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There is a palpable energy flowing through downtown Salem right now, and it’s hard not to be excited about the direction our city center is heading. From the continued revitalization of the historic Reed Opera House to the innovative spirit taking hold at The Forge, our core is becoming a true destination for creativity and growth.
We’re especially thrilled to see how The Forge has evolved into a premier community hub, specifically with the launch of their Women’s Collective, which provides an incredible space for local female leaders and entrepreneurs to connect.
Just down the hall, the culinary scene has reached new heights with The Clink!, an incredible French-American restaurant that is quickly becoming a downtown staple for a sophisticated night out. It’s inspiring to see these boutique shops and dining spots breathing fresh life into our classic storefronts, while residential projects bring more neighbors directly into the heart of the city.
Watching Riverfront Park evolve as our "community living room" perfectly connects our urban center with the natural beauty of the Willamette. The combination of historic charm and modern energy makes it a truly special time to be part of Salem’s evolution, and we can't wait to see what the next season of growth brings to our downtown streets.
In today’s Scoop:
🍽️ A downtown Salem dinner spot worth the reservation
🍳 The kitchen store locals swear by
🏀 Salem's new pro basketball team tips off its first exhibition
📞 Why you should pick up if Salem calls
🍽️ Salem's Best-Kept Dinner Secret
135 Liberty St NE, Salem
Amadeus Restaurant on Liberty Street is the kind of place that makes you wonder why it took you so long to find it. Tucked into downtown Salem, this cozy, classy spot earns its 4.5-star reputation through seriously attentive service and a menu that swings from smoked brisket with polenta to shrimp risotto with confidence.
Reservations are recommended, the room is quiet enough to actually have a conversation, and the craft cocktails are a perfect way to start.
🍳 Where Home Cooks Find Their Secret Weapon
333 Chemeketa St NE, Salem
If you've ever stood in a big box store feeling completely lost, Willamette Valley Kitchen Co. in Salem is a different world entirely. This charming shop carries everything from Heritage Steel cookware to, yes, a pickle grabber.
The staff genuinely knows their stuff and will steer you toward exactly what you need. Chef Amy even teaches cooking classes right in the back of the store. It's the kind of place you'll wish you'd found sooner.
Click here to be the business everyone hears about next week!
🏀 Salem Capitals Tip Off a New Era at the Armory
There’s a new energy building in Salem, and I’ll be right in the middle of it on February 27 at the Salem Armory for the 2026 Exhibition Game: the Black vs. White kickoff event for the Salem Capitals. This exhibition isn’t just a preseason scrimmage; it’s the first real glimpse of what this team will look like as they prepare for their inaugural season in the USBL. It’s a chance for fans to meet the roster, experience the atmosphere, and be part of a fresh chapter in Salem sports history from day one.
The Capitals’ move into the USBL is a significant step for professional basketball in our region. Since its inception, the USBL has operated as a late-spring and early-summer proving ground for elite talent, sending more than 150 players on to the NBA. League alumni include names like Muggsy Bogues, Manute Bol, Spud Webb, Anthony Mason, and Darrell Armstrong, along with multi-sport star Randy Moss and basketball pioneer Nancy Lieberman. With teams stretching from Las Vegas to New York and now including Salem, the relaunch of the USBL brings our city into a national conversation about player development, community engagement, and high-level competition.
Adding to the excitement is new head coach Anthony “Tony” Searcy, who brings more than 15 years of coaching and player development experience to the Capitals. A former Division I athlete at Alcorn State University and a professional player in the Continental Basketball Association, Searcy combines on-court experience with a strong background in leadership and mentorship. This exhibition game will be our first look at his system, his style, and the culture he’s building here in Salem. For those seeking a family-friendly evening with quality concessions, an energetic crowd, and a welcoming community atmosphere, this event promises to deliver.
Will you be there? Let’s connect if you are!
📞 Salem Is Calling. Literally.
The Gist: Since February 4, some Salem residents have received calls or texts with a short poll about public safety perceptions. It follows up on last September's Community Satisfaction Poll and checks whether recent city investments are making a difference.
Why It Matters: Since that first poll, Salem City Council approved new funding for expanded police homeless outreach, seven-day street cleaning teams, and a first-of-its-kind fire and mental health co-response pilot called REACH.
What’s Next: If you receive the survey, take a few minutes to respond. Resident feedback helps shape how the city spends public safety dollars.
🍎 Academy Day | Livingstone Adventist Academy | Salem | 02/27 | More
Visitation day for incoming students: campus classes and a complimentary lunch.
🧀 Fondue Friday | Grazing Fields Cheese & Charcuterie Shoppe | 2/27 | More
Cozy up with rich traditional Swiss fondue every Friday night.
🏀 Haul 'n' Ball | Marion Square Park | 2/28 | More
Give back to your neighborhood, clean up the park, then shoot some hoops!
📚 Reading Buddies | Salem Public Library | 2/28 | More
Young readers build confidence alongside caring teen volunteer mentors.
🎬 Matilda 30th Anniversary Screening | Salem Cinema | 3/1 | More
A beloved childhood classic back on the big screen!
🌟 We're All Mad Here! A Glow Party | Southside Speakeasy | 2/27 | More
Blacklit chaos with DJ dancing, drag performances, and glow-in-the-dark shenanigans.
🕺 70, 80, 90's Dance Party | Salem Elks Lodge #336 | 2/27 | More
Retro hits, costume prizes, and pure nostalgia, dance like nobody's watching.
🎱 Bingo Night | First Round Boba & Crepes | 2/27 | More
Fun, prizes, and good company, a perfect low-key game night out.
🤠 Magic Hunks Australia Takeover | La Leyenda Salem | 2/28 | More
A high-energy ladies' night show straight from Down Under.
🎸 Make Music Salem February Countdown! | Taproot Lounge & Cafe | 2/28 | More
Free live pop, rock & blues to kick off your Saturday night right.
🖋️ $50 Tattoo Event | My Living Canvas | Salem | 03/01 | More
All-female studio hosting a first-come, first-served event w/ over 300 unique designs.
Thanks for reading! We’ll have more updates for you next week!
