Folks with a penchant for intimate culinary experiences and an interest in embracing Oregon’s splendor will delight in the state’s most comprehensive tourism promotion , the two-month Oregon Bounty celebration beginning October 1, 2006.

Expanded from previous years’ focus on Oregon’s wine, pears, cheese and hazelnuts, the statewide program encourages people to stay a few nights and participate in culinary travel experiences that highlight Oregon’s bountiful food, unique lodging, restaurants and scenery. From Oct.1 - Nov. 30, visitors and locals alike can sample the latest vintages and artisan products at local wineries; take part in harvest festivals around the state; dine at fine restaurants featuring distinctive Oregon Bounty menu items and meals; enjoy one-of-a-kind overnight stays; and meet the growers, producers, chefs, winemakers and brewmasters who make it all happen. 


Special Experience Packages
One way to enjoy Oregon Bounty is through unique “experience” packages, which will give people the chance to spend up-close-and-personal weekends with the people who grow, catch, produce and create the state’s bountiful products.

Examples:

Eastern Oregon's "Discover Rustic Baker County" - Includes loging at the historic Baer House B&B, touring a ranch that raises all-natural beef and lamb, and Sunday brunch at an orchard where a magnificent view of the Wallowa Mountains is the perfect compliment to their organic peaches, pears, Asian pears, and nuts. This package is available the weekend of October 6 – 8, 2006. (More information and reservations: www.baerhouse.com)

Portland's “Guilty Pleasures”- This tour begins with a tour and tasting at a local coffee roaster, and then features a private luncheon showcasing the wares of local artisans. Adventurers spend the afternoon finding their inner artists as they become pastry chefs and chocolatiers. After a leisurely Sunday morning ”Guilty Pleasures” participants attend a cheese & wine pairing master class and meet local cheese artisans before venturing to a local winery where they’ll blend their own commemorative bottle of wine. This package is available the weekend of November 17 – 19, 2006. (More information and reservations: www.travelportland.com/bounty)


Self-Guided Adventures
From Oregon’s coast to its mountains and high desert, hotels and inns will feature Oregon Bounty packages that include dinners, private wine and cheese tastings, farm tours, product gifts and more. Guests will experience Oregon Bounty at the state’s historic inns, hotels (both quaint and full-service), and renowned restaurants that focus on fresh, local food. Each of Oregon’s seven distinctive regions will offer travel packages, specials and events happening only during Oregon Bounty. For more information visit, www.traveloregon.com/bounty.