Summers Sell in the South Willamette Valley
Here in the south Willamette valley we don’t much mind our gray skies and rainy days knowing they keep our forests green, our rivers clean, and our soils rich. We also know our reward returns in the form of spectacular Oregon summers – blue skies, mild temperatures, and cool nights, accompanied by glorious smells, sights, and tastes so satisfying to our senses.
Yes, summer in the south Willamette valley is something special. Something to be enjoyed by all, and shared with many.
Natural assets, destination-worthy attractions, world-class sporting events and recreational amenities have made travel and tourism a $12 billion dollar industry in Oregon, and Lane County is no small ticket. Tourism tallied up a one billion-dollar economic impact in 2018, an all-time high. From the cascades to the valley to the coast, the sun is shining on the hospitality and travel industry, and that’s good news for small and home-grown agriculture, food and beverage, lodging, retail and recreation-based business.
The visitor to our region may come for any one of a number of reasons – for business, recreation, or a casual day trip. What awaits them is an experience like none other. In fact, should they arrive in the south Willamette valley in summer, they just may never leave.
Our recreational, agricultural, and natural resources are plentiful, and in no small part due to family businesses who have sustained and cared for these lands for generations. They gift us with award-winning wineries, u-pick berry farms, floral and farm-to-table foodie festivals, river rafting and fly-fishing guided tours. And they’ve maintained and sustained hundreds of acres of natural habitat, and lush, green forest trails speckled with fresh, dewy waterfalls and fat, juicy blackberries.
Those who have spent their lives here will share fond memories of the smells of summer in the valley. Mint comes to mind (I grew up near the spearmint farms of Junction City), so does the scent of rose, lavender, and fresh-off-the-vine berries. Whether you’ve lived here all your life, are coming on your first summer season, taking a few well-earned days off, hosting visitors from out of town, or taking the kids out for a healthy nature walk, the full-on summer in the valley experience awaits and there’s no short list of things to do.
Staff here at the Chamber have solid tips on the local scene and of course – where the locals go is what you want to know – so be sure to check out the “Staff Picks” section in this issue.
We also keep an up-to-date inventory of maps, brochures and visitor guides from across the state at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center, centrally located at 101 South A Street in downtown Springfield. Let us assist you with tips as you plan your travel and recreational activities. We can’t wait to share our valley with you.
