Fiddlehead, Oregon is a fictional mid-sized college town on the Oregon Coast about 2 hours away from Eugene, similar to Astoria or Newport, OR. It is a popular destination for day trips, featuring the Alder’s Garden historic district, the beautiful cliffside overlooks of Swallow Harbor and the Swallow Harbor Lighthouse, and the Collegiate Gothic Revival architecture of Ashleigh University.
For those who love to shop local, Bay Street is lined with clothing stores, art galleries, blown glass shops, and hobby shops with all the supplies one might need to enjoy the great outdoors. Nearby Heartwood National Park and Aiguille State Park draw nature enthusiasts and conservationists, while the many vineyards, orchards, ranches and farms on the outskirts draw those that love to work the land— or just enjoy the local fruit, cheese and wine.
Quick Overview:
Est. 1811
Population: Approx 12,000 residents
Generally progressive
College town
Local businesses
Founding PAS community
Geotourism
Culture:
Fiddlehead has the spirit of a small, active community. People are in each other's business here, for better or for worse. The locals believe in everything local as well. Other than a single Trader Joe's in Ashleigh Park, there is little in the way of major chains excepting perhaps a couple gas stations at the outskirts of town. Fiddleheaders need to drive to Eugene if they want to experience the fluorescents of Target –– and they're proud of it. Folks here are invested in their community; the local festivals are anticipated town-wide and the county fair competitions are approached with enthusiasm each season.
To learn more about Fiddlehead, you can read a deep-dive in our guidebook, and stay tuned for our neighborhood feature coming tomorrow!