Location: Silverton
Top Things to do in Silverton
What to do and see in Silverton, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Silverton is a city in Marion County, Oregon, United States. The city is situated along the 45th parallel about 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Salem, in the eastern margins of the broad alluvial plain of the Willamette Valley. The city is named after Silver Creek, which flows through the town from Silver Falls into the Pudding River, and thence into the Willamette River. Silverton was originally called Milford, then Silver Creek; on July 16, 1855, Silver Creek became Silverton. Human habitation of the Silverton area extends back approximately 6,000 years before the present. In historical times, the region was dominated by the Kalapuya and Molala peoples, whose seasonal burns of the area made it plow-ready and attractive to early 19th century Euro-American settlers. Farming was Silverton's first major industry, and has been a dominant land-use activity in and around Silverton since the mid-19th century.
Restaurants in Silverton
1. Oregon Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 565 reviews
The Oregon Garden features 80-acres of stunning botanical gardens, including 20 colorful specialty gardens, amazing blooms and beautiful water features. The Garden also boasts a Children's Garden, which is sure to keep the little ones entertained.Take a complimentary, 30-minute narrated tour of the Garden, aboard the Tram in the spring and summer months. The Garden also features a Visitor's Center, Cafe and Gift Shop, perfect for grabbing lunch or purchasing souvenirs. The Garden is the perfect setting for weddings and receptions, company events and family reunions. On-site is also the Gordon House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright home in the state.
Reviewed By MamaBear503 - Cornelius, Oregon
Horribly frightening experiences mixed with great time.As a family of eight adults and six children (5years -8 weeks) we bought our tickets ahead of time as directed. We parked off sight and waited for the shuttle as directed. And waited, and waited- almost 60 minutes later the bus pulls up and driver states we should wait for next bus as hers was full (we should have listened) the bus was NOT full. plenty of seats for all. As we headed out on what we expected to be about a ten minute ride it soon became apparent something was up. We wound up and down through the streets of Silverton and then headed out of town on a very dark country road. By this point with Christmas music blaring it becomes apparent she is very distressed. Driving very slowly randomly slamming on the brakes. At some point passengers using GPS started telling her she had long ago passed any of the gardens property. She finally turned the bus around while yelling at the passengers to keep an eye out for what was behind her. It felt like a bad horror movie. I saw several passengers with phones set to 911. Upon finally arriving at the garden we immediately spoke with a manager. She tried to appease everyone with what she had available. Upon entry into the gardens I have to say we all had a wonderful time. The lights were wonderful, the small fires to warm up by created quite a magical forest. We strolled through the vendors and then headed for the ice rink and tube hill. So here comes the second nightmare before Christmas. The ice skating rink is in a tent adorably adorned. Around the rink are tables and benches to sit at. These tables and benches are fixed to the floor. I am two weeks out of hip replacement surgery and am ready to sit and rest. As I sit, the bench begins to tip and only the quick actions of my family kept me from crashing to the ground. Inspection showed the bench to be broken and the bolts torn from the cement. Well we still managed to have a wonderful time with the skating, sausage and potato salad. Next stop the tubing hill. Very fun. My observation there however led to my realization of what the general problem with the whole CITG is. Two young attendants at the top of the slide. No acknowledgment of people riding the tubes as they were very much into talking to each other and a couple friends hanging out with them. As my 4 year old grandson approached the tube he was never even looked at. He climbed aboard the tube and the attendant gave it a kick to push it down the slope, never looking up from his conversation.
So here is my observation: The event and the things to do are wonderful and so much fun. The staff is untrained and unpracticed as far as customer service and safety. They seem to be trying to run a skeleton crew with no management, training or maintenance.
2. Mount Angel Abbey
Overall Ratings
5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By houdi - New York City, New York
The Alvar Aalto designed library is breathtaking and the Abbey's grounds are lovely. We also visited during the recent 3-day Bach Festival. During the Festival, the monks were incredibly friendly and talkative so we asked lots of questions about everything we ever wanted to know about monks.
3. St. Mary's Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By markers - Salem, Oregon
I can think of no Catholic church in Oregon's historic Willamette Valley which rivals Mt. Angel's Saint Mary's in terms of elegance and sheer beauty. The church's facade dominates the small town (it sits on somewhat elevated ground a few blocks to the east of the town center) and is of a striking semi-gothic character. Its size for such a small town is somewhat surprising, but one must bear in mind the community's strong German Catholic identity and the immediate proximity of the famous Benedictine abbey and seminary situated on an even higher hill just to the east of St. Mary's. The interior of the church is absolutely beautiful, with numerous examples of fine sacred art. The church has proved a perfect venue in past years for concerts of sacred music performed by several Willamette Valley choral groups.
4. Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 205 reviews
Reviewed By Helen C
Good photo opportunities with tulips and 3 hot air balloons. You can ride on the balloons for a very short while but they don't go anywhere. Lots of fun for the kids such as face painting, pony and hay rides. Many food vendors. Admission is $5/person or $20/car. This weekend, quite a number of tulips have not blossomed yet, but there were enough blossoms to make our trip worthwhile.
5. The Gordon House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Gordon House is a non-profit historic house museum. Tours are offered by well-trained and knowledgeable volunteer docents. Come for a tour and learn about Frank Lloyd Wright, his architectural principles and how the Gordons worked with Wright to design the home of their dreams.
Reviewed By Julie L - Brisbane, Australia
We forgot that most Frank Lloyd Wright properties require tour bookings so we missed this one, as we’re only in town one day. However it was still nice to be able to walk around the outside and peek in the windows, and they have big plaques/signs at the front of the property explaining its history.
If you’re a fan of this architect, get online before you come by and book a tour!
6. Gallon House Bridge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By ozcan1 - Bunbury, Australia
As Knansea noted (22nd Dec., 2015) "No signs." Some suggest that you consult your GPS. We tried... and failed... . We asked at a Silverton gas station, while filling. Still no joy... .
We've enjoyed visiting Oregon's covered bridges. Gave up trying to find _this_ one. Is Gallon Bridge Oregon's best-kept secret?!
7. The Chocolate Box
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
The Chocolate Box is a boutique, charming shop located in the heart of Silverton, OR, voted as the top 10 best little towns in America. Our shop is filled with an array of artisan handmade chocolate & caramel confections made fresh for our shop by extraordinarily talented chocolatiers from all over Oregon including, but not limited to, Moonstruck Chocolates, Goodys Chocolates, Euphoria Chocolates, Extreme Chocolates, Melting Pot Candies, Briggitine Monks, Tamami Chocolates and A Candy Occasion. We also feature Oregon made fudge, roasted nuts, gourmet cocoas and chocolate sauces as well as Oregon produced wines, dessert wines and port, which we sell by the glass and/or the bottle. We make customized fresh coffee, tea and cocoa for our visiting customers who can enjoy a beverage in the comfort of our shop. We also specialize in making custom gift boxes and baskets from our product line as well as customized wedding and party favors.
Reviewed By TheJimmyco - Tempe, Arizona
The owner is very friendly. The chocolate is not made by the Chocolate Box and she is very upfront about that (it is all made in Oregon or Washington. She has good taste and the chocolates we purchased were very good. The price is a little high, $3 to $4 per piece but worth it.
8. Silver Creek Lanes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Silver Creek Lanes is a modern 12 Lane Bowling Center with Restaurant, Arcade, Lottery, Pro Shop and Full Bar. Automatic scoring & bumpers that rise and fall per bowler caters to all ages and skill levels. Weekends add more fun of Wall to wall video screens above the lanes, black lights, and laser light effects to provide the best cosmic bowling experience.
Reviewed By ncdodave - Medford, Oregon
Top notch pro on staff in the pro shop. not only does Ryan Bowl (a lot) he really knows his craft and has one of the most advanced machines to drill your ball. The rest of the staff is also super friendly and accommodating. This Bowling alley is 30 minutes from home and there is one much closer to me but, because of the top notch service and friendly staff this is my favorite local bowling alley. Their rates are reasonable as well
9. Willamette Valley Fruit Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By KrisV1 - Salem, Oregon
Willamette Valley Fruit Company has frozen fruits and pies as well as baked goods, jams, jellies and many other delicious items to buy for oneself or as gifts. They have pie and coffee deals on Tues am and I in particular love their strawberry shortcake which is huge!
10. Ale Ways Brewery Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Ale Ways is not a location, it's an ethos. Our tour company is dedicated to perpetuating Oregon beer culture and a buy local mindset. Join our exploits as we explore, taste and tour behind the scenes at the finest breweries around Salem and the mid Willamette valley. We are driven to provide the ultimate craft beer adventure! We utilize local hotels & resorts for our tour pick up and drop off locations: The Oregon Garden Hotel & Resort Silverton 895 W Main St, The Grand Hotel Salem 201 Liberty St SE, The Double Tree Hotel Salem 1590 Weston Ct NE.
Reviewed By Paula M - Salem, Oregon, United States
I had a group of family visiting from out of state. I wanted to find something everyone would enjoy but still highlight the City of Salem. Ale Ways turned out to be the perfect fit. Bobby was a great tour guide, friendly, funny, and very...MoreThanks Paula! You guys were a delight, I hope your family enjoyed Salem! CHEERS!
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