Oregon's Bounty

Along the Oregon Coast in Tillamook, family-operated dairy farms support the Tillamook Cheese Factory. Stop for a self-guided tour and a scoop of ice cream studded with Oregon hazelnuts. In the southern Oregon town of Central Point, visit Rogue Creamery’s Cheese Shop to purchase Oregon Blue Cheese, internationally acclaimed for its briny, buttery finish.

In a setting such as Oregon’s, farm-fresh experiences are plentiful and creative. In the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, take a self-guided driving tour of the Fruit Loop to eye lavender fields and stop at farm stands, blueberry patches and wineries. At the SAGE Center in Boardman, interact with exhibits on sustainable agriculture and energy. In the evening, join a Wild About Game Dinner event in Mount Hood Territory. Timberline Lodge hosts these dinners and guest chefs prepare them, using grass-fed meats, pure sea salt, honey and other made-in-Oregon delights. In eastern Oregon at Hamley Steakhouse in Pendleton, savor world-famous Oregon beef — perhaps a filet served with a port demi-glace — in a setting that channels cowboy culture and America’s Old West.

Oregon fields also grow grapes for winemaking and hops for craft-brewing. In the eastern part of the state, Barley Brown’s tap-house and brewpub in Baker City showcase some of the state’s award-winning craft brews (try the Pallet Jack IPA). Recently, craft distilleries have adopted a similar connection and commitment to the land. Rogue Distilling grows its own grains and aromatics to create spirits such as Spruce Gin — sip it and enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean at Rogue House of Spirits in Newport. Oregon is also known for high-quality coffee, from Portland to smaller towns. In Florence, a picturesque coastal town, savor the local-favorite brew at Siuslaw River Coffee Roasters.

Along the Pacific Ocean, fish markets and restaurants showcase sustainable practices and fresh catches. At Local Ocean Seafoods in Newport, enjoy panko breadcrumb-crusted Yaquina Bay oysters with a panoramic view of fishing boats bobbing in the harbor.

Food carts also emphasise the local bounty. Among Portland’s line-up, don’t miss Big Ass Sandwiches and Grilled Cheese Grill, both of which layer Oregon vegetables and cheeses with scratch-made sauces onto local-bakery bread. Or enjoy a stylish dinner — Departure Restaurant + Lounge’s trendsetting Pan-Asian cuisine, for example. Request a table on the sleek rooftop above downtown Portland for a memorable meal with a view to match.