This cozy Dallas hotel is near many wonderful attractions such as several local Oregon vineyards, and Western Oregon University.

The over-sized rooms of this Best Western offer high-speed Internet access, cable satellite television, a single serve coffee maker, a desk, complimentary in-room toiletries and more. While staying at Best Western Dallas Inn & Suites guests can also enjoy a guest laundry, valet, and an exercise facility.

Guests can get the perfect start to each day with a complimentary hot breakfast. No matter what you or your fellow travelers have a taste for, there are many diverse restaurants within less than a mile, including Hong Kong Restaurant, Figaro’s Pizza, Rio’s Tavern, and North Dallas Bar and Grill.

Many guests enjoy seeing if luck is on their side at the nearby Spirit Mountain Casino or partaking in some retail therapy at the Salem Center. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful scenery at the Oregon Gardens and Lincoln City beaches.

Located near the western side of Salem, Oregon, the Best Western Dallas Inn & Suites is only a short drive away from many local Oregon wineries, where the guests of this hotel can relax and unwind while taking in the gorgeous scenery.

Many guests stay to partake in the area’s wide range of events, such as golf tournaments, Western Oregon University sporting events, or the latest local happenings at the Polk County Fairgrounds. Those visiting students and faculty at the Western Oregon University, as well as the Valley Community Hospital and Forest River RV, only have a short commute from Best Western Dallas Inn & Suites.

Best Western Dallas Inn & Suites has won the 2018 Guest Review Award through booking and won the 2019 Champion Green award. Both awards will be announced and recognized at this years’ Best Western District Meeting in Calgary, AB.

For a wonderful stay with exceptional service at a delightful hotel reserve a stay at Best Western Dallas Inn & Suites!
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https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotels-in-dallas/best-western-dallas-inn-suites/propertyCode.38138.html

At Grocery Outlet, they love their brands. Like, really love them. That is why they work so hard every day to bring their customers the brands they love at prices that are nothing short of pure bliss. In fact, Grocery Outlet has been helping customers save big since 1946. That is when their founder Jim Read opened his very first store, selling military surplus at deep discount prices.

The rest, as they say, is history. And today, the third generation of the Read family is leading the way, with 300 plus stores across the nation and more than 2 million shoppers hitting the aisles each week. That makes Grocery Outlet the nation’s largest extreme value retailer. A feat they are more than proud of.

Jason and Sandy Thornton, owners of our new Dallas Grocery Outlet, are ecstatic about joining are community. They are thankful and appreciate the entire community for their support during their Grand Opening on February 14th, as well as during the first weeks being the new small business in town. Jason and Sandy say that the outpouring of excitement continues and they are truly thrilled to be a part of this amazing community.

Jason and Sandy say that in is their privilege to offer fresh, healthy options to Dallas at low prices saving their customers each and every time they shop at Grocery Outlet.
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https://groceryoutlet.com/

An idyllic town with history, trails and wineries. Set among vineyards and rolling hills, Dallas is located about 25 minutes outside of Salem, Oregon. Its owner-operated businesses, small-town charm and walkable downtown square will have you feeling like you’re in Mayberry – for all the right reasons.

Walk the historic downtown.

Although only one building in the core of downtown Dallas is on the National Register of Historic Places, almost every building was built between 1880 and 1910. The town itself is centered around the Polk County Courthouse, which was completed in 1900 and is one of the oldest courthouses still in use in the state. With a 95-foot clock tower, the building is hard to miss.

Surrounding the courthouse, rows of historically-significant buildings house restaurants, antique shops and murals depicting the town’s history.

Peruse antique stores and more.

In downtown Dallas, you won’t find big-name stores. Instead, you’ll find locally-owned shops selling one-of-a-kind items. For antique and vintage treasures, visit Some Things and the Dallas Antique Mall. Right down the street, Main Street Emporium of Dallas has a variety of new and upcycled home goods, children'’ toys and clothing.

Quilters come from all over the country and world to visit Grandma’s Attic Quilt Shop. From fabrics and patterns to quilting lessons and advice, the store offers a little bit of everything and has been a staple in the community for more than 20 years.

Coffee bars, restaurants and taphouses.

For a small town, Dallas boasts a handful of appetizing restaurants, including Pressed Coffee & Wine Bar. Often referred to as the hub of the community, Pressed is a great place to grab a coffee in the morning, order a light lunch in the afternoon and enjoy live music and trivia in the evenings.

If you’re looking for fine dining with farm-to-table food, look no further than Latitude One. Owned by a longtime Dallas resident, the seasonal menu features locally-harvested ingredients in dishes such as steamed clams, mushroom fettuccine and prime rib sliders.

With 65 different taps, West Valley Taphouse is sure to have something to quench your thirst. Most of the taps are dedicated beers, ciders, and Kombucha from the Pacific Northwest, but there are also beers available from around the world.

Plan a day in the parks.

Dallas has an extensive system of parks. At 35 acres, Dallas City Park is the largest park in town. Among its amenities are an 18-hole disc golf course, a suspension bridge, Japanese garden and swimming hole.
On the other side of town, you’ll find Central Bark, an off-leash dog park, and Roger Jordan Community Park, which has a skate park and the only pickleball courts in the area.

Several of the town’s 11 parks are connected through the Rickreall Creek Trail, a multi-use trail for pedestrians, bicyclists and bird-watchers that runs along the creek it’s named after. Once completed, the 4.2-mile trail will connect the west end of Dallas to the east end.

Explore the Delbert Hunter Arboretum.

The Delbert Hunter Arboretum and Botanic Garden is one of Dallas’ hidden gems. Nestled against Rickreall Creek, the arboretum serves as a living museum of native plants. It showcases many species of plants and trees, including high-desert plants, rare shrubs, and flowers. With several walking paths and benches throughout, the arboretum is a perfect place to connect with nature.

Visit Oregon Wine Country.

Polk County is known for expansive vineyards and delicious wines, and Dallas is no exception. There are a handful of wineries located just minutes outside of the downtown area. Take in sweeping valley views at Van Duzer Vineyards, visit one of Namaste Vineyards’ tow tasting rooms or taste wine (and grapeseed oil) at Chateau Bianca Winery.

For a truly unique wine experience, schedule a visit at Illahe Vineyards. The winery strives to make wine as naturally as possible and uses many historical winemaking techniques. Some of the wines are made entirely by hand, without electricity or modern machines!

Bring the kids.

If you’re traveling with children, you’ll want to see what is playing at the Dallas Cinema. Although its undergone a series of name changes, the theater first opened in 1949. It only has one screen, but it shows affordable movies throughout the week.

The entire family can also enjoy the Dallas Aquatic Center. Open for lap and recreational swimming, it features five pools, a waterslide and a spray fountain. The center also offers dedicated times for individuals with special needs, toddlers and adults-only swims.

Learn about nature at the wildlife refuge.
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Just shy of 2,500 acres, Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge is home to a wide variety of wildlife and plants. The refuge features extensive croplands, wetlands and woodlands, making it an ideal habitat for wintering Canada geese, black-tailed deer and the rare, endangered butterfly known as Fender’s blue.
There are also miles of dirt trails for visitors to hike, viewing platforms and information kiosks.

Hello to all our Beal Christmas Tree Farm family friends!

We love our town/community and appreciate all who support are small family farm, so we placed an order with all of you in mind, and guest what JUST arrived!

Click here to see all the options and colors for Dallas tees and sweatshirts; Beal Ice Cream & Treats, Beal Pumpkin Patch, and Beal Christmas Tree Farm tees and sweatshirts!

If you'd like to be one of the first to get one or more of these tees or sweatshirts, let us know! They look great! Tees are $12 each, sweatshirts are $25 each, and they range in size from Small to 2X

Thank you to all of you. We couldn't keep offering what we are able to offer to our community without each and every one of you!

Beal Christmas Tree Farm

​Photos Courtesy of Reed Lane Photography
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Polk County, just 15 miles west of our hotel in downtown Salem, has been one of Oregon's best travel secrets- until now. Known for lush vineyards, wineries, sweeping Willamette Valley landscapes, family-owned businesses, antiques, hiking/biking trails, historic buildings, charming restaurants, and overall welcoming vibe, Polk County is quickly becoming one of Oregon's favorite destinations. They even have their own hashtag, #comepolkaround!

This month, we're sharing a sample one-day itinerary for exploring its county seat, Dallas Oregon. Since it's only about a 20-minute drive from the Grand Hotel in Salem, Dallas is the perfect day-trip excursion while you're staying with us in Salem. Here's a fun way to explore this delightful community known for its small-town charm.

Morning

After filling up on a hot complimentary breakfast at The Grand Hotel in Salem, head west on Ferry St SE and turn right onto the OR-22 W ramp to Marion St Bridge. Continue onto OR-22 W then take OR-223 S to SW Washington St until you arrive at the Polk County Courthouse, one of the oldest courthouses still in use in the state (you can't miss its 95-foot clock tower).  Once you park, we recommend spending an hour or so exploring the historic downtown square packed colorful murals, restaurants and antique shops housed in buildings built between 1880 and 1910.

Browse through locally-owned shops selling vintage treasures and one-of-a-kind items like in places like Some Things Old New in Between, the Dallas Antique Mall and the famous Grandma's Attic Quilt Shop.  many other unique stores featuring new & upcycled.  If you need a pick-me-up, head to the local community hub Pressed Coffee & Wine Bar for a quick bite or grab lunch in one of their fun popular local spots like Tater's Cafe for friendly service and delicious home-cooked food.

​Afternoon

After lunch, we recommend taking some time to explore Dallas' natural beauty before heading to the local wineries. Delbert Hunter Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a delightful spot for garden lovers to admire a variety of northwest plants, trees, rare shrubs, and flowers. Another great destination to explore in the early afternoon is the 2,500 acre Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, featuring a multitude of peaceful trails and viewing areas where visitors are welcome to quietly observe amazing wildlife and plants.

If you opt for an afternoon of wine tasting as you gaze at the beautiful open vineyards, be sure to visit the Van Duzer Vineyards tasting room, open 7 days a week, from  11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Namaste Vineyards also has a tasting room open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Dallas on Van Well Road (their other tasting room located in Independence, Oregon is also fabulous). Chateau Bianca Winery on Highway 22 has a wonderful tasting room open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.  For a truly special experience, be sure to stop by Illahe Vineyards and learn about their natural, sustainable and age-old winemaking techniques. Please note they are open by appointment only so you must contact them in advance!

Early Evening 

Cap off your day with dinner in one of Dallas' locally owned restaurants like Latitude One located in the Historic 1892 Building in downtown Dallas, Washington Street Steakhouse & Pub, and IXTAPA Mexican Restaurant just to name a few. After dinner, it's time to head back to The Grand Hotel in Salem where you can retire in supreme comfort in an oversized, beautifully-appointed, and newly renovated hotel room for the night or go for an evening dip in our indoor pool and relax in our jetted tub. 

For more information about Dallas, Oregon, and its surrounding communities, please visit the Dallas Area Visitors Center or email them at info@dallasoregon.org. You can also find great travel information on www.explorepolkcounty.org. 

If you opt for an afternoon of wine tasting as you gaze at the beautiful open vineyards, be sure to visit the Van Duzer Vineyards tasting room, open 7 days a week, from  11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Namaste Vineyards also has a tasting room open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Dallas on Van Well Road (their other tasting room located in Independence, Oregon is also fabulous). Chateau Bianca Winery on Highway 22 has a wonderful tasting room open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.  For a truly special experience, be sure to stop by Illahe Vineyards and learn about their natural, sustainable and age-old winemaking techniques. Please note they are open by appointment only so you must contact them in advance!
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For more information about Dallas, Oregon, and its surrounding communities, please visit the Dallas Area Visitors Center or email them at info@dallasoregon.org. You can also find great travel information on www.explorepolkcounty.org. ​

​Halloween is an annual holiday celebrated each year on October 31st. It originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1st as a time to honor all saints; soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, and donning costumes and eating sweet treats. In honor of tomorrow’s holiday, let’s look into the history of our most common activates; costumes, trick-or-treating, and parties.
 
Borrowing from Irish and English traditions, Americans began to dress up in costumes and go house to house asking for food or money, a practice that eventually became today’s “trick-or-treat” tradition. To keep ghosts away from their houses, people would also place bowls of food outside their homes to appease the ghosts and prevent them from attempting to enter. Trick-or-treating was a relatively inexpensive way for an entire community to share the Halloween celebration. In theory, families could also prevent tricks being played on them by providing the neighborhood children with small treats. Thus, a new American tradition was born, and it has continued to grow. Today, Americans spend an estimated $6 billion annually on Halloween, making it the country’s second largest commercial holiday after Christmas.
 
The tradition of dressing in costume for Halloween has both European and Celtic roots. On Halloween, when it was believed that ghosts came back to the earthly world, people thought that they would encounter ghosts if they left their homes. To avoid being recognized by these ghosts, people would wear masks when they left their homes after dark so that the ghosts would mistake them for fellow spirits.
 
In the late 1800s, there was a move in America to mold Halloween into a holiday more about community and neighborly get-togethers than about ghosts, pranks and witchcraft. At the turn of the century, Halloween parties for both children and adults became the most common way to celebrate the day. Parties focused on games, foods of the season and festive costumes.
 
This Halloween come join the Dallas community to celebrate. If you are looking for a kid friendly events Dallas will be having Trick N Treat, and churches will be hosting Trunk and Treats. For adults, many of our local wineries and bars will be holding festivities.
 
This Halloween be safe, and have fun!

This Wednesday, October 31st, Dallas Area Visitors Center partners with Morrison Campus students to throw our annual Trick N’ Treat!
 
Trick N’ Treat local businesses in one spot! And this year we will have carnival games for kiddos to play too!
 
The Dallas Area Visitors Center is pleased to host this safe and weather proof event at the Morrison Campus on Main Street. The free Trick N’ Treat happens from 3 pm to 6 pm for children ages zero to twelve years old.
 
We average over six hundred and fifty people participating with twenty plus businesses on display, giving out goodies to kids and their parents. This year the students are working on games to play, a haunted house and a photo area to capture your kiddo in their costume. The costume contest happens every half an hour, starting at 3:30 pm with the last contest at 6 pm. Exciting prizes for all of our ghouls, goblins and witches to win!
 
To meet all of our treat needs we are holding our first annual Chocolate for Charity Contest! The contest runs from 8 am Wednesday, October 17th to 8 am on Wednesday, October 31st. For every two bags of candy donated to the Trick N’ Treat Celebration you will receive one entry into the drawing. You may enter as many times as you would like. You must write your name and contact information on the entry form. October 31st a student from Morrison Campus will draw a winning entry form. Winner will be called or emailed notifying them of their winnings.
 
Prizes includes a standard oil change from Mid Valley Ford, your business and logo (if applicable) highlighted on the Chamber and the Visitors Center social media and the Trick N’ Treat webpage. You can bring your candy donations to any chamber event, or stop by the Chamber office at 168 SW Court St.
 
We are so grateful to everyone at Morrison Alternative Campus for allowing us to host our annual Trick N’ Treat event. The students start their work in September learning about the various aspects of event planning. They are taking that information and implementing it over the course of the next month. The students are learning everything from logistics planning, marketing, PR, and budgeting to secure sponsors, getting donations and working with community. Mid October the students work hard to transform their school into a safe, weather resistant and fun place for parents to bring their kiddos on Halloween.
 
If you are interested in sponsoring or participating in our Trick N’ Treat Celebration as a vendor please contact us using the link below.
 
We hope to see you there!
 
https://www.exploredallasoregon.org/halloween.html
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​It’s the last day of August, and the end of summer is only three weeks away. That sounds like a good enough reason to have a day dedicated to eating outside. Eating outside, or eating alfresco, dates back to the middle ages, when hunters ate outside before beginning their excursions. Picnics, which have historically been eaten in pastoral settings, first became popular in the 18th century. The word “picnic” was first used in English in 1748, and picnicking in the parks of France became popular after the revolution of 1789. During the first major battle of the Civil War, the First Battle of Bull run, picnickers who had come to watch the battle had to run back to Washington D.C., as the expected Union victory did not come to be. Picnicking gained in popularity in the 20th century, when public transportation and automobiles allowed people to more easily escape to bucolic surroundings. Barbecues, which often consist of cooking on grill in backyards, were another pastime that gained popularity in the 20th century.
 
Pleasure gardens were another venue where eating outside took place. A form of these public gardens existed in Ancient Rome, and many were opened in England in the 18th and 19th century. They also appeared in major cities in the United States in the 18th century, and had various attractions, including food. Usually light snacks were eaten, especially ice cream. A similar, but smaller type of outdoor venue for eating, was the tea garden. Following the Civil War, beer gardens became popular. They were based off of German beer gardens, and flourished on the outskirts of town until the prohibition era.
 
Around the turn of the 20th century, the first outdoor cafes opened in the United States. They were modeled after Parisian cafes, which had been in existence since the 17th century. Some rooftop restaurants also opened in larger cities in the United States around the same time. Another important popular outdoor attraction around the turn of the 20th century that featured food was Coney Island. Charles Feltman is credited with inventing the hot dog there, and he built a restaurant with outside seating, taking inspiration from pleasure gardens and the beer gardens of his homeland. He eventually built an outdoor dining area that was lined with maple trees and staffed with singing waiters. By the 1920’s, the subway lined reached Coney Island, and Feltman’s business boomed. One of Feltman’s workers, Nathan Handwerker, opened Nathan’s Hot Dogs in 1916, and it still is in business at Coney Island today. And guess what? They have outside seating!
 
Celebrate the day by eating outside! Have a picnic or a barbecue with your family or friends! Go to a restaurant that has outdoor seating. Maybe you even live close to one of the best outdoor dining restaurants in the country.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting as a party gag in 1978, Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts have become one of the most popular bands to perform the classic oldies hits. The Lugnut’s fame has spread beyond the Pacific Northwest, dazzling audiences from Washington State to Washington D.C. Their performances have been enthusiastically received at corporate parties, civic celebrations, fairs, fund raisers, concert halls, conventions and televised events. From the beginning their goal was to have fun. This has not changed in 40 years and of course, as always, you are invited to join in the good times!
 
The long list of annual return engagements is a testament to the fact that Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts is “Can’t miss” entertainment and a hit with all ages; from kids to grandparents.
 
Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts have shared the stage with many national acts including Chuck Berry, Chubby Checker, the Righteous Brothers, the Mamas and the Papas, Three Dog Night, Jan and Dean, Johnny Rivers, Rick Nelson, The Ventures, and Paul Revere and the Raiders. They toured the Far East with stops in Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. The Lugnut’s played for the Oakland A’s at the opening game and were invited by NIKE to perform for a special party during the closing of the Los Angeles Olympics. Each year the list continues to grow.
 
Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts emphasize showmanship, creating a never-ending energy on stage. The electricity generated by this sight and sound experience results in packed dance floors at every performance. Ask anyone who has experienced Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts and they will tell you… “Rock and Roll will never die, and the Lugnuts are the reason why!”
 
Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts will be playing here in Dallas for our closing Sounds of Summer. Do not miss all the fun, food, and music. The band will be kicking off at 6:30pm on the Academy Lawn. This event is free to the public so bring your blanket and chairs. As always, we hope to see you there!
 
“Long live Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts!”
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​“Nice night listening to Johnny Limbo & the Lugnuts. They still pack in the listeners. Their music always has everyone tapping to the beat. 40 years and still going strong.”

​The Annual Dallas Summerfest Parade is hosted by the Dallas Area Visitors Center and kicks off at 11 am on Saturday, July 28th during Dallas Summerfest. You never know what kind of fun and flashy parade floats that our city will come up with, especially with this year’s theme being Black and Orange: Hometown Pride! Come out and celebrate our amazing community with us!

We are also selling Dallas Summerfest Hometown Pride commemorative pennants for a limited time only! Just $5. We will be selling these pennants Sounds of Summer, Bounty Market, as well as our office. Our goal is to sell out and have parade attendees waiving them as the parade participants go by, plus it’s a cool keepsake for years to come.

If you are local business looking to promote yourself the Dallas Summerfest Parade is an amazing opportunity. We are currently accepting applications for the parade and would love to see your company involved. It’s a great day of sun and fun, all while getting your name out into the community. We have applications available online at exploredallasoregon.org, in our office, or available at the information booth during Bounty Market.