing
  4. Fishing
  5. Golfing
  6. Boating
  7. Wine tasting
  8. Art galleries
  9. Historical tours
  10. Shopping
  • Low: 50°F
  • High: 75°F

Precipitation: 2 inches

Elevation: 5000 feet

Average Home Price: $300,000

Average Household Income: $60,000

  1. Museum of Art
  2. National Park
  3. Historic Downtown
  4. Botanical Garden
  5. Zoo
  6. Waterfront Park
  7. Science Center
  8. Amusement Park
  9. Theater District
  10. Sports Stadium

The top 10 restaurants:

Word of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro

Edgewater District

Word of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro offers popular brunch and breakfast options with generous portions, including diverse selections of pancakes, omelets, and their famous eggs Benedict.

DaVinci Ristorante

Downtown Salem

DaVinci Ristorante provides a fine dining experience with a focus on Italian cuisine, featuring delicious homemade pastas, an extensive wine list, and elegant ambiance.

Amadeus Restaurant

Downtown Salem

Amadeus Restaurant blends regional and worldly flavors, offering innovative dishes made from fresh, local ingredients in a sophisticated yet relaxed setting.

La Margarita Express

Grant Neighborhood

La Margarita Express delivers vibrant Mexican cuisine with fresh flavors, ranging from traditional tacos and enchiladas to house specialties and refreshing margaritas.

Marco Polo Global Restaurant

Downtown Salem

Marco Polo Global Restaurant is known for its eclectic menu showcasing flavors from around the world, catering to vegetarians, vegans, and carnivores alike.

Gilgamesh Brewing – The Campus

South Central Salem

Gilgamesh Brewing – The Campus combines a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with a menu of comfort food favorites and a wide selection of craft beers brewed on site.

La Capitale

Downtown Salem

La Capitale offers French-inspired cuisine with Pacific Northwest influences in a casual yet chic bistro setting, known for its exquisite seasonal dishes.

Sassy Onion

Downtown Core

The Sassy Onion is a breakfast and lunch hotspot famous for its exceptional French toast and friendly service, offering a casual dining experience.

Rafns

Downtown Salem

Rafns is a family-operated restaurant highlighting farm-to-table meals with local, sustainable ingredients, providing an intimate and flavorful dining experience.

Wild Pear

Downtown Salem

Wild Pear combines the best of Vietnamese and American cuisine, renowned for its creative menu that emphasizes fresh, locally sourced produce and bold flavors.

Current Events:

Bonnie Raitt
Jun 09
Thu • 7:30pm

Bonnie Raitt

Elsinore Theatre

The Fab Four: Tribute to the Beatles' A Hard Day's Night
Nov 05
Thu • 7:30pm

The Fab Four: Tribute to the Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night

Elsinore Theatre

Leonid & Friends
Oct 31
Thu • 7:30pm

Leonid & Friends

Elsinore Theatre

Bobby Lee
Sep 17
Thu • 7:00pm

Bobby Lee

Elsinore Theatre

The Wailin' Jennys
May 13
Thu • 7:30pm

The Wailin’ Jennys

Elsinore Theatre