Travel Oregon
Travel Oregon, Oregon's tourism board, invited me to explore beautiful Central Oregon for their fall culinary campaign. I didn't grow up in Oregon, so I never got to explore very much of this state until I moved to Portland a few years ago. Even then, I've only really spent time on the west side of the state. I was definitely excited about this job.
As a part of this campaign, I spent time in three cities: Maupin, Bend and Sisters. I ate at the best restaurants, stayed at the nicest hotels and met the most inspiring people. I loved documenting the whole experience through photography and stories.
I can't tell you how many times I pulled off to the side of the road to shoot photos while driving between these beautiful cities. Sure, Central Oregon is full of beautiful destinations, but I think the journey in between destinations is just as special.
I shared my experience as it happened on my personal Instagram feed as well as Travel Oregon's Instagram feed and both feeds received engagement that surpassed expectations.
My waitress at breakfast was so sweet that I knew I had to ask for her portrait.
Boo used to be a pipeline welder until a few years ago when she moved to Sisters, Oregon. Now she works at a cute little diner. It's pretty obvious from the way she carries herself, but Boo says she loves her job because she loves meeting new people and making them smile.
Juniper Junction
"Last night as I was leaving Smith Rock State Park I saw this classic old building sitting on its own, just outside the park entrance.
I pulled off to see what it was, only to remember that a friend told me this is -the- must visit ice cream shop in all of Central Oregon.
From what I could tell, this shop is also the home of the owner. I approached the front door where I saw a sign. "WE ARE OPEN! PLEASE ring the bell and PLEASE allow one minute for us to arrive." So I rang the doorbell and nearly a minute later an older gentleman with a long gray mullet came to the window next to the door with a subtle smile.
He explained to me that the only ice cream they had that day was Wild Huckleberry, but that it was their best-selling and most famous flavor, 41 years in a row.
I told him I'd take two scoops and handed him a two dollar bill.
Best. Ice Cream. Ever."
