Hello foodie friends! If you live in the Portland area or have ever visited, you've definitely ventured to the coast. On those days, depending on where you head, you might find yourself at the greatest tourist location in the Pacific Northwest.
The Tillamook Cheese Factory is my favorite spot in Oregon, and it is a must visit for any trip to the coast. The Tillamook Cheese Factory is fun, educational, fascinating and delicious. I am a huge proponent of supporting the Tillamook Cheese Factory and Tillamook Cheese in general. Yes, it is just that good.
As an avid fan of the Tillamook Cheese Factory, I feel it is my duty to share with you the nine things that are an absolute must when visiting this landmark location.
#1 Wear A Tillamook T-Shirt
I know that this seems a little on the nose, but honestly if you don't live for a cheddar cheese grilled cheese sandwich you can't be a part of my #squad. In all reality this is one of my absolute favorite shirts to wear on the reg. It's totes adorable and right up my alley.
#2 Get Your Picture As A Cow
Yes you can also be the dairy farmer, because it's just so real. I love a good cut out head thingy. You can also watch a fun video about the dairy cows.
#3 Take A Cheesy Tour
Taking the tour is quintessential. I live for the cheese moving along the production line. I dream of slicing up those big bricks of cheese and biting into it. Yum!
Here's a short, fun video I shot of the cheese just spinning and spinning.
#4 Read Cheese Facts
Yes the cheese facts are embedded into the tour, but honestly they are a highlight all on their own. They have interesting facts about the production of the cheese. They have some vintage items that were used previously in cheese making. So fascinating!
#5 Taste Test!
Honestly, the number one highlight of the visit to the Tillamook Cheese Factory is the cheese taste test that you take after going through the tour. You can try all types of cheese available (I'd definitely suggest the Squeaky Cheese). This part is important for the next step.
#6 Buy Cheese
After trying some amazing, world famous Squeaky Cheese cheese curds, you'll want to find the biggest bag in the bin and take it home. If it's not world famous, it should be. It's just to the left after the taste testing area.
#7 Did I Mention Buy Cheese?
As a matter of principle, I must urge you to buy more than just squeaky cheese. There are so many delicious cheeses for you to devour at home. Some of these cheeses are hard to find in stores around town (I get lucky every once in a while at Fred Meyer). You'll be sorry if you don't pick up some special flavors while at the Tillamook Cheese Factory.
#8 Ice Cream is Essential
Yes, I realize you just bought cheese, but that's for home. You need to make sure you grab some ice cream before you walk out the door. Be forewarned, the website says "People come from all over the world to try our ice cream, so don't be discouraged if there happens to be a line—it's worth the wait." It's so true! As an added note, they have some very efficient people working the ice cream bar and the wait doesn't take that long. This past visit I had a Cinnamon Horchata Milkshake and it was EVERYTHING.
#9 Get in the Loaf Bus
My final tip is to make sure you get a picture taken with with the Loaf Bus. These pictures are so cute and fun and the icing on an already perfect cake.
Tillamook not only does dairy right, they also do tourist attractions right. You will absolutely have a great afternoon when you stop in and visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory. Now I've got to know, what's your favorite Tillamook product?
P.S. Stay tuned, next week I'm going to share a totally cheesy recipe inspired by this visit.
