If you are from Oregon, you know that there are hundreds of things that are very unique to the state, and that probably hold a spot in your heart. Although, there are some things that that tend to stand out, and I bet that made a few things come to mind. So, here is what comes to mind for me that every Oregonian knows.
1. Rain.
It could be the middle of September, and it could have been 90 degrees every day for two weeks, but after two weeks of excruciating heat, there just might be a day that the temperature plummets to 57 degrees and it is pouring rain outside. No matter how much we complain about the rain, it is such a relief after an entire summer of hot weather.
2. Birkenstocks.
Who doesn’t love their Birks? No matter how many people say they are ugly and look like Jesus sandals, they are probably the most comfortable, and stereotypical Oregonian shoes. And yes, we do wear them with socks, and we do wear them in even if it is raining outside.
3. Nike.
I mean, come on, it’s Nike. Nike was born in Oregon. That pretty much explains itself.
4. Voodoo Doughnuts.
From the classic Old Fashioned Doughnut to the Old Dirty Bastard Doughnut, Voodoo Doughnuts is something that almost every Oregonian is familiar with. Who doesn’t love a doughnut shop covered in pink and with such unique choices?
5. The Oregon Coast.
Not having to worry about a crowd, finding a spot to sit on the sand, or worrying about getting seriously sunburnt is so incredibly peaceful. For those of us who love the ocean, nothing quite compares to the Oregon Coast for Oregonians.
6. Dutch Bros.
You can’t go to any other coffee shop and find the same upbeat, energetic, friendly, and heartwarming atmosphere that you do at Dutch Bros. A little coffee company that started in Grants Pass has blossomed into a large coffee chain that has changed lives through charity and acts of kindness, and strives to brighten the days of customers. It isn’t hard for Oregonians to take pride in such a wonderful company.
7. Tie-Dye.
I cannot count the number of tie-dye shirts I have. Chances are, if you live in Oregon, you own some kind of tie-dye shirt. Whether it be a tie-dye shirt that is in the colors of your favorite sports team, a shirt you bought at the Saturday Market, or one you made yourself, tie dye, love it or hate it, holds a special place in our hearts and never fails to remind us of home.
8. Umbrellas (that we hate so much).
Truthfully, there is no point in using an umbrella. Slip on a North Face windbreaker, flip up the hood, and zip the jacket all the way up and call it good. Using an umbrella makes the sidewalks crowded, and chances are it is going to turn inside out from the wind and break anyways.
9. North Face.
I don’t know what it is about Oregonians, but we love our North Face jackets, there isn’t much too it.
10. All Four Seasons.
In Oregon, we are lucky enough to have all four seasons. In the summer, it is sunny and warm. When Fall rolls around, the leaves change color and drop onto the ground, and clouds begin to grace the sky with rain as a partner. As Winter emerges, the rain pours and if you breathe outside, you can see the breath and as you inhale, the cold air stings your lungs. And lastly, when Spring time comes around, so do the flowers and the football games.
It is pretty cool to live in a state where it is perfectly normal to wear a heavy winter jacket on the top, and to wear Birks on your feet, even if it does mean that your toes might feel like they are going to freeze off.
