Oregon is known for its breathtaking scenery and exciting outdoor activities, but it also has a wealth of quaint little communities with distinct personalities and illustrious histories.
These lesser-known locations highlight the state’s rich cultural diversity and friendly hospitality while providing a tranquil respite from the bustle.
Come us as we explore some of the most charming towns in Oregon; you’ll be enthralled with their distinct customs and surprising pleasures.
Merrill
Merrill’s Klamath Basin continues to produce an abundance of potatoes, many of which are sold to Frito-Lay and In-N-Out Burger, while the other farming areas grow little or none of their traditional crop. The Klamath Basin Potato Festival is held annually to commemorate this annual harvest.
October 2024 is the planned date for the festival’s 87th edition, which will include a parade, a spud run, and the crowning of the potato queen.
The Woodhouse family, who raise potatoes locally, has been scheduled as grand marshal. Basin Fertilizer & Chemical Co. and the Merrill Lion’s Club will serve as hosts.
Lebanon
The Lebanon Strawberry Festival is one of the oldest and most delightful traditions in Oregon. This Willamette Valley city has been celebrating strawberries since 1909; originally a lucrative crop, they are now a major tourist attraction.
More people attend the festival than live in Lebanon, mainly because of the parades, races, carnival rides, live music, food competitions, vendors such as Swansorifinds and 4 Seasons Farmers Market Lebanon, and the unveiling of the World’s Largest Strawberry Shortcake—a contentious title for a cake that measures about 32 feet by 17 feet.
More than 8,000 slices are distributed at no cost.
Astoria
A little over 10,000 people can choose from the Astoria Warrenton Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival, which has been honoring Oregon’s coastal delicacies since 1982; the Great Columbia Crossing 10K Run/Walk, which has been honoring the state’s coastal joggers since 1982; and the Astoria Regatta Festival, which is one of the oldest festivals west of the Rockies and has been honoring the state’s coastal sailboats since 1894.
The most bizarre custom in Astoria, however, is the 56-year-old Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, which includes a Viking feast, a meatball eating competition, and the running of the trolls.
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Philomath
“Philomath” denotes an enthusiasm for learning. Finding out about the Philomath Frolic & Rodeo, which has been held in this tiny Benton County city since 1953, will captivate you.
Originally organized by three couples who wanted to celebrate the history of logging and rodeo in Philomath, the festival also features a car show, a fun run, a home run derby, a sidewalk coloring contest, a parade, cornhole tournaments, food booths, barbecues, kids korners, craft vendors, and “frolics,” or large dances.
Legendary local businesses Figaro’s Pizza, Vinwood Taphouse, and Cheeke Farms are among the sponsors.
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Troutdale
Troutdale’s most famous custom is dubious, as implied by its name.
This about 16,000-person settlement is situated near to the Sandy River, which historically served as the smelt, a small saltwater fish that spawns in freshwater, spawning corridor. Many smelt migrated down the river every spring, and intrepid people caught them to eat for themselves or sell to SeaWorld for use by whales.
However, some years see a sufficient influx of fish into Sandy to bring the run back for a short while. The latest one occurred in 2023, on March 30, when the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife approved smelt netting for a period of seven hours.
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To Conclude
Travelers looking for a tranquil getaway from the bustle of the city can have an amazing experience at Oregon’s hidden jewels.
These quaint villages highlight the state’s rich cultural diversity and kind hospitality, from the eccentric customs of Merrill to the energetic vibe of Astoria.
Explore the charm of Oregon’s most underappreciated tiny towns by going off the usual route.
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