How do we tell travel stories that encourage responsible travel? Stories that highlight off-the-beaten-path destinations, and the organizations working to make their region more resilient?
In the spring, we partnered with the Columbia Coast – a brand new travel TV show that aims to encourage longer stays and experiences that dig deep into the character of a community.
When we chose what experiences to feature, their advice was to show them around like you would your best friend: introduce them to the local characters, your favorite places to eat, and the off-the-beaten path experiences that make your home so special.
This week, during the stormiest week of the year, every one of these local businesses showed up to a community premiere and storytelling event in the small town of Wheeler, Oregon.
Despite a flood in their workshop, Heart of Cartm hosted us in their community studio space for an evening of conversation about what makes this place so special to the people who and work here – and how we collectively imagine the future of tourism in our rapidly changing community.
Storyboarding a day of coastal adventure
The episode started with a beach walk outside the cast’s hotel, the Ocean Inn, which partners with Kind Traveler and is deeply connected in the web of organizations giving back to the community and environment.
Then, they learned more about the way our community works for good by participating in the Trash Bash, and chatting with Jessi at the Heart of Cartm creative reuse store.
They also went foraging for mussels with Alanna from Shifting Tides, who shared all her local knowledge about tides and sustainable foraging practices. Then they cooked everything up at the Jetty Fishery, along with some fresh crab and the company of everyone’s favorite local tour guide, Kelly Laviolette.
The Oregon Coast Visitors Association covers a big region – but these are the kinds of events that keep us connected to the beating heart of the coast. The premiere event was full of neighbors and old friends catching up over holiday drinks, and insightful thoughts about what resilient tourism means for this specific part of the coast, with all its unique challenges, offerings, and incredible people.
About the Columbia Coast TV show
The Columbia Coast is a new Oregon-Washington travel show. Episodes air Sundays on the FYI Network. The one hour travel show features coastal regions of Oregon and Washington with a spotlight on boutique lodging, history and culture, regional culinary ingredients, and outdoor activities. Tune in to be part of the action and follow them on social media @thecolumbiacoast.