In exactly 6 days we are headed west to the central coast of Oregon. If you have some insider knowledge about these parts and know of something I should absolutely NOT miss during my upcoming visit, please do tell. We will be renting a house around Waldport. So far we have the following on the agenda: visit some lighthouses (Haceta head, Yaquina), see the Cape Perpetua area (tidepools, thors well, devils churn, hiking), go to seal cave, explore some dunes, and stare at the ocean.
If I am missing something that I will kick myself for later, let me know. As soon as we disembark and get the rental car we are stopping at Powell's books. We only have time to do one thing in Portland and this is what I have chosen (there may be a local yarn store nearby that I haven't mentioned to Chris yet). We are planning to stop at some wineries as we head south/west from Portland to Lincoln City on 99W. Is there one that you like?
P.S. That photo of the books is only loosely connected to this post by the Oregon travel books I consulted from the library. In the event that you want to know what I thought of the books here goes...
1. Weird Oregon: Weird, not helpful in planning my trip.
2. Wanderlust: I read 2 chapters and stopped. Interesting but not enough to read more.
3. Off the Beaten Path Oregon: Helpful.
4. Unforgettable: I finished it. I am glad Scott Simon had the chance to reminisce with his mom in her last weeks. I wish more people could do this. I am sorry his experiences with her healthcare providers were not better.
WOW!!!! thanks everyone and especially Brenda for all the suggestions! I owe you one :)
Carol, If you are flexible in your plans, you should go to Canon Beach which is north on 101. Beautiful little town with the most gorgeous flowers and the biggest hydrangeas I have ever seen! The Oregon coast is beautiful, enjoy!
Posted by: Megan | 07/27/2015 at 07:56 AM
Ditto on Cannon Beach/Haystck rock. Love the seal caves. When you go, imagine no elevator. Back in the day, one had to descend a very long set of stairs to get to the cave!
Posted by: LJ | 07/27/2015 at 08:54 AM
Tillamook factory/plant was interesting and great samples, too. Loved Cannon Beach with some blowing glass studios in the area, as well as sculpting studios, too. It's been a few years since we visited that area and I'm sorry that I can't remember the names or exact places. The scenery was so pretty in Oregon and yummy seafood, too! Enjoy!
P.S. Now I journal to have the dates and facts at hand. :)
Posted by: Sue | 07/27/2015 at 01:25 PM
Carol, you have chosen to visit a beautiful part of our wonderful Oregon coast! I live nearby and visit often, so here are my suggestions:
DEPOE BAY - known for water spouts, fishing charters and whale watching. Tidal Raves is a very good restaurant on the ocean side of 101 on the north end of town. Gracie's Sea Hag on the E side of 101 right in the middle of town has good clam chowder.
NEWPORT - Beverly Beach State Park north of town has a wonderful walking trail thru the old growth forest and amazing huge trees. It is also a short walk under the bridge to the beach.
South Beach State Park is south of town. You can sign up there for an inexpensive guided kayak tour on Beaver Creek.
Restaurants:
Local Ocean - owned by a local fishing family, great fresh seafood & innovative dishes
La Maison Bakery & Cafe - great baked goods, good lunches.
Rogue Brewery - good selection of beer but, food is so-so.
Cafe Mundo - in the Nye Beach area, great lunches
Cafe Stephanie - also Nye Beach, very good breakfasts & lunches
Sorella - a new Italian restaurant in Nye Beach, chef well-known in this area, haven't tried it yet
April's at Nye Beach - nice place for upscale dinner
Mo's is a famous tourist fish & chowder house. We think the chowder at Chowder Bowl in Nye Beach is better.
Panini Bakery - in Nye Beach
Shopping:
Jovi - unique shop, gifts & imports, next to Panini Bakery in Nye Beach; my favorite shop in town
Yarn for All Seasons - fabulous shop. On the south side of the bridge, east side, in a conglomeration of
little shops in an old warehouse area. Well worth searching out.
Also several interesting shops and galleries in Nye Beach, including a nice bead shop.
Old town on the waterfront - touristy shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Fred Meyer - large department store on the north end of town. Groceries, pharmacy, clothing, pretty much anything you might need. There is also a Walmart and a Safeway grocery nearby.
Sights:
Oregon Coast Aquarium - excellent.
SEAL ROCK
Stop at the wayside - trail down to interesting beach with tide pools.
Indulge Sweets - delicious Tillamook ice cream in very generous portions.
WALDPORT
Pacific Sourdough Bakery - delicious breads & pastries; off the main route but worth finding.
YACHATS - an interesting little town, lots of artists in this area
The Drift Inn - good chowder & lunches; haven't been there for dinner.
Luna Sea Fish House
Toad Hall - interesting shop - gifts, jewelry, cards
Rain Dogs - " " " " "
Chamber of Commerce/Visitor's Center - stop in for brochures & info
little kitchen shop next to the C of C - tiny shop, lots of stuff
Check the Yachats C of C website for upcoming events. Always something interesting coming up.
FLORENCE
Interesting Old Town down along the river - lots of shops, restaurants & galleries. Several antique shops along 101. I think there is a yarn shop here, but not sure. The coffee shop under the bridge in Old Town seems to be really popular with the locals.
A Taste of Hawaii food truck - usually on 101 on the left side heading south, near the antique shops. Fabulous!
There is a huge Fred Meyer on the north end of town right on 101.
Visitor's Center - on 101, friendly and helpful
GENERAL INFO:
August is the busiest time on the coast with lots of traffic on 101. Take great care driving as there are lots of tourists, motorhomes (some rentals with unexperienced drivers), people veering off the road to pull over, drivers looking at the view instead of driving, etc. Add to that hills, curves, and bicyclists.
Check the days and hours of shops & restaurants as some are closed on Mondays or at odd times.
Most of these towns have local farmers markets; check days, times & locations.
Yes, do pull off at the many wayside parks. There are amazing views, sights & usually trails and beach access.
The bridges! Most of the Oregon coast bridges were built in the 1920's and 30's, engineered by Conde B. McCullough. It is interesting to read about them. Three of the largest at at Newport, Waldport & Florence.
They are wonderful to photograph - from a distance, close-up details on the bridges, and especially the
arched supports under the bridges - like being in a cathedral.
Have a fabulous trip. Let me know if I can answer any questions. I am a huge fan - love your recipes, your sketching & journals, your sense of humor, and your sister's blog as well!
Posted by: Brenda Kruse | 07/27/2015 at 02:01 PM
Hope you have a great time! xx
Posted by: Amy at love made my home | 07/27/2015 at 03:43 PM
I may plan a trip based on Brenda' list! wow... I loved Cannon beach because it looks just the way it should! I like BIG rocks!
Posted by: Maureen | 07/27/2015 at 03:56 PM
I can't add a thing to Brenda's suggestions except to check The Sidewalk Cafe in Newport, east side of the highway going down to the docks. We were there many years ago but had one of the most memorable meals EVER! The place was full of little nooks and crannies, narrow hallways, great food, artisanal bread. To die for.
Florence is charming and the art deco bridge is a sight not to be missed.
You'll have a great time. Enjoy.
Posted by: Joan | 07/27/2015 at 10:50 PM
Hi Carol. I live in Oregon too and I think everyone has nailed the locations on the coast. Hope you enjoy it - it's one beautiful place!!! Be sure to bring something warm to wear just in case the weather takes a turn. Welcome to Oregon!
Posted by: Joanne | 07/28/2015 at 09:29 AM
Carol, I know you said you only have time to go to Powell's while in Portland, but if you've got 15 extra minutes, you should run down Burnside to 3rd St (only 7 short blocks) and pick up some donuts at Voodoo Doughnut - totally unusual place with specialties like the Captain Crunch donut and the Oreo cookie donut. They even have a donut shaped like a voodoo doll with a pretzel through its little heart.
Posted by: Michele | 07/28/2015 at 06:10 PM
I don't think mentioned the Sylia Beach Hotel on the beach in Nye Beach. Each room devoted to an author and their work. Sometimes they let you wander through the open rooms. Old and cool.
Sand dunes near Florence are interesting.
If you get to Lincoln City, go about 8 mi. To gorgeous Neskowin. Charming, tiny, good food and classic beach cottages. A favorite.
Posted by: Linda | 08/01/2015 at 02:30 PM