Western Souvenirs: November 2009

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http://www.viamagazine.com/top_stories/articles/western_souvenirs_nov09.asp

November/December 2009 [1]

Three items give you a flavor of the West.

Say cheese, see it made

Cowgirl Creamery's herb-topped Pierce Pt. cheese, named for the northern tip of California's Point Reyes, is sold only in fall and winter. Book a tour of the company's modern plant in Petaluma, Calif. (Wednesdays, $30) and leave with generous cheese samples. (866) 433-7834, cowgirlcreamery.com [2].

Slice into history

Celebrate a century of true Oregon flavor with an anniversary wheel of Tillamook's three-year-old cheddar (two pounds, $20). But first tour the factory to see 40-pound blocks get sliced for packaging and to sample ultrafresh cheddar curd that squeaks as you chew it. (503) 815-1300, tillamookcheese.com [3].

Silver, paper, scissors

Jeweler Susan Fleming's passion for chiyogami, a Japanese silk-screened paper, cuts deep. She snips up the precious sheets, then mounts the pieces like gemstones in bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. Find her works ($46 and up) at the Depot Gallery in Ennis, Mont., during the annual Christmas Stroll, December 4. The bracelet shown is $290.

(406) 682-7111, thedepotgallery.com [4].

Photography courtesy Cowgirl Creamery (Say Cheese)

This article was first published in November 2009. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.