Side quest opportunities in the Salem community

Minto-Brown Island park in May 2024. Photo by Mason Williams.

As summer begins its annual trickle into fall and Willamette students return to the grind of classes, clubs and jobs, it is essential to make time for a little fun and exploration. Side quests are a crucial part of finding the joy in everyday life but for new students, seeking them out might seem daunting. In Salem, though, one doesn’t have to look far for opportunities to go on a small adventure. 

Quests can’t start on an empty stomach. At Salem’s various farmer’s markets, one can fuel up while searching for hidden gems along the booths. Tasting samples of fresh fruits and baked goods or striking up a conversation with a seller, one can find connection within the local and small business community. The Salem Saturday Market is only a short walk north of the campus on 865 Marion Street NE. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be open every Saturday until the end of October. 

For those with a busy schedule, students need not worry. There are other similar opportunities throughout the week. On Mondays, the Salem Hospital Market is open from 9:30 a.m to 1:30 p.m with about “15 vendors providing handmade, handcrafted or homegrown products ... sharing the fresh bounty and local products from the Mid-Willamette Valley.” On Wednesdays, the Chemeketa Market at the Chemeketa Community College Agricultural Building prides itself on its focus on food and culture. If the above options weren't enough to quench one’s thirst for a market-themed adventure, on Thursdays West Salem Market has vendors selling handmade and homegrown products from the Mid-Willamette Valley. These local markets have a range of times, dates and locations, so students are bound to find one that they can explore. Remember to check the Salem Community Market website for which months these markets are available.

Looking further into adventurous excursions, Willamette provides a plethora of opportunities. These adventures include resources such as The Hallie Ford Museum, which is free for Willamette University students to see various cultural and historical art and artifacts. Willamette’s very own Hatfield Library has a “Library of Things” with various trinkets and tools to check out. Outdoors-and-nature types can borrow a tent, hammock and lantern from the library — a perfect set for going out to the woods. For more stay-indoors-and-chill adventurers, students can borrow a projector and Nintendo Switch for a cozy movie and game night.

Getting out into nature is also straightforward with Minto-Brown Island just under three miles away from campus, providing 29 miles of trails that make up nine loops on which one can walk, run or bike. A possibly more relaxing nature spot inside the town is the Deepwood Museum and Gardens where the trees will soon be vibrant with beautiful autumn leaves.

If a student seeks to adventure farther off campus but lacks the funds, transportation or desire to plan and organize themselves, WU has it covered. Willamette organizations such as the Outdoor Program (ODP) and Willamette Events Board (WEB) offer a variety of trip options that include transportation for a significant discount. I myself have taken advantage of these opportunities with a trip to Burwinkle’s with WEB. This proved to be an incredible time for me, giving me the opportunity to let loose and spend childhood-reminiscent times with my friends in an off campus experience. 

College is one of those times where unexpected daily events often end up being the most memorable. It’s important to let ourselves relax, laugh, eat good food and try new things to make our sometimes repetitive lives endearing. At some point during this fresh school year, I encourage students to take a day, or even an afternoon, to go out to a market, take a walk to the waterfront, or flip through the Library of Things. There might be a unique adventure waiting for you.