The Willamette Valley marries history with agriculture in presenting some of Oregon's most spectacular attractions. Well-known for local wineries, this valley also offers several annual events that focus both on Willamette's wine and vegetable production as well as the rich background that has helped to make the area what it is today. Gardens feature prominently in the Willamette Valley and showcase why the area is the agricultural center of Oregon. Salem and Eugene are two of the major centers in this part of the state and both feature a wide variety of amenities and traveler services. There are also a number of parks in this region, including the Elijah Bristow State Park, where camping, hiking, canoeing and picnicking are popular pastimes. The Willamette Valley is also home to a number of museums, including the Marion County Historical Society Museum, which offers a wide collection of artifacts that depict the history of the area.