For the past three years my job has taken me all around our great state, from Pendleton to Coos Bay, Ashland to Astoria and just about everywhere in between. As a sixth-generation Oregonian, who prided herself on her vast store of local knowledge, I was astounded to learn just how little I knew about most communities. And, I was faced with a unique and persistent problem: where do I eat? 

Outside the I-5 corridor and the Bend area, there is precious little information on-line about where to dine. The age-old tradition of asking locals is the best bet. Although, as I sometimes prefer to do after hours alone on the road, picking a place at random and seeing what happens has also been enormously interesting. So, at the urging of my friends and colleagues (and husband, who sometimes joins me on my adventures), I am setting out to document the highs and lows of eating on the road around the Beaver State.

Being a woman road-warrior who primarily eats alone figures heavily in my decisions. For example, I rarely roll-up solo-style to bars in parts unknown. Generally being on a limited per diem has also shaped my decisions. Although, I have certainly splurged on myself (and footed the bill) when an irresistible, decadent option presents itself. As a result, I have cultivated the capacity to eat a four-course meal without any company save a book.

For those of you who live and travel through Oregon (especially outside the Portland Metro Area), I look forward to hearing suggestions!

Tags: ashland, astoria, beaver, bend, coos bay, eat, eating, I-5, oregon, oregonian, pendleton, restaurant, road