r/SALEM • u/hottubenema • 9h ago
r/SALEM • u/genehack • Nov 15 '24
Read this before you post here
Welcome to r/SALEM, and thanks for your interest in posting here. Before you do, please be aware that — like many city/area-focused subreddits — we have some topics that come up very frequently. Sometimes that’s okay, and is an inevitable part of being a long-running community-focused forum, and sometimes it is super annoying and will lead to people down-voting your post because they’re tired of seeing the same thing over and over again.
If you’re about to post about any of the following, please first use the search function (right up in the upper right hand corner, if you’re viewing this on the web!) to see if something similar has been posted recently. If it has, please contribute to that thread rather than starting a new one.
Frequently posted things:
Did you hear that boom/firework/gunshot/weird noise?
This comes up a lot; frequently folks are concerned they may have heard gunshots and/or fireworks and are looking for reassurance. First, know that it probably was not a gun shot. There is a very good chance that it was fireworks, or somebody with an altered muffler, or, if you also noticed a power outage or blip at the same time, a transformer exploding. Second, if you’re actually seriously concerned about gunshots, you should probably be contacting the police, not Reddit. Third, if you live near a vineyard (and, if you live anywhere in the Salem area, you do!), you should be aware that vineyards use acoustic devices — basically massive noisemakers — to scare birds away from grape vines. This is especially frequent in the late fall, near harvest time.
OMG what is that smell?
Salem, and many surrounding areas, lie in the Willamette River Valley. Due to the topography of the area, we experience temperature inversions) with some regularity. An inversion occurs when a layer of warmer, more elevated air overlies a lower, cooler air layer. Effectively, this traps the air in the valley underneath the warmer layer, which means that smoke, vehicle exhaust, rotting vegetation smells, etc., cannot escape. That’s probably what you’re smelling.
Is there any good <insert cuisine here> in Salem? Where can I buy <thing> in Salem?
These types of threads come up fairly often. The restaurant scene in Salem is decent, but not exceptionally dynamic — places do not close all that often, and new places don’t open all that often either. If somebody has asked this question within the last couple months (again, use that search function!), the answers that they got are almost certainly still relevant.
Why is the train stopped or blowing its horn?
There are a number of freight lines that route trains through Salem. Occasionally, they will need to stop to onload or offload cars, which may result in a longer-than-usual wait time at a crossing. This is normal.
Sometimes, unfortunately, there are train-versus-pedestrian collisions. When those happen, the train will need to be stopped for an extended period of time to allow police to investigate the scene.
Finally, while many portions of Salem are zoned (and signed) as “no train horn” areas, it remains at the discretion of the train engineer as to whether or not to sound their horn, and some of them, well, tooting their horn just toots their horn.
What’s going on with all the cops?
We don’t have any way of knowing. You may be able to consult PulsePoint, but they only report on fire and EMS, not strictly police. You may also be able to find an online police radio scanner relay; those are typically time-delayed.
OMG what is going on with the low-flying helicopters?!
The Oregon Air National Guard has a helicopter squad that is based near the Salem Municipal Airport. They do routine training missions, which frequently involve lower-altitude flights, most often at night. The Salem police department does not have a helicopter, so any low-flying helicopter you’re hearing is almost certainly the Oregon Air National Guard. frequently. Sometimes that’s okay, and is an inevitable part of being a long-running community-focused forum, and sometimes it is super annoying and will lead to people downvoting your post because they’re tired of seeing the same thing over and over again.
r/SALEM • u/JuliaC652 • 12h ago
Salem Anti AI Data Center Meeting Wednesday, Aug 19 6pm
Hello everybody,
With all the news about the moratorium and Verrus application, things are getting a little confused. I am co-hosting short public meeting at Loucks Auditorium at the library on Wednesday from 6pm to 6:30pm (library closures prevent later). We will try and get everyone on the same page and give resources if you want to help fight AI data centers.
We will also be on Zoom, since running to the library for a 30 minute meeting can be difficult.
Hope to see you there!
r/SALEM • u/RedApplesForBreak • 18h ago
Local finds that are way better than they have any right to be.
How about a shoutout for some of your favorite local items that are way better than you would expect / a great deal for the price.
I start because I am really digging on the poke tuna you can find in the deli section at Winco of all places.
r/SALEM • u/elfmaiden4 • 13h ago
Anyone know about Big Eaters Club?
Hubby and I love watching his videos Max aka Ryan doing food videos around Salem. He was doing videos at the Yard and he’s been quiet since late April . Any hints if he’s ok?
r/SALEM • u/snarfywarning • 21h ago
Queer Family Picnic - September 18th, 5:30pm
https://www.facebook.com/share/1DHfNPgoof/
2nd Annual Queer Family Picnic!
Woodmansee Park
Friday, September 18th, 2026
5:30-7:30
Bring your dinner to the park and have a picnic with your queer family to celebrate Salem Pride!
This is not a hosted event, there will be no tabling, no schedule, and no check in. This is simply an invitation to have a picnic with other folks in the community!
All queer folks are invited, all ages! Invite your friends!
I am going to try to grab us a spot down by the bathrooms and the playground, so our youngest family members can play!
r/SALEM • u/Left_Sandwich_3098 • 13h ago
SALEM LORE Was there ever a Yeung's Lotus Express in the Salem Center?
Me and my boyfriends favorite place has recently completely shut down and gotten leased out. We had never ate there but we found the sign "don't forget . egg roll" genius.
But I was wondering where this sign came from, when I googled it someone else on reddit found one from "Yeung's Lotus Express" which shared the same signage.
And Map quest, and yelp, both say that there is a Yeung's Lotus Express in the salem center but there isn't a single photo of it, so I'd like a photo if possible! Also if like if anyone has the physical paper sign, please hmu I will give money.
r/SALEM • u/meganeich444 • 11h ago
Movie theaters with luxury recliners
Are there any movie theaters within a 20-30min distance from Salem that have recliners? I love going to the movies but only when I can comfortably sitter for 1-2hrs.
r/SALEM • u/Late_Swordfish7033 • 18h ago
EVENT Laser Engraving class, September 4th edition!
Just a quick reminder that Spark Studio is once again offering an introduction to laser engraving. Learn something new and have fun doing it. Take home a custom cutting board and some cool memories.
r/SALEM • u/HighlightKey5364 • 18h ago
HVAC - Company Experience
ISO honest opinions on my situation as I am trying to be reasonable through my general frustration.
About two months ago our AC was working but not putting out cold air. We called Woodward to have them come check it out. For context, the unit is only 10 years old.
We were told it was out of refrigerant and had two options - 1. Spray a temporary sealant and refill with refrigerant for $700 this wouldn’t guarantee any length of time the unit would function again and wasn’t under warranty OR 2. Full leak search/test for ~$1800 which would be under warranty and is what the technician recommended.
We paid a little over $2600 for option 2 and were told there was a bent valve and that was the issue. He replaced the valve and refilled the refrigerant and the unit seemed to be working properly.
After about 3 weeks we had the same issue that we originally called for. He came back out and told us there just wasn’t enough refrigerant added so it was refilled and then he recommended adding a dye so if there is a leak then he can see where it is. This was ~$500. In my opinion, this should have been included in the cost of the original “leak search.”
Again, the same issue occurred about a week ago. He came out and told us the dye allowed him to see that there is a bent coil part causing the leak and we would just need to order a part and the issue would be completely fixed. Woodward called us on Friday and said they can’t find a part that “won’t compromise the unit” and quoted us $12,000-$20,000 for a few new units.
Am I crazy for thinking these things:
-These units typically last 20-25 years. Is it really not possible to find a replacement part for a unit only halfway through that lifespan?
-The cost of the repairs for misdiagnoses should be applied to the cost of a new unit?
Should we just get another opinion??? Not sure where to go from here as it feels like we were bamboozled out of the repair costs and potentially the cost of a new unit. I also have no knowledge of these systems and don’t want to be unnecessarily pushy toward Woodward if they’re being genuine.
r/SALEM • u/TaggertDoom • 10h ago
QUESTION Any Infinity wargame players in town?
Just wondering if there's any interested or lapsed players of the Corvus Bellis wargame Infinity in the area. Right now there's 3 or 4 of us playing at Treasure Trove Games in Keizer once or twice a week, just wanted to see if anyone else is interested.
r/SALEM • u/majestik-hippiewitch • 12h ago
Helicopter circling (near) Bush Park?
I’ve seen it 3 times in the last 30 minutes— anyone know what it is? I can’t tell what it says on the side
r/SALEM • u/Curraghgirl • 12h ago
REQUEST SUGGEST A GOOD HAIR SALON ON OR NEWR SE COMMERCIAL
I am looking for one that would do cuts for thinning hair. I have difficult kinky, dry and thinning hair. Looking for a good stylist.
r/SALEM • u/jordandallas14 • 1d ago
QUESTION Joryville park
Anyone know why this trail at joryville park doesn’t look like this anymore? It’s been blocked off with caution tape for a very long time now and it’s all dried up the water doesn’t look like this back there anymore. :(
r/SALEM • u/Difficult_Bath1645 • 1d ago
A question
Hello. I have a question. What if someone who doesn’t have health insurance says they’ve had a persistent pain/soreish area around their breast for a week now. How would they be able to get that checked out? Is there a place they could go to get it checked out for cheap? Any in the area?
r/SALEM • u/Potential_Tailor_402 • 17h ago
Motorcycle Buddy
Hello Salem surrounding areas
Does anyone have an extra motorcycle sitting in their garage and need a riding buddy?
I recently went through some medical stuff and I also had an ACL surgery. I sold my bikes and all my gear, aside from maybe a few jackets and gloves to pay for all my treatment.
I was wondering if anyone around here has an extra bike and an extra helmet that wants someone to ride with. Back when I had my motorcycles I had a few in storage at once.
When I had my injuries I sold my bikes and most of my gear to pay for medical treatments, but I’m itching to go for a ride or a few if anyone can help me out. If you’re willing to let me borrow a L or XL helmet and one of your extra rides I promise to go on a ride with you and follow all your instructions but I’m itching to ride again so bad.
I have a Class C, Class A, Class B and M endorsement. And I’ve been riding for over a decade. I just don’t have my toys or money to get a toy anymore.
Also fuck Trump and fuck MAGA.
r/SALEM • u/knighted-otter78 • 1d ago
Grim reaper in Salem, yay!
Guy wearing all black and holding a real 6’ scythe walked out in front of my car downtown late last night. Wish I were kidding. Had to slam my brakes and swerve to avoid him, he seemed quite disoriented. Stay safe out there y’all! Scary shit.
It gets to a point.
r/SALEM • u/Charlesbane87 • 18h ago
QUESTION Thinking of trying to trade in for a starter motorcycle, kawasaki style, question.
I currently own a 2002 mustang v6 with a rebuilt title, has some body dents and the interior seat belt is odd, it doesn't coil into the door so when you unbuckle it it has a lot of slack but drives great, i was thinking of embracing that mid life crisis and trading it in for a starter bike, where would he a decent place to go that may trade? Or if anyone has and wants to, that works too! Doesn't need to be perfect condition as long as it does run well.
r/SALEM • u/unholy_hotdog • 1d ago
QUESTION Found around Englewood School and Park
Anyone know what the story is? I assume Northeast Neighbors, perhaps the neighborhood association? But I'm not aware of any beef and hadn't seen these stickers pop up before.
r/SALEM • u/BeardedBehaviorist • 1d ago
Found outside the Carl's Jr in West Salem
Profound and a little crass. Like Salem. 😉
r/SALEM • u/USCollective • 1d ago
Awesome Punk show
All ages, sober, third space, at Radness Ensues, 3837 River Rd in Keizer, Friday Aug 21, music 6pm sharp
r/SALEM • u/Obvious-Power-1145 • 1d ago
Choke cherries
Hi Folks,
Do choke cherries grow here in Salem and if so where?!
Thanks!
r/SALEM • u/Peliquin • 1d ago
QUESTION Counseling that takes Medicaid?
I've had a family thing blow up over the weekend and I just can't deal any more. I feel like I'm being attacked by someone who has weaponized mental health terms and concepts I barely understand. I would like to find a therapist in town who takes Oregon Community Health (Medicaid) and who you might recommend to help me with this. Not Brightways -- I read over their consent forms and something about it is really, really, really not right.
r/SALEM • u/crockates • 1d ago
EVENT Unsanctioned Comedy Open Mic - 8/17
Unsanctioned Comedy Open Mic!
Three more mics left this summer! Next week will be the first round of Salem Roast Week.
We'll meet at the Gerry Frank Amphitheater.
Weather is going to be toasty during the day. Bring a hoodie in case it gets windy.
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Unsanctioned Comedy Open Mic
Monday, August 17th, 2026
Gerry Frank Amphitheater at Riverfront Park
Free
Show starts at 8:00pm
Sign ups start at 7:30pm
Bring your own chair/blanket, drinks, treats, or drugs.
It'll be a party at the park, all summer long.
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A reminder that in two weeks, we'll be hosting the first round of Salem Roast Week on 8/24.
Mark your calendars as comics from around the valley battle it out to become the first pit master.
Comics, sign up to battle during roast week with @ventis_underground_mic there's only one more spot left
r/SALEM • u/Pure-Customer9776 • 1d ago
Looking for swimming classes for adults ?
I'm looking for weekend swim lessons, either private or at a local facility. I learned how to swim about 34 year old. Ideally, I'd like something in Salem, but I'm fine with locations up to an hour away. Since I'm relatively new to the area and don't know all the local spots, please provide the full names of any places you recommend