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Pronto Pup Corn Dog is part of Oregon's impressive culinary repertoire. In addition to being at the forefront of the farm-to-table and locavore movements, the Beaver State is behind such tasty treats as tater tots and marionberry pies. Oregon's greatest culinary claim to fame, however, is everyone's favorite food-on-a-stick: the corn dog! That's right, the corn dog was invented in Oregon back in the 1930s, and you can still grab one from the original Pronto Pup in Rockaway Beach.
What is it about food on a stick that's so irresistible? It's such a simple concept, but a little wooden skewer makes eating pretty much anything much more fun.
But this fun novelty isn't actually how the corn dog came to be. As with so many iconic, classic foods, the corn dog's invention was a bit of a lark; or, as some might say, a happy accident.
Where was the corn dog invented?
Corn dogs for dinner. (Alex Penn/Google Local)
You see, the corn dog got its start when George Boyington had a catastrophe at work one rainy day in the late 1930s.
As so often happens on the Oregon Coast, a storm blew in, soaking the restauranteur's hot dog buns.
Not one to let food go to waste; by the time the sun came out, he had figured out a solution to his soggy buns: dip the dogs in a special mixture and deep fry them. George's new "corn dogs" were an immediate hit, and he soon opened up his Pronto Pup shop in Rockaway Beach.
Today you can still get a Pronto Pup right here where it all began.
Making a pilgrimage to the original Pronto Pup isn't as much of a trip as it is an experience.
This adorable little restaurant has enjoyed modern updates throughout its lifetime, and its cute dining room is a bright little space with white-and-black checkerboard floors and bright red tables. You can also dine at the picnic tables outside, or take your Pronto Pups to go and eat them on the beach, which, in our opinion, is how they're meant to be enjoyed!
Paired with a basket of tater tots, you have yourself the makings of an authentic Oregon meal from the Pronto Pup menu.
They say necessity is the mother of invention, and we're so glad Mr. Boyington got stuck in a rainstorm on that fateful day back in the 1930s.
Because from this near-disaster, one of the greatest snacks on the planet was born! Enjoy the best corn dog at Pronto Pup.
Now this is our kind of cheers.
Discover more on the Rockaway Pronto Pup website. Have you been to the home of the original Oregon corn dog? This roadside stand in Rockaway Beach really is a must for all Beaver State foodies!
Find out why Rockaway Beach in Oregon is considered such a treasure. Reserve a room and make it a vacation.
