Overhead, clouds parade in showy splendor. A whale spout is seen in the distance. Here where the sounds of gulls and the quiet wash of surf can be heard, there is an iconic roadside restaurant laying claim to genuine buzz worthy corndogs.
Trivia buffs know that corndogs began here. The diner with a 1950s vibe reflects an enduring easygoing time. The place is the Original Pronto Pup hot dog stand in the small Oregon coastal town of Rockaway Beach.
Pronto Pup is another name for corndog. And despite the fact that many claim to be the first to develop a corn batter wrapped hot dog on a stick, it was the owner of an Oregon tourist hot dog stand that had the earliest idea of wrapping hot dogs in “buns” rather than sandwiching them inside of a white bread bun.
The year was 1939. Rain ruined their hot dog bun stock when the idea grew to cook buns on the spot, as needed.
George Boyington’s hand-dipped in cornbread batter and then deep fried hot dogs became a sensation. With popularity they became known as the “Pronto Pup.”
As corndogs became a national sensation, other hot dog stands began developing their version. Though others claim to be the birthplace of the corndog, none are known to pre-date George Boyington’s “Pronto Pup.”
Boyington opened franchises throughout the country, but approaching a century later, the original Pronto Pup location remains in the coastal town of Rockaway Beach, enduring in popularity for its savoring classic homemade corndog on a stick.
The Oregon Coast, at the westernmost edge of the continental United States time zone has the country’s last sunsets. Seabirds amuse themselves at the edge of the cool waves, scooting back and forth as the waves came in and brake and spread out along the beach.
What could be better than watching an ocean sunset while enjoying a real corndog? Should you drive Highway 101 on the Oregon coast, take time to stop at the original Pronto Pup; unquestionably they have the most historically buzz worthy corndog.
Some even say this is “corndog heaven.”
