Tasty cheese, wine, and awesome grilled cheese sandwiches are just a few reasons to visit Blue Heron. Alongside the awesome food, the petting zoo and free roaming peacocks are also a main attraction.
When most people think of Tillamook, they’re drawn right to the iconic Tillamook Cheese Factory, not realizing that just a little ways down the road there’s another gem that’s waiting to be discovered. Blue Heron French Cheese Company, just five minutes away, offers an incredible experience without the packed lines and crowds. Established in 1979 and still family-owned today, Blue Heron has perfected the art of brie-making, serving up delicious grilled sandwiches, and family fun.
Blue Heron French Cheese Company In Tillamook, Oregon
Blue Heron is the place to be for anyone with a taste for Pacific Northwest flavors and fine French cheese. The property is overflowing with tasty finds, from locally-crafted cheeses and gourmet snacks to a selection of Oregon wines that make wine tasting a must.
The deli here is also a treat, serving up fresh-baked bread, soups, and an assortment of hearty sandwiches. One of the menu’s stars is “The Blue," a combination of their signature brie, turkey, and cranberry sauce. The Blue is practically a comfort food masterpiece.
The Tilly Grilly, with ooey-gooey Tillamook cheddar (ham optional), is also a favorite.
Do you love Oregon?
Sign up for monthly emails full of local travel inspiration and fun trip ideas. In each newsletter we'll share upcoming events, new things to do, hot dining spots and great travel ideas.
For a true cheese-lover’s dream, the baked brie with honey, preserves, fresh fruit, and a mini baguette is the way to go.
Visit The Animals At The Blue Heron Petting Farm
Beyond the mouth watering food, Blue Heron offers experiences that make it more than just a place to grab a bite to eat. Situated on the pretty Blue Heron grounds, the petting farm is a highlight, especially for families.
Kids and adults alike can visit with the gentle, friendly animals, including cows, pigs, goats, chickens, alpacas, and even a few free-range peacocks.
There’s animal feed for sale at just a dollar a bag, making it easy to connect with and feed the animals, which often ends up being one of the most memorable parts of the visit. This little farm oasis is ideal for photos, so don’t forget to bring your camera!
Tip for families of young children: A stroller is not recommended due to the gravel parking lot and small size of the shop.
Don't Forget To Visit The Blue Heron Candy Shop!
For dessert, head to the Candy Wonderland for sweets and a big scoop of Tillamook ice cream! Choose from several flavors without dealing with long lines that are typically found at the Tillamook Cheese Factory, and for the ultimate treat, try the Barnyard Sundae Bucket – a massive ice cream creation you’ll want to share (or not!).
If coffee is more your thing, the Blue Heron Espresso Bar serves Longbottom Coffee, offering a perfect pick-me-up before or after a day on the coast.
Oregon Wine Tasting At Blue Heron
Blue Heron’s wine selection is another crowd-pleaser. Oregon wines take center stage here, with tastings and flights that are perfect to pair with a cheese or a charcuterie board. On a nice day sip a glass of wine by the firepit as the sun sets, or grab a bottle and a cheese box to-go for your own pairing adventure. You can even spend the night right on-site if you’re RV camping with Harvest Hosts, which lets you enjoy all Blue Heron has to offer, from wine and treats to animal visits, just steps from your door.
Is there tent camping available at the Blue Heron campground? Camping at Blue Heron is for RV's only, and has a maximum two night stay. This is a great option if you're just passing through the area and are looking for a good safe place to park your RV for a night or two.
Blue Heron French Cheese Company Information
Located just five minutes south of the Tillamook Cheese Factory along Highway 101, Blue Heron French Cheese Company is the perfect stop for anyone wanting a mix of good food, local wine, and family-friendly fun in a laid-back setting.
- Location: 2001 Blue Heron Drive in Tillamook, Oregon.
- Hours: Open seven days a week from 8 AM - 7 PM. The deli is open from 8 AM - 6 PM.
- Get more information at the Blue Heron French Cheese Company website.
Whether you’re tasting cheeses, saying hello to farm animals, or exploring the gift shop’s quirky selection of chocolates and kitchen goodies, Blue Heron is the kind of place where it’s easy to settle in and spend a few hours. The next time you’re in Tillamook, skip the long lines and head over to Blue Heron for a relaxing day filled with the best wines and French cheeses along the Oregon coast.
You've told us about Blue Heron, and mentioned the Tillamook Cheese Factory, but what else is there to do in Tillamook? Aside from visiting Blue Heron, one of our favorite activities in Tillamook is to visit the massive Tillamook Air Museum, located in an old air hangar from World War II. This is a great spot to get up close and personal with aircraft, and learn the history of the area and of the old World War II air hangar and blimps (known then as K Class Airships)!
How long should I plan to visit Tillamook? We recommend a few hours at each location we've mentioned. If you want to visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory, Blue Heron French Cheese Company, and the Tillamook Air Museum, we think the best plan is to spend two days in the area. If you're just planning to visit one or two locations, one day should be enough time. You won't find long lines at the air museum or at Blue Heron. If you're headed to the Tillamook Cheese Factory, plan to spend extra time waiting for food or ice cream if you plan on eating there.
