Spending time in Salem, Oregon, is a chance to better understand the Northwest.

The Grand Hotel sits on the site of a former historic hotel. It has all the conveniences and amenities of a modern hotel with décor that gives it the charm of a bygone era. Visitors can easily walk to shops and restaurants in downtown Salem. With large, comfy rooms and a full breakfast in the morning, I will be back. Insider tip: Room service is very reasonably priced with no additional fees added.

The Grand Hotel, daily, 201 Liberty St. SE, Salem, Oregon, 503.540.7800, grandhotelsalem.com

Kara Kuh, public relations manager of Travel Salem, recommended Eola Hills Winery, when I inquired if there were any businesses that might have a military connection.  Eola Hills sells a unique red blend called "Patriot Red."  Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Merlot and Pinot Noir from Oregon, Washington and California combine to form a rich red wine with a hint of berry jam.  The winery donates $1 from every bottle sold to provide care packages for deployed troops.  

"We have raised (more than) $6,000," said Wendy Myers, tasting room hostess.

Tastings are a little different at Eola Hills Winery.  Rather than just choose wines off a long list, there are five curated wine flights available, which range from $10-$20 and include tastings of five or six wines depending on your choice of flights.

Eola Hills Winery, daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 501 S. Pacific Hwy. W., Rickreall, Oregon, 503.623.2405, eolahillswinery.com

Staff at Eola Hills recommended Momiji Sushi Bar & Restaurant for lunch.  Located in the town of Monmouth, it had a steady stream of customers even on a sleepy Sunday when all the shops were closed. I was surprised an elaborate bento box with chicken katsu, tempura shrimp, rice, a house salad and a serving of miso soup was only $8.95. Insider tip: Always ask the locals where to eat.

Momiji Sushi Bar & Restaurant, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 183 Main St. W., Monmouth, Oregon, 503.837.0111, momijiinc.com

Sarah Carlson, writer and world traveler, is a coffee aficionado. She suffers from food allergies, which makes dining out a challenge, so she researches to find the best coffee in her travels.  She recommended Archive Coffee & Bar just a short walk from the hotel. The coffee lived up to the hype. The space feels vast with its high ceilings, while dark wood and old shelves filled with books gives the sense of stepping into a man of leisure's library. Archive is known for its coffee by day and for its cocktails and artisan food by night.

Archive Coffee & Bar, 7 a.m. to midnight, daily, 102 Liberty St. NE, Suite 120, Salem, Oregon, archivecoffeeandbar.com

Barbara Marrett, communications and stewardship manager of the San Juan Islands Visitors' Bureau, stumbled upon the Downtown Market & Deli and Alsham Restaurant. She wanted to come back and try it for dinner.  It was just the type of quirky place I like with a market and deli downstairs and restaurant upstairs. The Mediterranean food was authentic. The owner is of Lebanese and Greek descent, and the menu reflected a blend of both Middle Eastern and Greek foods. I paired my meal with a glass of Greek wine recommended by the waiter/owner.  It was so good, I purchased a bottle from the market downstairs to take home with me, as well as an excellent baklava. Insider tip: Wine and beer is less expensive in the market than in the restaurant.

Downtown Market & Deli and Alsham Restaurant, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday, 145 Liberty St. NE, Salem, Oregon, 503.561.0334