With over 170 different commodities ranging from grain to produce to hazelnuts to sheep, the Willamette Valley is one of the most agriculturally diverse regions in the world. Marion County sits smack dab in the middle of all that plowing, seeding, growing, pruning, and harvesting, which is possibly one of the best-kept secrets from those residents who never get out of the city. One of the advantages of the Salem area’s unique location in the middle of the valley is its proximity to literally hundreds of local farms, many of which offer a unique opportunity to discover where their produce, gardening plants, and wine come from.
With that in mind, a farm tour, or loop, may help get people away from the cement jungle and into the fertile soils of the neighboring farms in Marion County. It is estimated that there are at least 30 farms in the area. From orchards growing apples and peaches to vineyards to fields of berries, broccoli, and so much more, these farms grow for local restaurants and local and international consumers. Here are just a few ideas to get your Salem-area farm loop/country drive started.
Minto Island Growers
3394 Brown Island Road S., Salem
503.931.6840
Located only a few minutes south of the heart of downtown, Minto Island Growers is an organic farm and nursery providing plant starts and seasonal produce. Minto Island Growers is Oregon’s only farm-scale Camellia sinensis tea garden.
Arrowhead Lavender Farm & Company
6373 Sunnyview Road NE, Salem 503.508.7389 (Call for an appointment to visit the store)
One of the newest additions to the local farm scene is Arrowhead Lavender and Farm. Catherine Sandor-Korte and her husband, Colby Korte, planted the lavender in 2020, and by the summer of 2022, it was growing really well. The couple continues to grow lavender and adds new events and products every year. The most popular event sponsored by Arrowhead Lavender is the Mid-Willamette Valley Lavender Festival, held from July 11, from 10 a.m. to July 13, at 4 p.m. Vendors, musicians, u-pick bouquets, miniature donkeys, and more will make for an immersive farm experience like no other.
Willamette Valley Pie Company
2994 82nd. Avenue NE, Salem
503.362.8857
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If one of the businesses from your local Saturday Market had a permanent location, the Willamette Valley Pie Company is what that business would look like. Instead of driving into town and traffic, this location brings people out into a serene country drive. The fruit for their regionally famous pies is grown on their farms and many other Willamette Valley farms. Shoppers can choose to sit in the cafe with a slice of freshly baked pie and a cup of locally processed coffee, or they can purchase whole fresh or frozen pies for later. The store also showcases many local artisan goods, from utensils to honey to coffee.
Bauman’s Farm and Garden
12989 Howell Prairie Road NE, Gervais
503.792.3524
Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bauman’s Farm and Garden is another farm store sure to get people right into the thick of farm life. Not only does Bauman’s have a sprawling store nearly equal in size to a significant shopping mall, offering everything from beautiful floral arrangements to homemade pies, but they also have a year-round petting zoo where the whole family can interact with the farm animals.
French Prairie Garden and Family Farm
17673 French Prairie Road NE, St. Paul
503.633.8445
Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Beginning in June and ongoing throughout the summer, the barnyard play area at French Prairie Garden and Family Farm for youngsters includes a tube slide, tire pile, hamster rollers, a petting zoo, an obstacle course, and a farm ninja course. The garden center is awash in colorful blooms throughout the season, the farm market is brimming with fresh produce, and the bakery makes all kinds of delicious pies, cookies, and quick breads, all from scratch.
Jones Farm Produce
10325 River Road NE, Keizer
503.393.9451
Open seven days a week from May to October
Offering fresh, healthy, and affordable produce, Jones Farm Produce has been operating in the Willamette Valley for over 100 years. They grow dozens of kinds of produce, and in their farm store, they offer additional items from area producers. A big draw, besides the freshly picked ripe produce, is the ice cream shop, where in-season fruits can be added to shortcakes, milkshakes, and sundaes.
E.Z. Orchards Farm Market
5504 Hazelgreen Road NE, Salem
503.393.1506
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
E.Z. Orchards has been a local favorite for years. With their shortcake stand, apple cider, wine, and fresh offerings of locally produced cheeses, produce, and hazelnuts, along with shelves of other local goods, it’s easy to see why. A unique immersive experience is also their annual Farm to Fork event, which is a catered dinner celebrating the bounty of the Willamette Valley.
