Bandon (/ˈbændən/) is a city in Coos County, Oregon, United States, on the south side of the mouth of the Coquille River. It was named by George Bennet, an Irish peer, who settled nearby in 1873 and named the town after Bandon in Ireland, his hometown. The population was 3,066 at the 2010 census[5] and by the 2020 census it was 3,321.[6]
Wikipedia
Discovering the Heart of Bandon with Bandon Tours
I recently had the pleasure of joining Bandon Tours, and it was a quite the treat! In just a .4-mile stroll from our starting point, we explored local gems that are more than just businesses—they’re woven into the town’s history.
Charis (Paris with a K) and Laureen filled the walk with fascinating tales and little surprises about Bandon’s unique past, giving us glimpses spanning over 100 years, all while surrounded by the harbor’s beauty.
Our first stop was Farm and Sea, where we savored delicious clam chowder paired perfectly with white wine, setting the scene as we dove into the fascinating first chapter of Bandon’s history.
Next was Tony’s Crab Shack, a beloved Bandon landmark since 1989. We enjoyed fresh fish tacos and a perfectly crispy crab cake—I was tempted to get more to-go! Even after ten years in the area, this was my first taste of their famous crab cake, and I’m glad I finally tried it. The flavors were incredible, showcasing the freshness and quality of the local seafood.
We then wandered along the scenic boardwalk, arriving at Cranberry Sweets, a staple since 1962. After generous samples and take-home treats, (which didn’t last long!), we made our way to Big Wheel General Store. Here, we tasted their iconic fudge and learned about Bandon’s early days and its resilience after the notorious fires that reshaped the town.
As we neared the end of our tour, we stopped at the iconic Bandon Sign for a quick photo op, then made our way into Alloro Wine Bar & Restaurant.
Owner Susan Miller and her team welcomed us warmly, sharing the rich history of the space, which has been a heart of Bandon since it was founded in 2006 and locally owned by Susan since 2015.
We were served a brussels sprout salad with pistachios and a creamy feta base that was simply delicious—no one left a single bite! The fresh, house-made bread and locally-sourced ingredients truly highlighted Alloro’s commitment to quality.
The grand finale was a treat of artisan chocolate truffle, complete with instructions to let it melt in our mouths—it was heavenly.
Overall, Bandon Tours created a memorable experience for visitors and locals alike, with each stop offering a new perspective and appreciation for Bandon’s community. I’m thrilled to see the additional dates coming this spring—there’s truly something for everyone with Bandon Tours!
Coos Foodie Explorer:
Stefani Eaton
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