Under $100: Salem, Ore.

While Salem, Ore., the capital of the state, is often overshadowed by Portland’s popularity, the city provides plenty to explore.

Start your day with breakfast at Ritter’s, a downtown spot with a diner vibe. Breakfast ranges from omelets to pastrami hash to a Croque Monsieur Tartine. Breakfast options start at $8.50.

Take a brisk walk to Riverfront Park for a ride on the Riverfront Carousel. The design celebrates the region’s farming heritage and a ride is only $1.50.

For a different view of downtown, head to Deepwood Museum & Gardens, a Queen Anne Victorian home more than 100 years old. Surrounded by nature trails, the scenery is perfect for a panoramic picture, once you’ve toured indoors. Exploring the grounds is free, and guided house tours are $6.

Getting hungry? Head to the Willamette Valley Cheese Co. tasting room. The company produces the only artisan farmstead cow’s milk cheese in the state in a sustainable, old-fashioned manner to create award-winning cheeses.

For a little fruit to go with your cheese, make a stop at Willamette Valley Pie Company, one of the Northwest’s leaders in berry products. Whether you prefer blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, raspberries or boysenberries, they’ve got a little bit of it all in their facility’s retail store. Grab some fresh pie by the slice.

Experience more of Salem’s culinary bounty by visiting 1859 Cider Co. Check out the taproom’s calendar for upcoming events. They host cook-offs, live music, dancing lessons and more, all for a minimal price or free.

Still hungry? Settle in for a nice dinner at Bari Restaurant and Bar, where you’ll find the finest Northwestern ingredients while surrounded by Northwestern art as you sip on Northwestern wines. Enjoy dinner for less than $30, including entrees such as fresh salmon with barberry saffron butter sauce, confit duck leg with a fig demi sauce and braised half rabbit in mirepoix saffron and potatoes.