We decided to take the long way home from Portland and stopped the Tillamook Cheese Factory and Farmhouse Cafe. Since we were there, we took the tour of the factory. It’s a self-guided tour, complete with cheese samples.
Holy buckets, fresh cheese is sooo amazing, plus who doesn’t love a good squeaky cheese?
Tillamook is a farmer owned dairy co-op {about 100 farmers total}. The cows all call Tillamook, Oregon home–and the company swears that the rainy valley means better grass for the cows. Apparently, Tillamook is home to more cows than people.
In 1909, several small dairy farmers banded together and began making Tillamook cheese. It’s grown over the years, but the co-op idea that is supposed to promote high quality has stayed the same.
The farmers try to ensure that everything is fresh–milk arrives at the factory within 1 hour of leaving the farm and it is turned into cheese within 24 hours of arriving at the factory.
After the tour, we stopped into the cafe for lunch. It featured tons of Tillamook goodness {cheese sandwiches, anyone?}. The site also has a creamery where you can sample Tillamook Ice Creams {some of the flavors I had never seen in the stores}. Yum!
It was totally worth taking the long way home. 😉
Do you have a favorite Tillamook cheese? I think my new favorite is the extra sharp white cheddar.
~ Mavis
Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour and Farmhouse Cafe
4175 Highway 101 North
Tillamook, OR 97141
Larry says
MMMM Chederella is my favorite!
Anna says
So glad you were able to swing by here. Tillamook is a wonderful place to live. So much here to see and do. Come back soon.
I agree on your choice of yummy cheese!
Jamie says
Thank you for posting this. I just bought some Tillamook cheese today and now I feel really good about my purchase and plan on continuing to buy it!
sclindah says
I absolutely love the Tillamook Cheese Factory and their cheese and ice cream! We visit it every time I visit Oregon. I was born and raised in Oregon but live in South Carolina and can’t get the cheese here in stores but stock up when we go. The last time we were there we took some bricks of cheese back home but it caused us to get searched going through security at the airport! I don’t think there is any other place like it!
Mary Ann says
I was born and raised in Oregon and now live in SC too! We’ve found Tillamook cheese at our Earth Fare store but that’s about it–it’s pretty expensive. When I visit my parents, I always buy the big bricks of cheese to bring home. My husband loves it too.
I was to the factory when I was about 8 years old–would love to go again.
Wanda Jo says
Smoked Cheddar Cracked Pepper.
Mindy says
The medium cheddar loaf is a staple in our house. I cut squares for my husband to take in his lunch every day. Touring their factory was such fun and the ice cream amazing. I think it’s about time for a return visit.
Heather says
We usually by the Sharp or Extra Sharp Cheddar. We recently saw their ice cream (on sale even) so we picked up a tub of Vanilla. It was really good! I will be looking for that again.
Valerie Stephenson says
My parents moved to Tillamook in 1987 and every time we visit we have to take the kids (who are now young adults) to the Cheese Factory. A visit just wouldn’t be the same without it. And yes I agree with your favorite cheese, Extra Sharp White Cheddar is my favorite too.
Deb Leary says
I LOVE Tillamook cheese and have such good memories of visiting the factory AGES ago (it was maybe 1982?!) My local Costco (St Louis is where I live now) carries Taillamook cheese – cheddar, cheddar/jack. It is fabulous. And I grew up in dairy country (wisconsin/Minnesota). Thanks for posting the great pics!
Shannon says
Extra Sharp White Cheddar is amazing. I also love Smoked White Cheddar with Black Pepper for a special treat. And for the family’s everyday cheese, I love the vintage medium white cheddar. We are so lucky to live near such great cheese! I used to live in KY and would take several two pound blocks back there with me every time I came home for a visit.
Adrian says
I grew up in Tillamook. I’m glad you enjoyed your visit! I love Tillamook cheese, but it can be hard to come by here in Minnesota. Luckily, we recently got a Costco and they carry a few varieties for a decent price! Next time you swing through Tillamook, stop by the feed store to get a good deal on the cheese.