Residents of Marion County, Oregon – particularly those who have trouble with spelling – must have been relieved in 1849 when it name was change from the Champooick or Champoeg District to its current moniker, chosen to honor Revolutionary war hero Francis Marion.
The county’s geographical boundaries are the Willamette River and Butte Creek on the north, the Cascade Range on the east, the Santiam River and North Fork of the Santiam on the south and the Willamette River on the west. The county contains 1,194 square miles, and Salem the county seat and state capital.
The region offers many attractions including galleries, shops and vibrant scenery at every turn. There is a wealth of activity in and around Salem, including its growing wine industry. There are a number of vineyards available for tours and tastings close by.
The Willamette Valley Vineyards are recognized by Wine Enthusiast magazine as “One of America’s Great Pinot Noir Producers,” producing high-quality Pinot Noir in nearby Turner, Oregon. Tours begin daily at noon. Salem’s Honeywood Winery, established in 1933, is the oldest producing winery in Oregon; they produce award winning varietal, specialty and premium fruit wines. Left Coast Cellars offers hand-crafted, estate-grown Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay surrounded by beautiful gardens and old-growth oaks.
For those who appreciate hand-crafted hard cider, products from E.Z. Orchards Farm Market are created in the French cider tradition with unique European varieties, sparkling texture and authentic aromas. Wandering Aengus Ciderworks crafts outstanding fermented ciders and dessert wines from heirloom and well known apple varieties. Their tasting room opens at noon year round.
What goes best with wine and cider? Cheese, of course. The Willamette Valley Cheese Company produces Oregon’s only artisanal farmstead cow’s milk cheese, hand-crafted and sustainable.
It’s not all eating and drinking in Marion County. The magnificent Elsinore Theatre, built in 1926, has been returned to its original grandeur. Designed to resemble the castle in “Hamlet,” Shakespeare’s greatest drama, the theater now houses theater productions, classic films and special events.
There are almost 300,000 people currently residing in Marion County; the median income for a household is $40,314. Institutions of higher learning here include Willamette University, Corban University and Chemeketa Community College.
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