by Linda Laughter, guest blogger,

If you love wine, rain, seafood, fresh markets, art galleries, moderate priced accommodations, and rain, this is the trip for you.

My fellow traveler and driver, husband Don and I headed out from Portland for a 2 day whirlwind tour of the beautiful Oregon coast. We will learn the coast changes dramatically as we travel south on 101.

We didn’t get far across the state, before we stopped for lunch at an incredible inn and spa called “Allison”. I actually found it in an AAA book! Next time we are staying in this Newport, Oregon stunning hotel overlooking the valley. We had a gourmet lunch of local produce and shrimp!

Our next stop of course was a winery. Oregon actually has over 400 vineyards. We went to the Adelsheim vineyard near Newberg where Pinot Noirs are their claim to fame. They name the wines after their beautiful daughters…we had the Elizabeth’s Reserve…yum!

Once we reached the coast, we were greeted by a rocky coastline. We turned south on to HWY 101 and we were off. At this point the rains starts…but we didn’t care…the towering trees and Pacific Ocean was spectacular. We stayed at the” Inn on the Arch Rock” in Depoe Bay. Our room (with a fireplace) looked out on sand and rock that became a raging cove of huge waves the next morning. The room was simple and not too cutesy…ah, but the view! We didn’t want to leave!

Next down the road was the Devil’s Bowl! During winter storms, waters from the turbulent water slams with a roar into a hollow rock formation shaped like a huge bowl. The surf can be pretty violent yet we actually saw a surfer catching a wave!

That spot in the water is a surfer…..Heading south we saw our first art gallery. We stopped in at Earthworks Galleries and saw incredible glass and the work of many local artists. Looking out we saw a seal atop a floating channel light. We also visited the Oregon Coast Aquarium. It is really geared for children but we who were young at heart enjoyed!

We took to 101 again and landed as night was falling in Bandon. Here we had another great room with a fireplace right on the beach at “Windemere on the Beach”. Yes it was raining, but that doesn’t stop real adventurers…we went into Old Town in Brandon. More art galleries and we found a unique Italian Restaurant run by Mom, Pop and Son. Red checkered table cloths and amazing sauce.

The next morning we were able to go to the beach…yes with rain gear…but this beach so different then the northern beaches…soft grainy sand. The rocks looked like enormous sleeping whales

We headed back to Portland to see our children knowing we had seen some of the most amazing scenery in the world. YES USA!

P.S. All fuzzy pictures are the result of the rain, not the photographer, really!

Linda Shelton Laughter is Senior Interior Designer for her firm Archetype+ in Grand Rapids, MI. She enjoys seeing colors in everything around her, using them in her interiors or on her paint palette.