Top Places to Enjoy Salem’s Summer Harvest
Thanks to its prime location in the fertile Willamette Valley, Salem is not only the capital of Oregon government but also an amazing place to enjoy beautiful summer weather and local produce. Read on to find out the best places for foodies in the summer.
This post is written in memory of my Grandma Ellie. She passed down her sweet tooth genes to me. Before going to her final rest at age 100 over Memorial Day, she often enjoyed the summer treats at some of the places I’ve listed here.
Every time I sip a hand-made milkshake or have fresh strawberry shortcake on a warm summer day in Salem, I’ll think of her.
Updated: 2023. Originally published: June 2015.
E.Z. Orchards
The E.Z. Orchards Shortcake Stand is an “easy” and refreshing stop if you’re heading to Portland from the Salem MLK Jr. Parkway. It opens the same time of year that their Farm Market begins to receive local strawberries.
Their specialty is – of course – shortcake, with choice of classic biscuit or Angel-food cake, topped with seasonal fruit. They also serve milkshakes, rootbeer floats, Italian sodas, and smoothies. The Shortcake Stand uses Tillamook ice cream, Ghirardelli Chocolate Sauces, and fresh local berries.
You can enjoy your shortcake and the warm summer sun at a picnic bench in the E.Z. Orchards lawn. Next door, you’ll find a well-stocked Farm Market with local produce, freshly made donuts, and plenty of local gift items.
Summer hours: Monday-Friday 9 am to 6 pm and Saturday 9 am to 5 pm
5504 Hazel Green Rd. NE
Aspinwall’s Produce
Much like E.Z. Orchards, Aspinwall‘s road-side fruit stand has been providing produce in the Salem area for over 50 years.
Their specialties are milkshakes and other home-made ice-cream desserts with flavors including fresh, seasonal berries. The farm stand sells local produce, berries and cobblers, other treats, and plants and flowers in the nursery.
Next door, Cafe 22 West is a small but charming diner decked out in classic Coca-Cola signs and old school gas pumps.
Monday-Sunday 8 am to 7 pm
5152 Salem Dallas Hwy NW
Minto Island Grower’s Farm Stand
A great addition to the Salem produce scene is the farm stand and CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture program) at Minto Island Growers, which opened in 2008.
The stand sells organic produce and vegetable starts, U-pick blueberries are available in season, and the Food Cart offers fresh fruit milkshakes and other treats during limited summer hours.
With a funky little outdoor play area and lots of open air seating, the farm stand has become a popular place for families and friends to gather for a meal during the summer.
Farm Stand: Thursday-Sunday 9 am – 5 pm plus Wednesday evenings. Food Cart: Weekends (check website, as hours may change)
3394 Brown Island Road South
Salem Saturday Market
There are plenty of local treats to be had at Salem’s Saturday Market. Dozens of vendors gather weekly in Downtown Salem to sell local produce, crafts, gifts, baked goods, flowers, and more.
Pick up some local berries, fresh juice, a crepe, tamales, cheeses, a caramel apple, croissants, or cinnamon rolls – all in one place.
Saturdays from 9 am to 3 pm, April – October
Corner of Marion & Summer St
I hope this round up helps you enjoy the top places to eat in Salem Oregon this summer. Did we miss anything? Let us know if you have a favorite spot to enjoy farm-fresh produce and sweet summer treats in the comments below.
Read more from our Rediscovering Salem series here:
3 Fantastic Day Trips from Salem
5 Favorite Places to Run (or Walk) in Salem
Best Coffee Shops with Wifi for Work or Studying in Salem, Oregon
Favorite Spots to Hang Out in Salem, Oregon
Guide to Salem Best Breakfast Restaurants
Best Wineries Near Salem Oregon
Willamette Valley Hidden Gems
