I believe the general consensus around here is we are all very happy Spring is here! We welcome the longer, warmer days ahead- and nobody puts on a Spring celebration quite like the annual Tulip FestivalWooden Shoe Tulip Farm.
This year the Tulip Festival will be March 25th -April 25th, 2010 and features over 40 acres of stunning, colorful tulips and daffodils along with activities for the entire family! This is an absolutely must see destination for visitors who will be with us this Spring- and is located just 30 minutes north of Salem, OR (see their page for directions, hours and price of admission).
Still don’t believe us? Check out this highlight video of past festivals…..be sure to share your photos and video on our Facebook page!
Ever want the opportunity to have multiple wineries in one place at one time? How about a chance to visit and taste wine from all over the Willamette Valley? Now’s your chance!!
Come howl at the moon and celebrate the Equinox in the Eola Amity Hills! This event sold out two weeks before the date last year and the guests loved the chance to taste wines and discuss the vintage with most of the key principals of the Eola-Amity Hills winemaking community.
They have assembled 22 wineries from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA and even a few from outside the AVA who make wines from Eola-Amity Hills fruit.
Enjoy fantastic sweet and savory bites to complement your wine tasting experience from some of the best restaurants and caterers in our area!
When: March 20th 7:00PM to 10:00PM
Where: Zenith Vineyard 5657 Zena Rd NW Salem Here is a map.
Wines: 22 amazing wineries will be pouring including: Amity Vineyards; Antica Terra; Argyle Winery; Bethel Heights Vineyard; Brooks Wines; Calamity Hill Vineyard; Carter Vineyard; Cherry Hill Winery; Cristom Vineyards; Cubanisimo Vineyards; Domaine Serene; Dukes Family Vineyards;Evesham Wood Winery; Holloran Vineyard Wines; Lewman Vineyard; Methven Family Vineyards; Redhawk Winery; St. Innocent Winery; Stangeland Vineyards; Toluca Lane; Witness Tree Vineyard and Zenith Vineyard
Gourmet Food by: Extreme Chocolates; Loustic Catering, Olive You Events & Catering, Red Hills Provincial Dining, Joel Palmer House, Silver Grille, Vibrant Table Catering & Events and Willamette Valley Cheese Co.
Tickets are $35 per person, buy your tickets online - print and keep your receipt as your entry to the event.
Our very own Kristi Reed was highlighted recently by Portland General Electricfor her successful leadership as the director of our “Green Team”! She takes her own passion and commitment for the environment and helps to implement more sustainable and eco-friendly practices into the day to day operations of our hotel and restaurant.
Her work has earned Bentley’s Grill and The Grand Hotel Salem/Phoenix Grand Hotel the Marion County’s Earthwise Certification. It has also been recognized with an excellent rating with iStayGreen.org (an green hotel review site). Congratulations and thank you to Kristi Reed for her hard work! Enjoy her profile published in the Portland General Electric Newsletterlast month:
Meet Kristi Reed:
Self-description: Go-getter. Family-oriented.
Favorite quote: Do what you like; like what you do.
How she shows her green: Completing Marion County’s Master Recycler certification. Leading a green discussion at a family reunion. Developing a sustainability curriculum for her kids’ school.
Secret energy saver: Turning off the lights in the soda machines.
Home life: Happy chaos with a husband, two pre-teen boys, fish, two dogs and a frog.
When Salem’s Phoenix Grand Hotel formed a green team, Sales Director Kristi Reed was the obvious choice to lead it. Reed was thrilled to use her passion for sustainability at work.
The hotel’s customers appreciated its recycling program, but were asking for more. Management responded by establishing a green team and setting out to be a certified, sustainable hotel.
As part of its pledge for Portland General Electric’s 2008 Save More, Matter MoreTM campaign to save energy, the Phoenix Grand Hotel converted all its lighting to energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs. With 193 rooms plus public areas, it was no small project.
Green is good business
“It’s not easy to go to the president and say, ‘I’d like $13,000 to switch out all our bulbs — even though they aren’t burned out.’” Reed says. “But PGE and Energy Trust of Oregon helped us make a strong business case.”
Earning its green stripes
Partly due to the lighting project, Phoenix Grand Hotel and its Bentley’s Grill restaurant became the first in their industry to achieve Marion County’s EarthWISE certification for environmentally friendly and sustainable businesses.
Among other practices, the hotel and restaurant:
Operate only Energy Star® appliances
Have an in-room towel and linen re-use program
Use 100 percent recycled paper and earth-friendly cleaning solutions
Promote recycling in guest rooms and public areas
These actions have not only won praise from the local community and guests, but also have boosted employee pride.
“I can’t say enough how blessed I am to work for a company that supports its employees’ values,” she says. “You can really see it among the staff; they’re proud to be here.”
The smart thing to do
More is planned. Reed has used her expertise to make the company’s newest hotel, at Bridgeport Village, green from the get-go. Conversations with guests indicate their sustainable profile has attracted new business.
“As someone who is passionate about the environment, I know it’s the right thing to do,” she says. “With my sales hat on, I know it’s also the smart thing to do.”
Want to Ring in 2010 in style in downtown Salem, Oregon? We have the perfect package for you. Start your day off with an early check-in of 12 noon.
Party Favors, New Years Hats and Champagne or Cider will be delivered shortly after your arrival.
You will receive a $20 gift card to Enjoy an outstanding dinner New Years Eve Dinner at Bentley’s Grill. Chef Derek Ridgway and his culinary team are preparing a very special New Years Eve Menu by bringing back old favorites and creating new dishes just for this evening…. Due to high demand, we advise that you make a reservation as soon as possible to ensure availability for your party. To get a sneak peak at the menu, Download PDF of New Years Eve Menu and Join the New Years Eve Dinner Facebook Event Page!
You’ll also enjoy complimentary downtown parking, a fun atmosphere, and a late check out of 12pm or for an additional $50 for any room type and checkout as late as 5pm. To take advantage of the New Years Package at The Salem Grand Hotel (Phoenix Grand Hotel)- visit the Special Packages page. Happy New Year!
If you are planning to visit Salem this month, be sure to plan a visit to the Mission Mill Museum. This historical gem interprets the history of the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill – designated an American Treasure by the National Park Service – which produced wool products from 1889 to 1962 and represents one of Oregon’s earliest and strongest industries. Don’t miss the following events happening this month!
Big Band Dance Friday, December 18th
Dance Lesson at 7:30 p.m. Dance: 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Members – $5 Non-members – $10
Dance to the sounds of the Salem Big Band -pre-Magic Light Show included.
Magic at the Mill
Saturday through Wednesday, December 19th – 23rd
5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Members Free $5 – Adults (13 and up)
$3 – youth (4-12) Ages 3 and under free
Come, get lost in the Magic. This holiday festival will put you in good cheer with thousands of twinkling holiday lights and entertainment for all. Bring your children, friends and family to Mission Mill Museum’s Magic at the Mill and celebrate the season.
Magic at the Mill is generously sponsored by PGE, Pioneer Trust Bank, Northside Electric and Westcare Management.
Watch this video about The Mission Mill Museum for more information-
Traveling during the holiday season is not something that most people find themselves looking forward to. How unfortunate! November-December travel has always been known to be a little tricky, but add the economic cutbacks the airlines are making- not to mention the overload of fees and overbooked flights- it is no wonder travelers are left with holiday headaches.
Remember, you are not alone. Most of us are simply trying to get to a destination to see loved ones and with patience and strategic planning- the travel experience does not have to be as awful as you may fear. In fact, it is possible to actually enjoy the experience if you can remain flexible and patient. Follow these wise tips I found on Independent Travel.com for a smoother and more enjoyable ride- by plane or automobile:
Avoid peak travel dates.
If you are looking for a deal, you won’t find one on the peak travel days. Travel off-peak whenever possible. Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on Fridays this year — fly on the holiday itself if possible, and avoid Sunday evening at the end of the long weekend.
Book early.
Haven’t booked your holiday travel yet? It’s time to stop waiting and start booking. Fares are only rising so those who hold out in hopes of a late-breaking sale are likely to get left out in the cold or pay a very steep price for their procrastination. Book sooner rather than later, particularly if you require very specific travel dates or times. With the current state of the airline industry, it is never too early to book your holiday travel flights. While many of the best deals are probably already gone, keep an eye on our holiday travel deals for any last-minute bargains. Be prepared to be flexible with dates and flight times.
Know your airports.
Checking alternate airports is a pretty standard tactic, but at this time of year it can really make a difference. At no time can the alternate airport gambit pay off better than during the holiday crush. You can score on almost every front — parking, rental cars, traffic to and from, nearby hotels — and save both time and money.
For example, a recent flight to Hanscom airport outside Boston dropped me right into Thoreau and Minuteman country near the peak foliage season, offering a very different experience than flying into Logan. Upon my return, the car rental agent informed me that my flight might be running late and let me hold onto the car keys until we were sure that the flight would take off, with no additional fee. Only at a small airport can you get that kind of treatment. Also, keep in mind that smaller airports see fewer flights and, typically, fewer delays — not a small consideration during the busy holiday travel season.
Plot connections carefully.
When booking flights, check your search results carefully for sufficient time during layovers, and build in some time for flight delays and weather woes. Particularly during the winter months, peak travel times often bring peak travel delays, and your connection is more likely to be jeopardized. Avoiding really tight connections may save you a sprint through the terminal at least, and a really nasty stranding at worst. Also, it is best if you can muscle your flight path into position so that connections are in places less likely to experience delays — specifically, airports in warmer climates.
Leave early.
During peak travel times, much of the trouble you’ll face lies on this side of the security check-in, from traffic jams and full parking lots to absent shuttles and long lines. Rather than striving to “arrive at the airport early,” you may want to try to “leave for the airport early” to anticipate all the peripheral delays you may encounter.
Pack wisely.
In the past, you may have been able to fit everything into your carry-on without having to check any baggage — a strategy we still recommend. However, the TSA rules about liquids and gels make this a trickier proposition. For the record, you may bring liquids and gels in three-ounce or smaller containers, packed within a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. You’re also allowed to bring any liquids (such as coffee or water) or gels purchased after you go through a security checkpoint onto your plane with you. If you want to bring more than the three-ounce amounts, you’ll have to pack the items in your checked luggage.
When packing, keep in mind that most airlines are now charging travelers a fee for checking a second — or even a first — bag on domestic flights. Use the Web for more than just booking.
The latest self-service developments in online travel can be tremendous time-savers during peak travel times. Whenever possible, print your boarding passes at home or use check-in kiosks. These services are no longer restricted to the airport, and can be found in hotels and other places in increasing numbers.
Think about doing your holiday shopping online and having your gifts shipped to your destination. This will cut down on luggage and the risk of them getting lost.
Travel early or late in the day.
As a rule, airports are least congested at times when normal human beings would rather be at home or even asleep. Delays are far less likely for morning flights, and airports usually unclog as the afternoon and evening peak passes.
A couple of caveats: Staffing can be spotty for really early flights, so although your flight is highly likely to be ready to leave on time, check-in may take a while, along with other personnel-dependent steps like riding shuttle buses.
Consider package deals.
Peak travel periods can be the best time to buy package deals, even for folks who would never buy one, as the bundled pricing offered by packages can be very competitive, even (or especially) at times of high demand.
Be prepared for more than the usual slowdowns at security. Even though the TSA’s liquid and gel rules have been around for a few years now, infrequent fliers may still be caught off guard.
Gas up the night before you travel; no one leaves enough time for buying gas on the way to the airport.
Investigate your frequent flier options to get better (and better guaranteed) seats.
Bring diversions. Take along work, books, magazines, a CD player, some healthy snacks — whatever you need to get through delays. This goes double when traveling with kids.
Keep your cool. Airline employees have considerable power over your well-being. Unfortunately many enjoy wielding it against you, and few respond well to anger.
Have phone numbers for everything: your hotel, your car rental agency, your airline, friends at your destination. Directory assistance is expensive, whether from your cell, from a phone booth or from home.
Check flight status repeatedly. Know your airline’s 800 number as well as your flight numbers and exact times.
When traveling on an E-ticket, carry a printout of your itinerary from your airline or booking site.
Choose nonstop flights. The worst, most brutal delays occur in connecting airports, where you have no home, friends or family to retreat to.
With airlines continuing to cut back on service, it’s more important than ever to confirm your flight several days before you leave — that way you’ll have a little leeway to make alternate plans if necessary.
If you know you’ll need long-term airport parking while you’re away, be sure to reserve yourself a spot ahead of time at an off-airport lot so you’re guaranteed a space.
Don’t overpack even checked luggage; overstuffed bags that must be opened for a security check are much harder to repack.
Do not wrap gifts, especially if you intend to carry them on the plane. Even in checked baggage, there is a strong chance they will be unwrapped for inspection by security personnel. Consider gift bags instead of wrapping paper this holiday season — you can easily remove the items from their bags if required and you don’t have to do a last-minute wrapping job at your destination.
Give your cell phone a full charge, and write down or program the phone number of your airline so you can call easily as your flight time approaches.
If you’re leaving pets at home and you haven’t made kennel reservations, do so right away.
Put It All Together
Travel during the holiday is the time to lay all your travel savvy on the line. For example, if you:
Downtown Salem, Oregon is alive and in a flutter now that the holidays are near. Everywhere you turn there are gorgeous lights, sounds and colors of the season to lift your spirits. The historic buildings also have wonderful traditional Christmas displays and family events to enjoy. And just outside of the city, the wineries and cider houses are diligently working to prepare for the holiday parties, open tours, and dinners that come each December.
You can ask anyone who has been here during the holidays- there is truly something very special about the month of December in Salem. We embrace the weather- rain or shine- and enjoy that higher level of excitement to our community as the shoppers move about the downtown stores in search of unique and special gifts for loved ones; warm up in the many cafes and coffee shops throughout the city; and attend the many seasonal events with their children.
Holiday Visitors may also want to take advantage of our special seasonal rates- just visit our Holiday Specials section on our site.
Be sure to visit TravelSalem.com to get the latest information on this month’s events:
Licensed Massage Therapist Mark Cedarleaf and other highly talented massage artists have been busy banishing stress and tension from The Grand Hotel in Salem. We are now offering our guests with in “In Room” massage services. No shuffling through the lobby in your robe and slippers- Mark comes to you and is getting rave reviews from guests are staff for his technique. “They’re a healthy, refreshing, and luxurious way to restore your body, mind, and spirit.” says Mark.
Read this review from Kathleen, an RN and big fan of massage therapy:
Mark is very intuitive about his clients’ whole body. He seems to know just where the work is needed. He has strong , sensitive hands and uses stretching and pressure points along with deep massage. He is extremely professional with a warm and caring spirit. Being very discreet in his work I always feel totally at ease. I think he is the best therapist that I have ever found.
Here are just a few of Mark’s offerings:
* Trigger Point Therapy
* Swedish Massage
* Tui Na Massage
* Shiatsu Massage
* Thai Massage
* Sports / Deep Tissue Massage
* Esalen Massage
We recommend scheduling your massage appointments prior to visiting the hotel to ensure the greatest availability of services and appointment times. Visit Mark’s page for more information about his practice and how to book a massage during your next visit. Enjoy!
You don’t have to be a featured staffer for top travel magazines or online publications to be a savvy travel writer; nor do you have to host and maintain your own blog (blogging is a big commitment- trust me!). Travel enthusiasts have a variety of places where they can preserve and share their precious travel memories to show to family and friends, strangers (if you want to) and revisit once the adventure has ended. Go See Oregon is a community made up of people who have traveled through Oregon and share their experiences- the good and the bad! It is a great place to get ideas on where to go in Oregon….and find out if an attraction or activity would be the right fit for you.
In fact, we want to encourage our guests who stay at our hotel to blog about their Oregon adventures- whether it is taking in the historical sights or browsing through charming downtown Salem, Oregon or enjoying a relaxing afternoon tasting some of the finest wines that are available. We want to hear your experience!
Check out some of these sites that I found on one of my favorite travel blogs: Everything-Everwhere .
Please share your Oregon travel experience in one of the communities mentioned in this post, and we just might post it in our blog. You can post a link to your travel blog on the Official Phoenix Grand Hotel Facebook page or submit it on our Contact Us page…and your adventure just might get featured to all of our readers too!
