Salem, Oregon, has locations for parties of all sizes.
Funky and hip, Salem is the capital city of Oregon and combines small-town closeness with the flavor of a big city. While dozens of restaurants and bars offer settings for dinners and casual get-togethers, Salem also provides first-class accommodations for larger parties and events. Does this Spark an idea?
Not Your Run of the Mill Party
Mission Mill Museum (missionmill.org) is well-suited to host weddings, proms and other formal occasions. The historic landmark presents a number of flexible event spaces, from the intimate Card Room to the spacious Spinning Room atop the three-story converted wool mill. Mission Mill Museum also is home to Oregon's oldest standing Presbyterian church, which has seating for up to 100 guests and is available for religious and non-denominational services. Mission Mill's website provides a list of preferred caterers as well as guidelines for using the site's historic spaces.
Stage a Party
The Historic Elsinore Theatre (elsinoretheatre.com) was built in 1926, and has hosted such entertainers as Clark Gable, Doc Severinsen and Drew Carey. While the 1,300-seat auditorium may be overwhelming for some gatherings, the lobby is a flexible space that can host anything from a casual cocktail party to a raucous dance party. Small gatherings might rent Harcourt Hall, which seats 35 people. The Historic Elsinore Theatre underwent an extensive renovation in 2004, and provides guests with on-site lighting and sound support.
Center of Attention
The Salem Conference Center (salemconferencecenter.org) provides guests with everything they need in one central location, from catering, linen rentals and seating and space for 50 to 900 attendees. Rooms are available for dances, weddings, meetings, artist exhibitions, receptions and other parties. The Salem Conference Center is LEED Certified, which means that the center has achieved excellence in environmental awareness and sustainability. The center also offers energy-efficient supplies, recycled materials and locally-sourced foods.
Thinking Outside the Box
From intimate corners for sipping coffee to a large ballroom space, the IKE Box Cafe (isaacsroom.org) is a hip, young space that is a favorite among locals. Concerts and bands perform at the IKE Box Stage, and the warehouse ballroom that houses the cafe is available for parties large and small. The IKE Box Stage and Cafe are part of Isaac's Room, a nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for community and connection, especially among Salem's youth.
Tags: Mission Mill, Conference Center, Elsinore Theatre, guests with, Historic Elsinore