Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central Coast Food Trail?
The Central Coast Food Trail aims to directly connect visitors and locals with a true taste of the coast, while at the same time better connecting our restaurant community and local foodshed. We will celebrate the farmers, ranchers, fishermen and foragers that work so hard to raise, harvest and catch our local ingredients and the chefs, brewers, and artisan producers that are eager to prepare them in creative and wonderful ways.
We strive to create better access to locally sourced ingredients- from the sustainably harvested fish, pink shrimp and crab that come from the sea, to the meats, vegetables and fruit that are raised on farms along the river that runs to it. I believe this Food Trail has potential to bring our local foodshed closer together, bring visitors and locals closer to the food they eat, as we bring the people behind our food into greater focus.
Why was the Central coast Food Trail established?
To explore more than 30 unique businesses offering a taste of the Central Oregon Coast.
As with the other food trails across Oregon, the Central Coast Food Trail highlights businesses that are committed to sustainable practices and locally sourced ingredients. Take your time exploring the coast between Florence and Lincoln City and you can find:
- Freshly caught seafood served in gourmet restaurants or sold in seafood markets
- Bakeries, breweries, cafés and coffee roasters using wild foraged and locally grown ingredients
- Lodging properties where the views are as phenomenal as the food
Are all Food Trail stops open year round?
TRAVEL TIPS
Because open hours can vary, please confirm seasonal hours of operation with each business when planning your visit. While traveling through rural areas, you may encounter livestock, wild animals, harvest equipment and cyclists. The boardwalks and ports of coastal towns are also working areas full of boats, equipment, and wildlife such as sea lions. Slow down, pay attention to your surroundings, and enjoy the sights and smells of the Oregon coast.
The working farms and docks along this trail provide unique and engaging experiences. Please be respectful when visiting, and be cautious around farm and fishing equipment. Children must be supervised at all times and you should be prepared to follow all site-specific rules. For your safety and comfort wear appropriate footwear and bring sun protection and water.
WHEN TO VISIT
High season is typically April - October, but many locations on this trail are open year-round.
BOOK A GUIDED TOUR
Interested in a professionally-guided farm, food or beverage tour? The following operators offer tours to select trail stops and can build custom itineraries.
Can other businesses join the central Coast Food Trail?
Every other year there will be an opportunity for businesses who meet the criteria to join the Food Trail. We welcome ideas from the community - AND visitors - as to which local farms, food markets, eateries, craft beverage-makers, and other local food makers would be a good fit for the Central Coast Food Trail. Please feel free to email your ideas to ddcentral@thepeoplescoast.com.
What is the criteria to be on the Food Trail?
The Central Coast Food Trail defines local as “a product - or the majority of the ingredients in a product - which originates within 150 miles of the physical location of the entity being listed".
At least 50% of the product displayed or for sale at a farm must be grown/raised/harvested/produced on that farm.
Restaurants must source a yearly average of at least 33% of the food ingredients used in their business locally. We also strongly encourage restaurants to promote the producers they use on the menu or in the restaurant.
Other businesses must have at least 50% of product sold either processed or value added locally. This includes coffee beans roasted in house, bread baked, beverages brewed or distilled in-house, etc.
Feel free to reach out at wrcfoodtrail@gmail.com to learn more.