By Molly Pennington Originally published on Movato.com A hipster wonderland nestled between the ocean and a gorgeous valley, Salem is a mini-metropolis obsessed with wine, trees and giant breakfasts. Take a look. 1. It's Basically The Center Of The Universe Source: Flickr user Geek2nurse Salem sits on the 45th Parallel, which means it's the center point between the North Pole and the equator. You'll have to brave the Interstate-5 median if you want to take a picture of yourself with the sign that announces this distinction. 2. The City Is Guarded By A Golden Pioneer Source: Flickr user Edmund Garman He's a 22-foot statue positioned on top of the capitol rotunda and painted in gold leaf-and he looks like he's wearing a cape. Sadly, it's just a tarp because he's going to put up some shelters-like the pioneers did! This guy is basically Salem's superhero. You can see him for miles around as he guards the city. 3. It Gave Us Napoleon Dynamite, Gosh! Source: Napoleon Dynamite Facebook page John Heder hails from Salem. He's the star of Napoleon Dynamite, one of the most popular films to break out of the Sundance Film Festival. Heder moved to Salem with his family when he was two, and he graduated from South Salem High School-which had to have been an inspiration for the movie's weird brand of deadpan humor. Vote for Pedro! 4. You Can Get Schooled In The Original College Town Source: Willamette University Facebook page Willamette University is the oldest in the American West. It has a lush, 69 acre campus, complete with its own stream, right next to downtown Salem. However, the roughly 2,800 coeds pretty much stay sequestered on campus. Their noses tucked into books, obviously. 5. Home Of The Best Enchilada On Earth Source: La Margarita Express Facebook page Don't call that an overstatement until you try La Margarita's signature dish-a mesquite-grilled Enchilada Suiza, made with a Mexican cream sauce and handmade tortillas. And they boast more than 40 different tequilas which they use in their really, really strong margaritas. 6. A Kid-Only Zone On Steroids Source: A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village Facebook page A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Museum is right on the riverfront and features three historic houses that have been converted into intense play zones. And outside they've got even more fun stuff. Check out the 75-foot 'Echo Tube' and the mammoth dig. 7. It's Got A Super Hot Sports Team. Literally Source: Salem-Keizer Volcanoes Facebook page The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes are the city's minor league baseball team, affiliates for the San Francisco Giants. They've even got their own stadium just outside of town in nearby Keizer, and tickets are affordable and plentiful. Check out a game, but don't let the heat burn you! 8. The Center Of All Things Oregon Source: Flickr user Edmund Garman As the state capitol, Salem is basically a low-calorie Washington D.C.: High on cherry blossoms and marble structures, low on corruption and intrigue. Done and done. 9. Dessert Is A Serious Business Source: Gerry Frank's Konditorei Facebook page Gerry Frank's Konditorei is the ultimate deluxe dessert palace. They also do breakfast, lunch and dinner, but you might as well just get dessert first. And second. Try the Champagne Raspberry cake or Barney's Blackout, with five-count 'em, five-layers of chocolate. 10. They Have A Bit Of A Cycling Problem Source: Flickr user Glen Bledsoe The city hosts multiple bike races every year including the Monster Cookie Ride, and traffic is always bike-friendly for two-wheeled commuters. The Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway also runs right through Salem to nearby Keizer. 11. You're Closer To The Ocean Than You Think Source: Flickr user drburtoni Head west from Salem and wind through scenic farmland, and then jump on the Van Duzer Corridor twisting through the forest. In about an hour you'll hit the magnificent Pacific Coast. It's that easy! And the perfect short day trip when you need some rest and relaxation. 12. Their Trees Have Won Awards Source: Flickr user Edmund Garman The National Arbor Day Foundation has named Salem 'Tree City U.S.A.' for the last 30 years in a row, due to its dedication to forestry management and planning. Plus there are gorgeous cherry trees all over. 13. You'll Be Charmed By The Downtown Vibe Source: Flickr user jimmywayne Before you hit Salem's mall, you'll pass through a quaint tree-lined city center. Be sure to check out the Reed Opera House, a multi-level antique building filled with quirky restaurants and cool shopping. And don't neglect the side streets where you'll find coffee houses, galleries, and boutiques staffed by in-the-know hipsters. 14. You Can Make Your Wedding Unique In An Historic Mansion Source: Flickr user Roger Lynn Historic Deepwood Estate is the perfect place to host your swanky events and parties. It has formal English gardens and a bunch of nature paths surrounding it if you're looking to get back to nature. Built in the 1890s in the Queen Anne Victorian style, it has pretty much been preserved in its natural state ever since. And no, it isn't haunted. Even though it looks like the perfect spot for a ghost, right? 15. The Birthplace Of Kettle Chips Source: Kettle Brand Chips Facebook page Kettle Chips started in Salem in the early 1980s by a couple of guys in acid-washed jeans working out of a van. They wanted chips with all natural ingredients. Now the company is the biggest manufacture of natural potato chips in the U.S. And they keep coming out with increasingly bizarre flavors. Try Cheddar Beer or Maple Bacon. 16. Crash Salem's Cool-Kid Party Source: Flickr user Tara DeMaderios The Summer Art Fair & Festival only lasts for three days every summer, but is it the place to be that weekend. 35,000 artists and tourists come from all over, there are beer and wine gardens, food booths and stages for live music and performances. And best of all, you'll always see a bunch of spritely fairy types/ex-hippies walking around. 17. You Can Take A Ride Back To Your Childhood Source: Flickr user Jason Lander The indoor Salem's Riverfront Carousel lets everyone channel their inner kid year-round. Each horse is a hand-carved and unique work of art. There's even a brass ring you can try to catch from the salmon's mouth to win a free ride! 18. Find Your New Favorite Craft Brew Source: Venti's Café + Taphouse Facebook page Venti's Café + Taphouse specializes in local craft beers, and their selection is extensive. Salem has two locations that both offer gourmet-esque versions of bar food to accompany their real specialty: Beer in its many forms and splendors. 19. You Can Go Take A Hike! No, Really Source: Flickr user Terry Tyson Silver Falls State Park is just 25 miles from Salem, and offers 9,000 acres of forest filled with walking paths (with the chance to see wildlife like bears and coyotes) and a ton of world class waterfalls perfect for Kodak moments. 20. Gorge On Awesomely Decadent Breakfast Source: Word of Mouth Bistro Facebook page Word of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro is a must for all foodies. The crème brulee French toast will astound you. The cinnamon roll pancake is ginormous. Or just savor the prawn, avocado and cheese omelet. Go early because there's always a wait. 21. You Can See Local Theater In A Fairytale Setting Source: Pentacle Theater Facebook page You'll find the Pentacle Theater quaintly tucked into a woody enclave a few miles outside of town. This community theater puts on comedic, dramatic and other plays several times a year and they're always top-notch. If you're feeling brave, show up for an audition. Who knows, maybe you have a hidden flair for acting. 22. Find The Great Outdoors In The Middle Of Town Source: Flickr user Mr. Thomas If you don't feel like driving outside of town to be surrounded by nature, Bush's Pasture Park has you covered. Tons of nature trails for walking, jogging, and bikes, as well as an art center, a greenhouse, rose gardens, tulip beds, tennis courts, a museum, several playgrounds, and open meadows for your Frisbee league. Whew! 23. The Wacky Poor Man's Disneyland Source: Flickr user Jason Lander The Enchanted Forest amusement park is a cray-cray must-do. You have to see it to believe it. You'll slide out of the mouth of a witch, tour through the crooked man's abode, and stroll through Hansel and Gretel's cottage. Life-size dioramas of your favorite nursery rhymes are set up along the wooded paths. There's also a haunted house, a log ride, and old western town, and a ton of other vaguely surreal attractions. 24. You Won't Have To Work To Be A Wine Snob Source: Firesteed Cellars Facebook page There are twelve scenic and delectable stops on the Salem Wine Trail. Which one is the best? It's a fiercely-debated topic. But let's face it, everyone's a winner when there are this many grapes, artisans, bouquets, and Pinots in such a concentrated area. Try out St. Innocent, Honeywood, Redhawk, and Firesteed Cellars to get you started. 25. You Can Show Off Your Prize Pig Source: Oregon State Fair Facebook page The Oregon State Fair takes place in Salem every August. Scream on the rides, stuff your face with funnel cakes, or enter your livestock and quilts if you think you can compete in these ninja-level statewide competitions. There are also milk moustache and milk chugging contests for all the dairy aficionados out there. 26. Salem Knows About Your Secret love For Vinyl Source: Ranch Records Facebook page You get cooler just by walking in. Ranch Records has been around since 1982, and it's where you'll find vintage LPs, rare imports, obscure tracks from bands you've barely heard of, and the collection of posters and music paraphernalia that you never knew you needed. 27. You'll Find Parisian-Level Shopping Source: The French Unicorn Facebook page If you can't get to Paris for shopping, no problem. The French Unicorn is your hook-up. It has a chi-chi, vintage-y collection of feminine and flirty jewelry, clothes, and objet d'arts. 28. You Can Craft Your Perfect Sandwich Source: Croissant and Company Downtown Facebook page Croissant and Company has been around since forever, and there's a reason for that. They'll make you a perfect custom sandwich on awesome bread baked that very day. In the spring they have a booth at the Saturday Market where you can get fresh coffee and croissants. Beat that, McDonald's! 29. Spend The (Whole) Day At Riverfront Park Source: Flickr user Edmund Garman Ride the famous Willamette River Queen boat, or feel free to take a canoe or kayak if you want to keep it mellow. The park also features trails, a pavilion, a large 'eco-globe' sculpture, and panoramic views of the river edge of Salem. What more do you need? Who is Movoto Real Estate, you might ask? Movoto is an online real estate brokerage based in San Mateo, CA. Their blog has been recognized for its unique approach to city-based research by major news organizations around the world such as Forbes and CBS News.