Tillamook Coast Conversations

Tillamook Coast Visitors Association
  • 5.0 (2)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Tillamook Coast Conversations is your insider's guide to Oregon's captivating Tillamook Coast. We will dive into engaging discussions that highlight both visitor experiences and industry insights, capturing local voices, programs, and stories. We'll explore topics of stewardship, the beauty of local trails, accessibility, cultural heritage, the vibrant arts scene, local cuisine, fisheries, plus the farmers, retail owners, and life-long residents that define the region. Let's venture coastward together!

  1. 11/11/2025

    Sharlys Leszczuk, Nestucca High School's Hospitality and Tourism Program

    In this episode, we sit down with Sharlys Leszczuk, educator, real estate agent, and lifelong hospitality professional, to talk about how she’s bringing tourism education to life for students at Nestucca Valley High School. From her start in fine dining and PR in New York City to serving and teaching on the Oregon Coast, Sharlys shares how hospitality is more than service—it’s about connection, creativity, and community. Below are the organizations, local businesses, and partners mentioned in our conversation. Explore the links to learn more about the people and places shaping the future of Oregon Coast tourism and hospitality education. Helpful links Nestucca Valley Jr./Sr. High SchoolTillamook Coast Visitors Association (TCVA)Tillamook Estuaries PartnershipThe Schooner Restaurant & Lounge (Netarts Bay)Garibaldi Boathouse (Garibaldi, ORGrateful Bread Bakery & Restaurant (Pacific City)The Riverhouse Nestucca (Pacific City)Heartfelt HospitalityTillamook County Parks DepartmenTillamook Air MuseumPacific City Chamber of CommerceTillamook Area Chamber of CommerceExplore Tillamook Coast – Adventure GuideTillamook County Library SystemCredits: Hosted by Dan HaagMusic by Eric Sappington & Mercury CoastEdited by Jon Richardson

    32 min

  2. 10/28/2025

    Sydney Elliott, Kayak Tillamook

    In this episode of Tillamook Coast Conversations, Nicole interviews Sydney Elliott, the owner and operator of Kayak Tillamook. Sydney shares her journey from being an English professor to running a guided kayak tour business, emphasizing the transformative power of nature and the importance of connection to the environment. She discusses the unique experiences offered through her tours, the significance of accessibility, and the role of her guides as ambassadors for the waterways. Sydney also highlights the importance of safety, community engagement, and the joy of celebrating milestones on the water. Helpful links: Kayak TillamookAlice’s Country HouseJuntos AfueraWEBS | Friends of Netharts Bay Watershed, Estuary, Beach, & SeaCredits: Hosted by Nicole SteenMusic by Eric Sappington & Mercury CoastEdited by Jon Richardson

    45 min

  3. 07/23/2025

    Houston & Katie Vandergriff, Down & Towns

    On this episode of Tillamook Coast Conversations, Mother & Son duo Katie and Houston Vandergriff share Houston’s inspiring journey documenting their worldwide travels while advocating for disability awareness and accessibility in travel. They discuss the origin of their platform, Downs and Towns, and how Houston's Down Syndrome has shaped their experiences and perspectives. In this conversation with host Dan Haag, they stress the importance of travel for personal growth, the challenges faced in accessible travel, and the positive trends in awareness and support for individuals with disabilities. They also share memorable experiences from their travels, particularly in Oregon, and emphasize the power of storytelling in changing perceptions around disability. Helpful links: Downs & TownsPhotographer With Down Syndrome's Viral TikTok Gets Over a Million Likes on NewsweekTravelAbility4-HAnnual Dahlia FestivalWooden Shoe Tulip FestivalPacific City, ORRockaway Big Tree BoardwalkTillamook Estuaries PartnershipTillamook Air MuseumCape Meares LighthouseOld Wheeler HotelGaribaldi Boat HouseWheel the WorldCredits: Hosted by Dan HaagMusic by Eric Sappington & Mercury Coast⁠Edited by Jon Richardson⁠

    46 min

  4. 07/02/2025

    Trevor Rogers, de Garde Brewing

    In this episode, Trevor Rogers from de Garde Brewing shares the journey of establishing their brewery in Tillamook, focusing on their unique brewing techniques that emphasize spontaneous fermentation and local ingredients. Trevor discusses the challenges and craftsmanship involved in their brewing process, the importance of seasonality, and their commitment to sustainability. Trevor also highlights the significance of community engagement, collaborations with other breweries, and the evolution of de Garde's locations. Dan and Trevor touch on their annual anniversary event, milestones in de Garde’s journey, and future plans for the brewery. Helpful Links: de Garde BrewingBelgian LambicDrie FonteinenCoolshipCrosby Hop FarmsFort GeorgeBrew HäusRuse BrewingPort of Tillamook BayTillamook Air Museum TCVATrailkeepers of OregonTillamook County FairgroundsNight of the Great ThirstBXLCantillon BreweryCountry Squire Food Truck Credits: Hosted by Dan HaagMusic by Eric Sappington & Mercury CoastEdited by Jon Richardson

    36 min

  5. 06/18/2025

    Natalie Nites, Nestucca, Neskowin, and Sand Lake Watersheds Council

    TCVA’s Dan Haag sits down with Natalie Nites, Executive Director of the Nestucca, Neskowin, and Sand Lake Watersheds Council to discuss her role and the mission of the council to improve the environmental health of local watersheds. She highlights the challenges faced, including non-point source pollution and the need for collaboration with local communities and organizations. Natalie shares success stories from past projects, the importance of shade for aquatic life, and the prioritization of wildlife species in conservation efforts. She also addresses funding challenges, the balance between economic needs and environmental conservation, and long-term goals for watershed management. Helpful Links: Nestucca, Neskowin, and Sand Lake Watersheds CouncilTillamook Estuaries PartnershipTEP’s Claudine Rehn on Tillamook Coast ConversationsSalmon SuperhighwayScience on Tap (Pelican Brewing)TEP Water Quality MapOregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB)Department of Environmental QualityThe Nature ConservancyNOAAPrivate Forest AccordU.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceLower Nehalem Community TrustExplore NatureHaystack Rock in Pacific CityCape KiwandaSandlakeMcKenzie River Credits: Hosted by Dan HaagMusic by Eric Sappington & Mercury CoastEdited by Jon Richardson

    35 min

  6. 06/04/2025

    Matt Schneider, Leave No Trace

    This episode of Tillamook Coast Conversations explores the partnership between Leave No Trace and the Tillamook Coast Visitors Association, focusing on sustainable tourism and the implementation of Leave No Trace principles. Along with our host, Nicole Steen, Leave No Trace’s Matt Schneider and TCVA’s own Dan Haag discuss the importance of educating visitors on responsible outdoor practices, the need for community engagement, and the adaptation of Leave No Trace principles to fit the unique ecological and cultural context of the Tillamook Coast. The conversation culminates in a detailed discussion of the seven principles of Leave No Trace, emphasizing the importance of stewardship and responsible recreation. Not only do they outline the Leave No Trace principles as they apply to the Tillamook Coast, but they also emphasize the importance of wildlife conservation, community engagement, and education. Nicole, Dan, and Matt also discuss strategies for spreading awareness and the role of local businesses in promoting sustainable tourism. They envision a future where visitors are well-informed and actively participate in preserving the natural beauty of the area through collaborative efforts. Helpful Links: Leave No TraceVisit BendCaring for Our Coast Credits: Hosted by Nicole SteenMusic by Eric Sappington & Mercury CoastEdited by Jon Richardson

    50 min

  7. 04/30/2025

    Nicole Twigg, Kiwanda Coastal Properties

    In this episode of Tillamook Coast Conversations, Nicole Twigg shares her journey with Kiwanda Coastal Properties, a family-owned vacation rental business in Pacific City, Oregon. She discusses her deep roots in the area, the evolution of vacation rentals from the 1980s to the present, and the impact of technology and platforms like Airbnb on the industry. She chats with host Nicole Steen about the changing dynamics of travel post-pandemic and the importance and benefits of direct bookings for local businesses.  They also explore the evolution of the vacation rental market, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. Nicoles discuss the increased demand for vacation rentals, the diverse offerings available, and the collaborative nature of the industry. They also address the challenges posed by new regulations and offer advice for those looking to enter the vacation rental market.  Helpful Links: Kiwanda Coastal PropertiesTillamook Coast Visitors Association Lodging Portal Credits: Hosted by Nicole SteenMusic by Eric Sappington & Mercury CoastEdited by Jon Richardson

    35 min

  8. 04/16/2025

    Ashley Schahfer, Empowering Access

    On this episode of Tillamook Coast Conversations, Ashley Schahfer shares her journey into accessibility advocacy, detailing her experiences as a wheelchair user and the founding of her consultancy, Empowering Access. She and host Dan Haag discuss the challenges of incorporating accessibility into outdoor spaces, the importance of community engagement, and the role of technology in improving accessibility. Ashley stresses the need for collaboration and education to overcome barriers and highlights the positive shifts in attitudes toward accessibility in Oregon.  Learn More: Empowering AccessWheel the WorldDavid’s ChairMobi Mat Credits: Hosted by Dan HaagMusic by Eric Sappington & Mercury Coast⁠⁠⁠Edited by Jon Richardson⁠⁠

    37 min
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About

Tillamook Coast Conversations is your insider's guide to Oregon's captivating Tillamook Coast. We will dive into engaging discussions that highlight both visitor experiences and industry insights, capturing local voices, programs, and stories. We'll explore topics of stewardship, the beauty of local trails, accessibility, cultural heritage, the vibrant arts scene, local cuisine, fisheries, plus the farmers, retail owners, and life-long residents that define the region. Let's venture coastward together!

Information

  • Creator
    Tillamook Coast Visitors Association
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Tillamook Coast Visitors Association
  • Show Website
    Tillamook Coast Conversations