Ask
a traveler from across the United States to name a few specifics of the state
of Oregon.
After
a lengthy conversation on how to pronounce our state’s name, they will probably
concede with trees (lots of), Portland, Voodoo Doughnuts, craft beer, the High
Desert, coffee, and bearded hipsters.
While
this is a relatively accurate depiction of some of the things that make the
Beaver State great, it ignores some of the best treasures, eateries, and
potential adventures to be had in the small towns of Oregon.
Little
pockets of lumber towns nestled next to the freight train line, five, ten miles
off of I-5 along what used to be the old highway.
They
hold homegrown folks with never-say-die attitudes, hearty restaurant meals,
crazy sign ladies, delicious wineries, covered wagons, covered bridges, and
troves of untapped history.
Some,
like Scottsburg, only 20 miles from the coast, were thriving and expanding
until disaster struck. For Scottsburg, it was a flood in 1861, for others, it
was the Interstate. These
towns are host to city-wide garage sales, to festivals and live music. To
excellent fishing—salmon, shad, and bass, following the west Umpqua River out
to the wide mouth of the Pacific Ocean.
Towns
like Drain, Elkton, Yoncalla, Oakland, Yachats, Scottsburg, and Depoe Bay—these
treasures are waiting to be explored, tasted, enjoyed, and shared.
And
heck, if we are going to take a veritable tour of Small Town, Oregon, I am ready
to be your guide to the quirks and joys of these tree-hidden wonders.
So
buckle in, trust me, and let’s set out on this two lane road.
More adventure to come, folks.
Some cool links:
I like your blog. Looking forward to the next installment. Will you travel to the cities you write about?
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