Off to Oregon

We very much enjoyed studying about the state of Oregon. Ken spent part of his growing up years in Oregon but the kids and I have just visited it in 2007 for Ken's sister Beth's wedding and his other sister, Luann's wedding celebration. We really enjoyed our visit there though it was terribly quick and busy!!

Oregon first got populated because of stories of how well things grew. That caused many in the 1840's to travel west to look for an easier life. We found the stories of their journey very interesting. We watched the movie "7 Alone" and Mara read the book about a family on the Oregon trail. When we went to visit we also were impressed with everything that was growing so largely. The trees are enormous! And the Hydrangeas were huge. My sister-in law Beth was married in a beautiful park and Mara had a great time finding what looked like Maple leaves, that were far bigger than a dinner plate.

Oregon has a very diverse agriculture and they are first in Christmas trees, hazelnuts, peppermint, raspberries, blackberries, logan berries and grass seed.

Oregon became a state on February 14, 1859 and it is the 33rd state.

The capital is Salem but the largest city is Portland. The state bird is the Western Meadowlark and the state flower is the Oregon grape.

Did you know that beneath the streets of Pendleton, Oregon, you can tour a labyrinth of tunnels built between 1870 and 1930 by Chinese laborers who went underground to escape discrimination. There has been a Chinese Laundry, ice house and butcher shop restored. I think it sounds like a very interesting place to visit!

For one meal we enjoyed "Oregon Salmon Patties", Apples (often grown in Oregon) and other stuff. :-)

We also enjoyed "Raspberry *Almond Coffee Cake" (*except I substituted pecans as I didn't have almonds.) Oregon has lots of berries. My husband tells stories of great blackberry picking when he was a child.

A fellow blogger had recommended her family food blog for Oregon recipes as their family had been there for generations. We enjoyed "Doug and Sue's Raisin Bread" from that blog.


So...What do you love about Oregon? Do you have any places that you think are just wonderful? Any recipes or foods that say Oregon to you?