For many in the Northwest, the Oregon Coast is a favorite
vacation destination, and while the ocean is certainly a getaway highlight,
it's not the only one. A stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory can be just as
memorable. After all, what is a vacation without delicious cheese?
History
Tillamook has its roots in the 1850s, when local farmers
began raising dairy cows in the lush coastal area. Today's Tillamook
Cheese Factory tour still offers a nod to its beginnings with a schooner
ship as its logo; That's the Morning Star, the first official ship from Oregon
that dairy farmers used to move their products to Oregon, as it was faster than
crossing land.
Tillamook is known for many dairy products, from yogurt to
cheese, but its cheddar cheese is one of the most popular products the factory
produces. And this delicious cheddar cheese is also part of the company's
history, dating back to 1894 when Peter McIntosh brought his cheddar cheese
recipe to the area and showed it to local cheesemakers. This momentous event
led to the recipe for cheddar cheese that is still used to this day.
In 1909, what was once a network of small independent
dairies began to change when several dairies joined forces to form the
Tillamook County Dairy Association. This was the beginning of Tillamook as a
brand and when things really started to take off. In 1947, Tillamook began
making ice cream, and although they did not offer the range of flavors that the
company offers today, this was still a step in the right direction, as
Tillamook ice cream is one of the best you will find in stores. of groceries.
shelving! In 1993 sour cream joined the party, in 1994 came yogurt and their
three year special extra strong vintage white cheddar cheese.
During its more than a century of creating some of the
tastiest dairy products in the world, Tillamook has continued to add new
products and win awards across the board. While it's easy to find Tillamook at
the grocery store, it's even better to visit the fountain.
What to do there
For decades, Tillamook
cheese factory tours has had a visitor center where true cheese believers
can learn more about how their favorite snack is created. In 2018, the company
built a completely new, larger visitor center with the famous aerial view of
the cheese making process.
You can visit the shop and cafe, and buy cheese in abundance
(often cheaper and in more variety than you will find in the supermarket), or
enjoy breakfast or lunch at the cafe. For dessert, don't miss the ice cream
counter. If you're not sure what to try, there are plenty of samples to help
you figure things out. While cheddar cheese is popular, diversify. Tillamook
tour makes all kinds of cheese that are less commonly seen in stores. Try
white cheddar with smoked black pepper or some aged white cheddar. The
temporary visitor center also has many displays for you to learn about the
cheese-making process. Visits to the visitor center are free and self-guided.
Visit the gift shop
The Cheese Factory is a shopper's paradise. You'll find many
cheese products, as well as Tillamook T-shirts, toys, and other merchandise. They
even have a fully stocked gourmet shop where you can browse for treats like
smoked salmon, marionberry jam, and other Oregon favorites. Be sure to pick up
a souvenir!
Book your stay with Manzanita
Vacation Rentals
After a wonderful day at the factory, return to Manzanita Vacation
Rentals relax & enjoy oceanfront homes & villas. Our Oceanfront properties
are just a short drive from Tillamook and have everything you need for an
unforgettable getaway. We even offer pet-friendly accommodations at our Edge of
the Oceanfront home! Whether it's a fun family vacation or a quiet couple's
retreat, Manzanita vacation rentals is the best choice. Start planning your
trip today!
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