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Enjoy the Rainy Coast of Oregon

 

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!

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!

vineyard

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!

depoebaywater

 

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!

devil

ir2

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!

jellyfish

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.

art gallery

 

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

 

photo-2-214x300Linda 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.

 

 

Post Author
Susan J. Smith
Susan's career includes writing for newspapers, lots of community work and a wonderful family life. Now she is enjoying traveling, photography and writing for DesignDestinations and Grand Rapids Magazine. She welcomes you on her journey and appreciates your comments.

Comments

2 Comments
  1. posted by
    Ann Cabezas Creed
    Mar 11, 2014 Reply

    What beautiful scenery! I want to go there- soon!

    I think Costa Rica is beautiful with is coastlines on Pacific as well as Atlanta…BUT…Oregon’s Pacific coastline …well..it’s a little different with high rocky cliffs and rugged coastlines.
    http://www.costaricalearn.com

  2. posted by
    a
    Jun 19, 2014 Reply

    Its such as you read my mind! You seem to understand a lot approximately this, like you wrote the e book in it or something.

    I think that you just could do with some % to drive the message home a
    little bit, however instead of that, that is excellent blog.
    An excellent read. I will definitely be back.

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