BEACH
NEWS YOU CAN USE
Unique Oregon Beachside Lodging Exudes Romance By Andre' Hagestedt
"Exclusive" could be the operative word here, except that it has a rustic, backwoodsy quality, imperceptibly fused with its upscale vibe. Wood shingled and tucked away in a host of foliage, with the murmur of the waves well within earshot, there's something a little dreamlike about this setting. There are four separate buildings for the Inn, which have different styles on the inside - while all definitely looking as if they belong together from the outside. Hop up the wide steps made of wood frames and concrete, you can step into the main facility or to a second, neighboring structure. Along the way, rainforest foliage keeps you company. Take a right to head to the charming secondary building of wood and stained glass and you'll pass a small rock garden with a burbling waterfall: positively soothing. Perhaps even enlightenment can be achieved by loitering here. Or maybe you'll spot a gnome. I stayed in the second structure on this rather balmy Columbus Day in October, where the Second Summer well lived up to its reputation. This is the time on Oregon’s coast when it’s warmer than the autumn conditions you get in the valley. Temperatures often linger into the 70’s or higher on the shoreline, with lesser winds than inland. Fall doesn’t mean a fall in temps on the coast until late in October - until then it’s often warmer than the rest of summer.
The romance element smacks you in the head once inside. Warm wood paneling surrounds you. A small living room with TV, VCR and a table provides space for lounging - and even cuddling in front of that inviting gas fireplace. The two-person jetted spa is also a real mood-setter, with terrycloth robes provided as well. The little rubber ducky on top of the towels is a cute touch, and is evidently in all the rooms. Then, once it's bedtime, the queen bed in the "captain's alcove" is positively enchanting, with two candies sitting there, waiting for you and your special someone. I find I'm smacking myself for not bringing some lady friend. Then again: more candy for me. My evening ends with getting engrossed in watching cable TV and the Sci-Fi channel. I don't have cable at home, so this is a treat for a geek such as myself. The following morning finds me zipping over to the wondrous Big Wave Café (on the corner of 101 and Laneda) and gobbling down their colossal gourmet breakfast of spicy eggs benedict. Again, I head back to the Inn and engage in more of the Sci-Fi channel as I get ready to leave.
Nancy tells me they can make special arrangements for guests. For romancers, champagne and other amenities can be provided on request - especially for special occasions. They can make local dinner reservations, massage/spa appointments, shuttles to the Manzanita airport, as well as arrange tee times at the local golf course or other outdoor activities. Gift certificates are also available. 67 Laneda Avenue. www.innatmanzanita.com. 503-368-6754.
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(Manzanita,
Oregon) - The Inn at Manzanita is one of those unique, dazzling
romantic spots that most probably don't know about - and owners
Nancy and Mark Mansfield seem to want it that way. It's small enough
that they don't need a constant stream of publicity to keep the
"no vacancy" sign up most of the time.
My
room was on the second floor, with a small balcony that gave way
to a view to the ocean. Other rooms have larger views (like the
one seen here). The forest theme continues outside the window, with
more bundles of leaves and wind-stripped trees, which make it easy
to believe you're in the middle of nowhere, in a primitive rainforest.
Just
before heading out, I stand in the warm morning sun, chatting with
Nancy about various other amenities at the Inn. It's total Second
Summer weather on this day in mid-October, with temps in the mid-70's
by the time the day wears on into afternoon. I can tell you by experience,
these kinds of days are not uncommon during winter or fall months.
They're not a regular find, by any means. But keep an eye on the
weather reports, and you'll find the coast is worth a trip or two
each month during winter - and chances are you'll find a day or
two that's much warmer than in the Willamette Valley.
WHAT
ELSE IS IN MANZANITA? Lots. This is one of the most interesting
areas of the entire coastline, with Neahnakanie Mountain’s
viewpoints looming above the town, and providing incredible views
of wild waves making their way into the town’s pristine beaches.
Just north of the viewpoints, you’ll find some unbelievable
hidden spots. The sprawling Nehalem Bay State Park sits on the southern
end of town, with a spit that extends some two miles to the bay
mouth – where finding frolicking seals is not uncommon. The
nearby towns of Nehalem and Wheeler are serious gems and very much
worth exploring. See more at the RELATED STORIES
New Resort of Vacation Homes Planned on Oregon Coast Olivia Beach has already broken ground in Lincoln City
Memorable Neighborhood Tours of the Oregon Coast Sometimes, there's more to the beach than the shoreline
Outdoor Fish Market Starts On N. Oregon Coast Pacific Oyster hosts the market throughout the summer
Ghostly Tourism on Oregon’s Coast Hunting tales of ghosts is another fun pasttime on the coast
Hiking It and Roughing It on Oregon’s Coast A look at trails and rugged campgrounds
Some Oregon Spots Are Hidden; Some Have Secrets A tour of unusual details from Manzanita to Florence
Geologic Wonders of Oregon Beaches Make Freaky History Lesson Beneath the sands and deep inside the cliffs, there's more to the coast
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. |
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| editor's adventure blog | |||||||||||||
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