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Published 11/28/09
The Tiny Oregon Coast Spots You Missed
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| The very northwesternmost tip of Oregon. |
(Oregon Coast) – Those little places you passed by and didn’t even know it: they are in abundance. Along the coastline of Oregon, where beaches get bashed by wild wave action and rocky shores get slammed even more, the sites and delights you can accidentally drive past far outnumber the stuff you see. From enchanting yet miniscule B&B’s, exceptionally lovely eateries to fun and funky hidden beaches you probably weren’t aware of, there’s plenty to still explore – or at least keep your eye out for next time you venture to this area.
Grand Victorian Bed & Breakfast. An enormous spiral staircase introduces you to the old world style and modern elegance of this center of coastal romance. Rooms come with VCR and cable TV, and some have ocean views. One suite encompasses third floor with a panoramic view, two-person Jacuzzi bath and balcony. Others rooms can include a claw foot bath, a walk-through closet, and antiques. The cottage rental comes with a hardwood floor, fireplace, two bedrooms. Home-cooked, gourmet breakfasts are a must-try. Wedding services available too. 105 NW Coast St. Newport, Oregon. 800-784-9936. www.grandvictorianor.com.
Mo’s West. Here you'll find astounding views of dramatic vistas, Otter Rock and the Devil’s Punchbowl. Appetizers, like baked oysters or shrimp cocktail. Major dinners w/ signature Mo’s Chowder, and include grilled scalloped oysters in butter and cream, grilled oysters, a monster cioppino or shrimp casserole ($9 - $15). Seafood sandwiches (about $7) feature grilled oyster, shrimp, clam fritter or tuna. Sizable menu of non-ocean goodies like grilled chicken sandwich, chilli dog, hamburgers or quesadilla and vegetarian specialties ($5 - $9). Enormous stews. Open seasonally. 122 1st Street. Otter Rock. Oregon. 541-765-2442. www.moschowder.com.
San Dune Pub. With a historical, even slight maritime vibe, the San Dune Pub is a classy staple among locals, regulars and tourists alike. There is nothing typical about this place - it's all about the food. Known for their exceptional burgers, they create a menu that suites every palate. Homemade salad dressings, sauces, and desserts are amazing. Appetizers in the $3 - $9 range include hummus as well as the usual. Other highlights: Fresh Willapa Bay Oysters and Seafood Bisque (weekends only). Plenty of burgers in varied incarnations like chili, bacon, cheese, teriyaki, BBQ, chipotle, veggie or chicken; lots of seafood possibilities. Wraps and ciabatta sandwiches around $8 include chicken, Caesar, pesto, turkey and bacon/swiss, among others. Soups and salads abound. Less than ten minutes from the surfing paradise of Short Sands; legendary live music hotspot. 17 beers, large wine selection, full service bar. 127 Laneda Ave., Manzanita, Oregon. 503-386-5080. www.sandunepub.com
Hidden Cove B&B. Two large rooms boast luxury and romance, overlooking Devil’s Lake. Find an interior of eclectic beauty: a blend of antiques and the contemporary. The Lake View Apartment is a one-bedroom with queen bed, a huge deck overlooking the wetland and a separate garage. Fireplace in living room and master bedroom, along with TV, wi-fi, DVD and CD player. A full kitchen comes with all utensils, plates, spices, etc. Rent a boat, kayak, jet ski, paddle boat and even a party boat, with delivery to the dock. B&B features washer and dryer. Wheelchair friendly with elevator, and handicapped bathroom with Bathease tub/door. Breakfasts are extravagant and may feature yogurt, fruit, quiche, sausage, homemade biscuits, homemade jams. Quiet and tranquil, yet close to all the action on the beaches. Five minutes to Chinook Winds Casino. Romance packages available. Hidden Cove Bed and Breakfast Bed and Breakfast. Hidden Cove Bed and Breakfast 3445 NE 40th Ct. Lincoln City, Oregon. www.hiddencovebedandbreakfast.com
Nature's Hidden Glories
Neptune State Park – south of Yachats. It’s a pretty place, lodged in the middle of forestland and rather easy to drive past if you’re not looking carefully. There’s picnic tables, restrooms, a small patch of forest to wander in and access to a small, cobblestone beach. At low tides, you can continue walking south, stoop in wonder over tide pools or check out the sea cave about a quarter of a mile down.
Beaches of Manzanita. This one’s a real killer: there's nothing like standing on this beach and having to strain your neck to look up at Neahkahnie Mountain looming above you.
A wide and beautiful sandy beach fills the eye here. Although at the beach’s northernmost access – near Neahkahnie Rd. – it quickly becomes large cobblestones until it ends at the base of Neahkahnie Mt. some 200 feet down.
The most obvious beach accesses lie past its downtown and at the bottom of the main road, Laneda Rd. But there are numerous hidden ones south of there, between the homes, along the beachside roads. These eventually dead-end at a back entrance to Nehalem Bay State Park.
In this tiny town that's full of culinary pleasures, wondrous new objects can pop up on the beach at sufficient minus tides. Depending on the amount of sand lying around that time of year, different rock objects appear on an otherwise smooth, barren beach.
South Jetty Area – the very edge of Oregon. If you wander to the northernmost edge of the park you’ll encounter the South Jetty, where a viewing platform lets you see the waves up close as they slam into the boulders and you can catch glimpses of Astoria across the bay.
Another interesting tidbit here is the lengthy trestle stretching across the water as you drive to and from the jetty. This cuts a curious diagonal across the landscape then stops sometime before the jetty, as if it were trying to reach it.
In fact, at one time it did. This trestle is what brought the boulders of the jetty to their resting place.
More About Oregon Coast.....
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