🚙 South Salem I-5 project wraps up early

The Gist: A major I-5 improvement project in South Salem is wrapping up ahead of schedule and about $1 million under its construction budget. The work added a third southbound lane between Kuebler Boulevard and Delaney Road, replaced and improved bridges and ramps, added two sound walls and created a new roundabout at Battle Creek Road and Wiltsey Street.

Why It Matters: The additional southbound lane is designed to ease a longtime bottleneck where slower trucks climb the hill south of Salem. Crews expect to remove the remaining traffic cones by the end of October, several months earlier than originally planned.

🚆 New Amtrak trains begin serving the Cascades route

The Gist: Two of Amtrak’s new Airo trainsets began carrying passengers on the Cascades route Sept. 30, including trips traveling through Oregon. The six-car trains seat up to 317 passengers and include panoramic windows, updated seating, charging outlets, built-in wheelchair lifts and a revamped café car featuring Pacific Northwest selections.

Why It Matters: Amtrak Cascades is the first route in the country to place the new Airo trains into passenger service. Six additional trainsets are expected to join the route as Amtrak gradually replaces its existing Cascades fleet, giving Salem-area travelers a more modern option for trips to Portland, Seattle and Eugene.

🍷 Tapas, whiskey, and a little intrigue

120 Commercial St NE, Suite 150 Salem, OR

Pintxo’s brings Northern Spain’s sharing culture directly to downtown Salem. It's a mood-lit haunt designed for slow evenings filled with loaded baked potato croquettes, slice after slice of blackberry maple cheesecake, and a serious whiskey collection. Seasonal sips rotate constantly, like the baked apple-infused Harvest Mule or a cucumber grapefruit gin Contessa.

With October bringing live comedy podcasts, Sunday brunch sets, and late-night karaoke, it remains the ultimate spot to scooch into a booth and stay awhile.

🪑 Giving old finds a brand new life

If your home needs extra character, Furbish is worth a slow wander. Fall mornings light up the showroom beautifully, showcasing everything from vintage costumes and seasonal decor to a mid-century modern section up front.

Beyond browsing architectural salvage, you can refresh pieces at their paint shop or work with their custom wood shop on designs like transforming coffee tables. Grab a pumpkin spice or chai across the street, wander through the outdoor market, and enjoy exploring at your own pace with their friendly staff.