We would like to welcome Josh Sanders to our team as the General Manager for our new property, The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport!
Archive for March, 2009
WELCOME JOSH SANDERS
Wednesday, March 25th, 2009Notes from Our Wine Steward- Oregon Pinot Noir
Wednesday, March 25th, 2009Bentley’s Grill Wine Steward, Brian Kemmerle, weighs in on trends and news about Oregon Wine. Today’s topic is “Pinot Noir”
The hot topic around the wine bar this week is concerning how customers are reacting to the 2007 vintage of Oregon Pinot Noir. In the past I’ve heard the comment, “I never used to like Pinot Noir; too light, too tart and did not have enough body or bold flavors. Until I tried the 2006 vintage and then I found a wine that I liked to drink! These people don’t tend to like the 2007 vintage wines as a whole. I’ve also heard the comment, “2006 wines were too ripe, over-extracted and too high in alcohol, I prefer more elegance and complexity in my wines!” The best of the 2007 wines are exactly what this person is looking for. Neither of these people is wrong or right they just have a personal preference about the style of wine they like.
Willamette Valley & Oregon Wine Makes Yahoo Travel Top 10 List!
Tuesday, March 17th, 2009
You can imagine how happy we were to see Yahoo Travel, one of the most popular travel resources on the web, had selected Willamette Valley, (aka Oregon Wine country) as a Top 10 Hot Spots in 2009. Millions of users utilize the travel experts at Yahoo, so we were not suprised they were privy to our best kept secret. Yes, it is true- there is nothing like a warm afternoon tasting the world’s finest wines in one of the many wineries located throughout Willamette Valley.
Located about an hour’s drive south of Portland and spread out on the banks of the Willamette River, this up-and-coming wine region has been making waves of late in wine glasses across the nation. Billing itself as the “place for pinot,” this slumbering grapevine district is home to more than 200 wineries, most of which beckon visitors with tasting rooms and even eco-wine tours. Visitors can also opt to take in the vineyard-covered landscape from a hot-air balloon ride, trot along farm-dotted trails on horseback, or take home a one-of-a-kind find from one of the many antique shops.
Why Go In 2009: Although enthusiasts forecast that this area will be the next Napa Valley, the less-commercialized Willamette Valley remains — for now — a much more affordable vino-centric destination than its southerly California neighbor. Plus, new developments are on the horizon for those looking for an alternative to the area’s charming B&B circuit — in August, for one, the region’s first luxury inn, The Allison Inn & Spa, will be unveiled, featuring extras like a restaurant dishing out regional cuisine and a working vineyard.
We could not have said it better ourselves.
Vision 2020 Unveils SalemAlive.com – Absolutely Eventful
Tuesday, March 17th, 2009
Since the summer of 2007, a group of Salem’s large downtown employers have been actively pursuing Vision 2020 projects to enhance the heart of the City – downtown, north downtown, and the Edgewater/Wallace area of West Salem. From this collaboration, SalemAlive.com, a comprehensive website of Salem events, has been created.
Going live on March 30, SalemAlive.com will allow residents to search for activities within the City Center, by location or interest area. SalemAlive.com will also offer residents the ability to “self-submit” events that may be of interest to residents and visitors alike.
One of the Vision 2020 goals, identified in community conversations last year, was to better coordinate the marketing and advertising of City Center activities. Vision 2020 community leaders are working hard to make this happen. A subcommittee was formed specifically tasked with creating a broad-reaching, single source of information to bring Salem residents and visitors to the City Center. The subcommittee includes several local businesses including the Phoenix Grand Hotel, Willamette University, Mission Mill Museum, Travel Salem, Go Downtown Salem!, Chemeketa Community College, Chamber of Commerce, Salem Health, and Elsinore Theatre. Many of the partners, including Travel Salem, are involved in hosting, or marketing, Salem events and activities to visitors, and convention and event planners.
Travel Salem provided their website as a partner for SalemAlive.com due to similarity of the goals of both organizations. With the partnership of SalemAlive.com and TravelSalem.com, residents can easily access additional information regarding attractions, special packages, and promotions to encourage the discovery of their community and the two-county region.
Vision 2020 Action Team members will be available to demonstrate SalemAlive.com at the Vision 2020 Community Forum on Tues., Mar. 31 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Salem Conference Center.
Vision Statement – Vision 2020
In the year 2020, the Salem City Center is a vibrant, year-round regional destination for employees, visitors, and residents. The City Center is known for its historic and artistic character, and its unique and easy to find alleyways, plaza, and gathering places. A diverse array of shopping, dining, and cultural activities and entertainment attract people at all hours of the day. The Salem City Center is welcoming, visually appealing, and accessible for all ages. Pedestrian walkways, bicycle paths and streets connect the adjoining neighborhoods and communities to and from the City Center, Willamette River, meandering waterways, parks, green spaces, trails and play spaces. Served by high-quality and reliable transportation, the City Center is its own distinct neighborhood and a safe home for people of all income levels.
Fun Things to Do in Salem, Oregon
Tuesday, March 10th, 2009
We recently had the opportunity to ask our guests their favorite things to do while traveling to Salem, Oregon. These were some of the responses that I got- enjoy!
Stroll through Salem River Front Park
Salem Riverfront Park is known to be one of the “crown jewels” in Salem’s public park system. Locacted in the heart of downtown Salem, the park features 23 acres of stunnng views of the Willamette River, a carousel, open green space, paved walkways , a picnic pavillian and an 87-foot sternwheeler called the Willamette Queen. As an added bonus there is no charge for parking. There is nowhere better to take in a sunny summer afternoon than Salem Riverfront Park.
Ride the Salem Carousel
This exquisit old-world style carousel features 42 hand-carved, hand-painted horses, 2 “Oregon Trail” wagons, and the music of a classic carousel organ. This unique gem found in Salem’s Riverfront Park was created by local artists who volunteerd their time and talents carving, sanding, and painting the majestic creatures. The Salem Carousel is ranked among the nation’s best carousels and appeals to all ages.
Take the kids to A.C Gilbert’s Discovery Village
116 Marion St., NE, Salem, OR 97301, 503-371-3631
The A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village is a hands on interactive childrens museum where kids can build and play using their imaginations. The Village consists of three distinct and colorful Victorian homes featuring a bubble room, frozen shadow room, and a giant anthill among other exhibits. The musuem is located in Riverfront Park and was founded in 1989 by toy maker and an Olympic pole vaulting champion, A.C. Gilbert.
Visit the eclectic shops and restaurants at the historic Reed Opera House
The recently renovated Reed Opera House is located at the center of downtown Salem Oregon. It was originally built in 1869 and has great historical significance in Salem, Oregon’s history. The building houses numerous offices, retail, and dining establishments. However, the highlight is experiencing a live theatrical production by the Salem Repertory Theatre.
Visit the renowned Mission Mill Museum
1313 Mill St, Salem, OR 97301, 503-585-4059
The Mission Mill Museum has been designated an American Treasure by the National Park Service. It is dedicated to preserving the history of the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill – - which produced wool products from 1889 to 1962 and Jason Lee’s Methodist Mission to Oregon. The mill and the mission brought jobs, education, and agriculture to the region- and are significant cornerstones of Oregon’s history. The museum offers individual and group tours, speakers, historical programs and exhibits, and outreach events activities for tourists of all ages.
Unwind in the Gardens of Historic Deepwood EstateHistoric Deepwood
1116 Mission St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Historic Deepwood Estate is on the National Register of Historic Homes and is a popular destination for tourists and special events. The 1894 Queen Anne Victorian Home is located on 4 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens in the heart of Salem. The lush gardens are open daily and free of charge.
Enjoy the cultural offerings at the Historic Bush House and Bush’s Pasture Park
600 Mission Street SE , Salem, Oregon 97302, 503-363-4714
The Bush House is the home of Asahel Bush, one of Salem’s most predominant citizens and founder of the Oregon Statesman newspaper and Ladd & Bush Bank. The charming Victorian estate was built in 1878 and is centered in Salem’s historic district on 100-acres of public park known as Bush’s Pasture Park. The Bush House is operated by the Salem Art Association and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This beautiful park is loved by Salem locals and is home to numerous festivals and cultural events through out the year.
