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lodging, dining & other secrets for valentine's day

Quirky, Cuddly Events on Oregon Coast in February

Major events dot the Oregon coast landscape in February, beyond the significant holiday of Valentine’s Day. These create yet another reason to come out to the coast, with some centered around romance, some around history, music, cuisine, wine, and some offbeat moments of fun.

Some of the silliest happens in the north Oregon coast town of Wheeler on Super Bowl Weekend. Guido’s Ristorante, the new kid on the block of this tiny town of six blocks, is going the Mafioso route on Sunday, February 5. While TV’s all over the restaurant and lounge will be showing the big game, male workers will be dressed in Mafia-style suits and females in French maid attire. There will be a free pizza smorgasbord at half time. Guido’s will also be delivering pizza to the Nehalem Bay area as well.

View from Guido's

Guido’s specializes in innovative gourmet pizzas with a slight New York slant, as well as large Italian-influenced sandwiches. Hwy 101, Wheeler (503) 368-7778.

In Cannon Beach, couples walking around holding hands have a chance to win something because of their affection.

Every month, Cannon Beach Construction sponsors an interesting little contest where one couple who are holding hands get picked to win a dinner for two. In February, this kooky little twist on local tradition expands, with additional gift certificates offered to couples walking hand-in-hand. On February 10 – 12, more couples stand a chance to win things like hot chocolate, desserts and confections, or they may win pizza from Fultano’s in Cannon Beach.

Random handholding couples will be chosen for gift certificates as they walk the streets and beaches of Cannon Beach.

Fultano’s features various gourmet pizzas and pastas, as well as the usual standbys for toppings. One special selection features a sauce made from grapes. Calzones at Fultano’s are legendary, and they also feature some interesting specials on Valentine’s Day. 200 N. Hemlock and Second Street, Cannon Beach. (503) 436-9717.

For more information on the contest, contact the sponsor, Cannon Beach Construction, at (503) 436-1118.

In the Central Coast town of Newport, February 11 means the arty, quaint shop The Cottage Door at Nye Beach will hold a special mini-party with hot cider, chocolate kisses and a “red sale” where anything that’s red is 20 percent off. 732 NW Beach Dr., Newport. (541) 574-7706. www.newportcottagedoor.com.

Nearby, Blu Cork Wine Bar has a dual celebration on Saturday, February 11, with a show by Corvallis’ “acoustic goddess of fun,” Beth Willis, and a tribute to “Losers in Love.” Enjoy tables strewn with rose petals, special tapas dishes and champagne. Willis begins at 7:30 p.m. Free. 613 SW Third Street, Newport. 541-265-2257.

Also in the wine world, Nye Beach Gallery hosts a “Valentine's Tasting” on February 11 p.m., with rose' champagne, red wine and chocolate. 1 - 5 p.m. 715 NW Third, Newport.

In Seaside, more fun happens on Valentine’s Day – February 14 - with country crooner Dwight Yoakum showing up at the Seaside Civic & Convention Center. 7 p.m. $50. 800-394-3303.

Sometimes the best romantic moments can be had by going back in time, and Seaside and the surrounding area are showing off their historical side. On February 17, Fort Clatsop celebrates the birthday of Jean Baptiste – the son of Sacagewea and Charboneau, who were of great assistance to the Corps of Discovery. Fort Clatsop, just off Highway 101, near Warrenton. 503-861-2471. www.nps.gov/focl

Also on February 17, the famous reenactment of the Corps of Discovery’s journey to Seaside returns with the “Saltmakers Return.” Almost exactly two hundred years ago, in February of 1806, several members of the Corps ventured here to boil saltwater for salt. The players in this bit of living history will begin at 5 p.m. on Friday and go until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Re-enactors stay true to their historical personalities and speak only the English of the times; they won’t understand modern terms.

Also like the Corps of Discovery: bring your dog and they may try to barter for it (for food). Ave. U on the beach. (503) 738-7065. www.seasideor.com.

Also in the romance realm, Seaside presents the “Weddings At The Beach Bridal Show” on February 18. Photographers, caterers, planners and other businesses will be on hand at Salmonberry Square, 810 Broadway. Free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (503) 738-5332.

Then, at the end of the month, Seaside will be buzzing with the upbeat sounds of the Oregon Dixieland Jubilee on February 24 – 26. This huge and ever-growing event covers five venues and features 12 bands. Cost for the festival is $60 for the three-day badge. Friday’s cost is $25. Saturday all-day pass is $40. Saturday night only is $25. Sunday’s all-day pass is $20. There are other satellite events as well. http://www.jazzseaside.com. 800-394-3303.

On the same weekend, Newport hosts the 29th Annual Newport Seafood & Wine Festival, which brings an average of 10,000 more people to town over the weekend. There are more than 100 exhibitors - including wineries, microbrews, dishes prepared by some of the finest chefs in the western U.S., and arts & crafts booths. Wines from Washington, Oregon and California are spotlighted. This year, it happens February 24, 25 and 26, 2006 - adjacent to the Rogue Ales Warehouse, 2320 OSU Drive, just south of downtown Newport.

Admission varies from $6 to $12, depending on the day. 21 years and over; smoke free and handicapped accessible. Parking is $3, although free shuttles buses will run from Newport. www.newportchamber.org/ 800-262-7844.

Also during that weekend, Nye Beach Gallery has a special event featuring wines from August Cellars, River's Edge Chevre cheeses and pasta making with Cathey Briggs. Feb. 24 – 26, 1 - 5 p.m. NW Third, Newport. (541) 265-3292.

OLD WORLD ROMANCE

OLD WHEELER HOTEL, Wheeler. Beauty resonates from this place, with a bay view from every room, hard wood floors and a classical décor. Each room has a vibrant charm - from the bedspreads to the delicate light fixtures. You may find a clawfoot bathtub as well. Read the story here. Hwy 101 and Gregory. www.oldwheelerhotel.com. 877-4theview. Check the Romance Section for specials.