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Oregon Coast Travel and Entertainment News |
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Covering 180 miles of Oregon coast travel: Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Nehalem, Wheeler, Rockaway, Garibaldi, Tillamook, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Wadport, Yachats & Florence.
1/8/07
Secrets of the Season |
Bedding Down in an Old Oregon Coast Victorian
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| Victoria Room |
(Newport, Oregon) - It’s one of those delicious and slightly secretive spring days on Oregon’s coast. It’s late March, just after the main spring breaks have sprung, so the big tourist hubbub has subsided a bit, and you feel like you’re part of the in-crowd with the weather this way – like you’re in on something special. The sun is beating down through a blue sky, albeit still a bit chilly and windy. The nights are clear but cold, with an immense frosting of stars splattered across the blackness. It’s like a teasing of summer, with that crystalline beauty of winter mixed with a touch of those things we all love about summer, giving the town of Newport an intense, almost otherworldly feel, along with that bulging sense of energy that spring conjures.
It’s
on this kind of a week where I become reacquainted with a remarkable lodging
in the atmospheric and uber-charming neighborhood of Nye Beach, where
the architecture and street designs already bring you back in time as
the sea rolls in nearby. But this beautiful little B&B, with its affectations
for bygone eras, takes that vibe to another level.
D Sands Condominium Motel, Lincoln City. Getting a free, fresh baked cookie upon check-in is just the beginning. Every room is beachfront, and it's all right up against Lincoln City's most famous stretch of beach, next to the D River. Each room, comes as a suite or mini-suite, and has a kitchen and balcony or patio. Some have gas fireplaces, while all have a DVD Players with movies available for renting (and movie rentals come with free popcorn). There's a heated indoor pool, a spa, and this fabulous beach is lit at night. Rooms sleep anywhere from two, four to six - including a deluxe fireplace suite. Gift certificates are available, and they offer special occasion packages as well. To make a reservation and see a virtual tour of the rooms, visit our website at www.dsandsmotel.com. 171 S.W. Highway 101. 800-527-3925. |
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 age.
Terry and Eileen Obteshka run this place, having built it a few years ago to not only fit in with Nye Beach’s historic-copping architectural guidelines, but they’ve made you feel like you could’ve walked onto the set of an old BBC show or the gushy fantasy Christopher Reeve flick, “Somewhere In Time.”
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, while the décor will send frissons through the parts of your brain that are activated by all things romantic or tasteful. Martha Stewart ain’t got nothin’ on this place.
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| Bundles of knickknacks in Sir Charles Room |
The Lady Catherine's Room is on the second floor, also overlooking the waves. It includes a queen bed, cable TV and VCR. Its décor is a bit more Spartan, but there’s that distinctive Victorian charm and coziness that permeates the place, as in all the rooms.
I stayed in the Sir Charles Room, which is also on the second floor, but overlooking the bustling main street through this district (well, as busy as Nye Beach can get), along with a handful of charismatic little shops. The room has a bundle of little antiques dotted throughout, imparting memories of my grandparents’ pads back when I was a wee one.
It
simply screams Old World elegance, and again reminds me of Reeve’s
character from “Somewhere In Time.” I feel like I should be
dressed in period garb from at least 1910 or further back. I think about
his character waking up, in costume, transported from the 70’s into
the early part of the century.
I kick myself for not having taken a date with me.
The staircase always mesmerizes me here. It looks so ancient, yet is so obviously new and polished, exuding a sense of the posh on top of the time travel thing. I’ve explored this place before, years ago, and took numerous pictures of the complex stairway, which is easy to make artful photographs of. Along the way, there’s a small maritime-like window with a tiny game area next to it. Adorable details abound here.
Downstairs,
there’s a living room packed with books and other knickknacks, where
fat, comfy chairs create a seating area that’s exceptional for lounging
or chatting with other guests.
This
place is also different in that you must remove your shoes upon entering,
which somehow brings everyone to the same level in some small sense, giving
all guests a tiny jolt of the unfamiliar they must all share. Pretension
is assuredly shed in this laidback coastal paradise. Be you tycoon or
typist, that hole in your sock will show.
The ocean is doing some intriguing things, with a bit of occasional wild wave action. Low tides are exceptional, however, sneaking way out and leaving a much larger than usual beach to play on.
A1 Beach Rentals, Lincoln City. Perfect for large family vacations all the way down to a getaway lodging for two - with over 25 vacation rental homes to choose from. A breathtaking collection of craftsman or traditional beachfront homes, or oceanview houses – from one to seven bedrooms. In various areas of Lincoln City and overlooking the beach, with some in Depoe Bay. All kinds of amenities are available, like hot tubs, decks, BBQ, rock fireplaces, beamed ceilings and more. Some are new, some are historic charmers. Lincoln City, Oregon. 1-(503)-232-5984. www.a1beachrentals.com. |
At night, the stars are out in full force, and it’s a taste of that in-crowd dynamic again as I get invited to a private after hours celebration at a local business. Some friends are whooping it over a particular triumph that week.
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| The breakfast table makes its first appearance |
The other big highlight at Grand Victorian B&B 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. The enchanting retro kitchen, with its massive Aga stove, provides a bounty of delectable delights, led by the able hand of Eileen. The other guests and I walk in to discover a carefully set table, with fresh fruit juices inhabiting some lovely glassware, amidst these surroundings from another time. White, gauzy curtains create a dreamy feel to the scene, and again I’m struck with a sense of the cinematic about it all: this could be a movie about romantic time travel.
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. |
Bacon, French toast, eggs and organic coffee arrive at the table, where three other guests have joined me to try and be chatty so early in the morning. Some are better at this than others. In any case, the waffles were of some stunning whole grain variety that left me scarfing them up rather greedily.
Oregon
is a small state, and it’s hard not to bump into someone you know
just about anywhere – often with hilarious results. One man, it
turns out, was sort of indirectly my boss once at a photography job I
had for the community college back in Salem. I was kind of a screw-up
at the time, and he was one of the reasons I was fired. He doesn’t
remember me, and it took me a little bit of time to remember who he was,
but I had it figured out by the time the breakfast ended.
I could only laugh at this coincidence, especially since I had a blast talking to him and his wife about other coastal areas. He, too, had the same almost paranormal spiritual-like experiences I had with Neskowin. It was nice to talk to someone else who understood what I had sensed at that most special of Oregon coast beaches.
Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach. 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. Others 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. Some rooms are pet friendly.523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com |
Lincoln City Vacation Homes There’s something for everyone among this selection of wondrous homes: smaller homes with a view to a large house that sleeps 15. All the homes are either oceanfront or just a few steps away from the sand – all with a low bank access and fantastic views. Most are in the Nelscott area; one is close to the casino. You’ll find a variety of goodies, depending on the home: fireplaces, multiple bedrooms, dishwashers, Jacuzzis, washer/dryers, hot tubs, cable TV, VCR, barbecues; there’s a loft in one, and another sprawling home has two apartments. Pets are allowed in some homes – ask ahead. Each comes with complete kitchens so you’ll have a home away from home. Most have the seventh night free. Prices range from winter $85 to summer $230 per night. www.getaway2thecoast.com. 541-994-8778. |
Nighttime brings out the cook again in Eileen. “Each evening I make either cookies, brownies, or apple crisp for their dessert,” she said. “We also give guests optional times for their breakfast of either 9 a.m., 10 a.m. or 11 a.m.”
Checkout time is noon at the Grand Victorian, which helps people like me who like to stay out late, whooping it up in whatever coastal burgh I’m in.
The Obteshkas also have a vintage rental cottage next door, which also has an old-world feel, although not quite as pronounced. This is more like the 1920’s or 30’s, with old-style heating fixtures and architecture mixed with the modern but cozy furniture. The front area is a sort of atrium, created by a porch that’s enclosed, allowing you a view of that mesmerizing, flat ocean horizon. It’s a perfect place to take in the sunny surroundings or watch the melee of an ocean storm.
There’s a small dining room here, a full kitchen, two bedrooms, and the living room is a beauty.
You’ll find
the Grand Victorian B&B right on Coast Street, which is the main drag
through Nye Beach. It’s about a half block away from the Newport
Performing Arts Center, and like everything in Nye Beach, a quick walking
distance to eateries and attractions like the center for the visual arts,
Panache, Blu Cork Wine Bar, Nye Beach Gallery, Nye Scoop and dozens of
other attractive amenities and shops. 105 NW Coast Street, Newport. www.grandvictorianor.com.
503-508-4820.
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Scenes
of the vintage cottage rental home at Old Victorian |
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Inn At Spanish Head, Lincoln City. It's Lincoln City’s only resort hotel built right on the beach with all oceanfront rooms - nestled against a rugged cliffside overlooking a soft, sandy beach. Enjoy dining in the penthouse restaurant and bar - whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal or a candlelight dinner. They offer an array of seafood specialties, juicy steaks and other Northwest favorites, including a decadent Sunday buffet. Rooms range from bedrooms to studios to one-bedroom suites with microwaves and refrigerators to full kitchens. Hotel amenities include wi-fi, spa, saunas, exercise room and a year-round heated swimming pool. Kids will love the game room and easy beach access. Full-service conference and meeting rooms for that inspirational retreat; extensive, gorgeous wedding possibilities. Near the south end of Lincoln City at 4009 SW Highway 101. 1-800-452-8127 or 541-996-2161. www.spanishhead.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. |
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