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Editor’s Tourism Picks for the Oregon Coast, Week of Sept. 22

By Andre’ Hagestedt

Astoria

(Oregon Coast) – It’s not the biggest week of activity out there on the coast, at least in terms of events. But there’s no shortage of incredible things to do from Brookings to Astoria, especially with the weather predicted to be wondrous up and down the Oregon coast.

Not to mention, it’s still “Second Summer” in the region, which means warmer temperatures and less winds in general (although this month hasn’t been as consistently warm as typical years). Still, the coast beckons with all sorts of amenities and pleasures – and plenty of beach secrets.

However, if you're into rock or African music, you're in luck, as there's some cool bits of that floating around the beaches this week. In the meantime, there are also plenty of intriguing things to do, see, eat and stay at. Here's a few more beach secrets...

Astoria Column and Coxcomb Hill: This atmospheric town at the top of the coast has much to indulge the senses with. Follow the signs up the winding hill and you’ll reach one of the most marvelous views in Oregon. From here, you can catch eye-popping glimpses of Young’s Bay, the big bridge, the Columbia River mouth and parts of the Coast Range.

You’re already 600 feet above the rest of this sky-high town, but the stunning Astoria Column soars another 125 feet. You can reach this spot too, after trotting some 164 steps to the top for even more incredible views.

The beautiful creation was fashioned after the Trajan Column built in Rome around 100 A.D. – although this one was built in 1926 and then refurbished in the mid-90’s. It features scores of murals depicting the colonization of the area by whites since the beginning.

Some of the fun of climbing the Column is purchasing a balsawood glider for under a dollar so you can launch it from the top. Ohhhhhh what fun.

Coxcomb Hill is also where the concept of cable TV was born – adding even more to the historical significance of this already historical heavy-hitter. It’s also where part of the cult film “Goonies” was made.

Hagestedt getting filmed by the Oregon Coast Show's Scott Gibson

Oregon Coast Show, Thursday at 7:30 p.m.: You can catch it on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on KPXG (PAX), which appears in the valley as Comcast CH-5, on Dish TV and over-the-air CH-22. You can also see it Thursdays and Fridays on the coast at 7:30 p.m., in Lincoln County and Tillamook County, on Charter Cable Channel 18. There, you’ll catch any number of fun and fascinating stories about the coast, if you’re in the I-5 corridor or on the coast. Recent additions include seafood recipes and ideas from Gary Puetz, who often shows up at Pacific Oyster in Bay City to show off his knowledge and cooking skills. A regular segment called “Amazing Aquarium Facts” spotlights info nuggets about the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport.

Plus, these days you’ll often find me - BeachConnection.net editor Andre’ Hagestedt - giving away oddball beach secrets and things the locals don’t want you to know about the coast. This coming Thursday, I’m on camera making stupid jokes and talking about the weird phenomenon “green flash at sunset” which can sometimes be seen on the coast, and which was photographed this year by Bob Trusty, co-owner of Village Market & Deli in Newport.

Grand Victorian's staircase

Grand Victorian B&B, Newport: The Grand Victorian B&B is a striking beauty recently built to look and feel like a time trippin' jaunt to the distance past. Indeed, a graceful elegance fills this place, with hovering chandeliers, an almost spiral-like staircase that wouldn’t seem out of place in a gothic romance novel or classic film, and rooms filled with interesting knickknacks that impart that sense of another era.

Their Victoria Suite encompasses the entire third floor, providing a panoramic view of the ocean. There’s a hot Jacuzzi bath, private balcony, king bed, sitting area, walk-through closet and private bath and shower. From here, the sounds of the surf and a whistle buoy on the distant ocean lull you to sleep.

The Lady Catherine's Room is on the second floor, also overlooking the waves. It includes a queen bed, cable TV and VCR.

The other big highlight is the gourmet breakfast in the morning, where, if you leave the table rolling instead of walking, you’ve done something wrong. This incredible feast will hold you past lunch. They're running a special throughout April and May: rent one of the B&B rooms or their vintage vacation cottage for three consecutive nights and the fourth night is free. 105 NW Coast Street, Newport. www.grandvictorianor.com. 503-508-4820.

60's Café, Lincoln City: Time warp back to the 60's in this family-oriented cutie tucked away at the back of the Lighthouse Square in Lincoln City. Burgers, milk shakes, grilled goodies and standard American sandwiches occupy the menu of a place stuffed with Americana and memories. Their burgers are fairly basic but sizable, with standbys like cheeseburgers, bacon cheeseburgers or patty melts coming in around $7.50. Get a chiliburger for $8, which comes with cheese and onions), the "Whoops Burger" with ham, egg and cheese, or the Teriyaki Swiss burger. There's even a veggie burger.

Those with really hearty appetites can double the patties and double the amount of fries for a total of $11.50. Those with lighter appetites can go for junior burgers with smaller patties, mostly around $6. On the grill side, get a BLT, Reuben, clubhouse, tuna melt or the Philly Cheese Steak, all around $8. Side orders can include interesting treats like garlic toast, corn bread or cottage cheese.

Seafood fun is available too for those seeking that true coastal feel, with fish 'n' chips, shrimp baskets and a "fishwich." Actually, their tuna melt is to die for.

Then, for some real fun, their milk shakes are large enough you'll probably have to share, coming in flavors like almond roca, mint, blackberry, mocha, cherry, banana, butterscotch, hot fudge, peanut butter or even Oreo. These will set you back $4.75. 4157 NW Hwy 101. (541) 996-6898.

Hookah Stew Performs in Yachats, Sept. 29: Portland band Hookah Stew brings its varied stylings and wild take on funk, blues and rock to the Landmark in Yachats. Guitarist John Michael Young can play them all. Some performers of the electric guitar stay outside the instrument; others, like the leader of Hookah Stew, go inside. John Michael Young formed this band 10 years ago and gave it a crash course of Cherry Poppin' Daddies, Aquarium Release and the Five Fingers of Funk. Some Stevie Wonder and a lot of Hendrix has rounded the sound in the past few years. Just ask him and he'll probably be able to play it. 9 p.m. Free. Landmark Lounge. 111 Coast Hwy, Yachats. (541) 547-3215.

Cape Meares, West of Tillamook. You’ll find this varied wonder at the northern tip of the Three Capes Loop. A lighthouse, a weird natural anomaly and a few hidden trails all create a whole new world to explore in this relatively small State Park – all a trifle north of MP 4.

Here, you'll find an abundance of incredible panoramic ocean views as seals, whales and other wildlife frolic below you.

Take the paved walkway to the Cape Meares Lighthouse, where the ocean views become panoramic and really explode. This stumpy specimen is probably the smallest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast, standing only 38 feet high. But size isn't important here as it stands on a 200 ft high cliff, more than making up for its own lack of height.

Inside, this 1890 beauty sports a gift shop and a wrought-iron spiral staircase which leads you to the lens - a kaleidoscopic carnival of colors when the sun hits it just right. It’s open during touristy times of the year.

Another short trail brings you to the Octopus Tree, a freaky, huge organism which has grown eight very large limbs (until one was whacked off during a storm in the early `90s). The tree was featured in Ripley's Believe It Or Not for years.

Obo Addy's Okropong, Newport Performing Arts Center. Take a trip to Africa with the stunning musical vibes of Ghanian Obo Addy and his music on Friday, September 29. There’s also a lot of colorful, astounding African dancing. Obo performs at 7:30 p.m. Admission $5. Olive Street, Newport. www.coastarts.org

Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach

If expansive ocean views, close proximity to golfing, fishing tours and quick access to seven miles of pristine beaches is your thing, then this quintessential beauty in Rockaway Beach is your ticket to vacation fun for families, couples or large groups. Some rooms are pet friendly. All rooms at the Tradewinds Motel are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones with data ports. The oceanfronts all have a queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and a private deck. Some oceanfront units come with all those amenities but the kitchens. Both types sleep up to four people. The non-oceanfront rooms are appointed with a queen bed, small fridge, and coffee maker – sizable for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. There is an elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite that has two bedrooms, coming with a kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For those wanting bigger accommodations for family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. 523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com

Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside

Unique Luxury Accommodations in Seaside. 1BR Suites, 1BR & 2BR Duplex Units and 3BR Houses, units for 2-8 people. Rent our entire property for 20-26. All units close to beach, river and Broadway St.
Suites are designed for two adults; vacation rental units for families. All units have kitchen and many have fireplace, deck and jetted tub. Enjoy comfy robes & slippers, luxury bath amenities, quality linens and more. See us on The Travel Channel's "Great Escapes" show in August 2006. 741 S. Downing St., Seaside. 800-738-6691. www.SeasideSuites.com

DIVE INTO LUXURY, HISTORY AT THE TIDES

THE TIDES BY THE SEA, Seaside. For over 80 years, The Tides has been a favorite of Seaside visitors. History meets modern luxury here. 51 oceanfront condos, individually owned and decorated. Find suites for couples, small apartments with fireplaces and kitchenettes, one or two bedroom family units with fireplaces, kitchens and dining rooms. There are wonderful oceanview cottages that sleep anywhere from two to eight people, with two bedrooms, some with lofts, fireplaces and kitchens.
Meanwhile, the heated outdoor pool, enormous grounds with picnic tables and location at the quiet southern end of Seaside make for some memorable means of play and repose. 2316 Beach Drive. 800-548-2846. www.thetidesbythesea.com.

BREATHTAKING CLIFFTOP IN NEWPORT

STARFISH POINT is located on the Central Oregon Coast - in Newport - and offers only the finest in luxury condominium lodging. At Starfish Point, every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the beach.
All of the units boast two bedrooms, two bathrooms, designer kitchens, wireless broadband Internet, fireplaces, Jacuzzi’s and private decks - surrounding you in soothing relaxation. We have a friendly staff dedicated to high quality and superb customer service. 140 NW 48th Street, Newport. (541) 265-3751. (800) 870-7795. www.starfishpoint.com