Downtown People Watching

One of my favorite activities in the whole world is people watching. Airports are great places for this, but since there isn't one close by, I usually get my fix downtown. Sunday afternoon I spent a few hours eating lunch, chatting with friends, getting a coffee, browsing the Book Bin, and people watching. And let me tell you, there are people to be watched around here.

One of my favorite places to people watch is at La Perla Tapatia in the Reed Opera House. It is up above the sidewalk level so you get a great view of all the people walking by below, plus you get a view out over the four corners of Liberty and Court Streets. Another great spot is the small Starbucks on the corner of Liberty and Court or the Beanery on Liberty. They both have bar seating that faces the window so you can watch the world go by.

Here are some of the highlights of my people watching on a lazy Sunday afternoon in downtown Salem:

• A woman walking two large dogs that looked like they had dreadlocks
• A young man hitting on every woman who walked in even though they were clearly out of his league
• Three different couples on what looked like first dates
• A couple with a baby spending 15 minutes deciding which stroller to use to go to the mall (they ended up carrying the baby).
• My old neighbor entering the Book Bin (is this considered stalking if it happens accidentally while people watching??)
• A very manly looking man who was walking a teeny-tiny dog wearing a sweater.
• An older couple going out to lunch. She was in a wheelchair and he was so sweet and caring I wanted to cry.

Location, location, location

You know what they say about real estate? It's all about the location. And I guess if that's true then Salem, Oregon is about the best real estate you could buy. Just think about this location.

We are one hour from the Pacific Ocean, sand dunes, beach walking, surfing, storm-watching, whale-watching, clam chowder, fresh fish, and all the rest that goes with the rugged Northwest coastal experience.

We are one hour from the mountains - meaning skiing, snowboarding, snow-shoeing and cabins with fireplaces in the winter. And meaning hiking, camping, mushroom hunting, boating, and all the rest of the mountain activities in the summer.

We are one hour from Portland and Eugene which are both big enough cities to have all the amenities you might need, basically at your fingertips, but without the high cost of living and the traffic problems.

We have access to national forests and state parks. We have a valley overflowing in vineyards and wineries. We have local beer, wine, and cider makers. We have fresh, local produce available nearly year round.

Okay, so we have a little rain. But, that's a small price to pay for a good location. :)

Hello, High St.

So, I went to DaVinci's for Happy Hour the other day with "the ladies" to whom you'll be introduced at a later date. It was delicious and fun and a great time, but what struck me was how cool that whole High St block is becoming. It used to be just DaVinci's and Fuji Ricetime with the Elsinore to back up their coolness. Now we've got La Capitale on the corner, Capitol Dog (which sells borscht and other delicious central European goodness!), Jonathan's which is looking pretty snazzy from my peeks in the window, Sushi Topia - the sushi train, and Pita Pit. I mean, my goodness, that's enough for dinner every night of the week plus an old time movie on Wednesday at the Elsinore. What a cool little block in an even cooler city. You rock, Salem Oregon!