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Oregon Coast Lodging Tips, Weather for Memorial Weekend

You won't find deserted beaches this weekend, like this one near Cape Kiwanda

(Oregon Coast) - It’s a little like watching elves a few days before Christmastime: Oregon’s coastal tourism industry is gearing up for the big slam this coming weekend. For some, it means special events. For others, it means extra staff.

Meanwhile, with most rooms already booked up for the bulk of the weekend all across the coast, BeachConnection.net is providing some secrets for those still seeking lodging, with a special section at the bottom of this story where a sampling of lodgings told BC about remaining availability.

In the weather department, things are supposed to start off wet and then dry off a bit over the Memorial Day Weekend. Friday calls for showers with a good chance of thundershowers coming in to create a show. Saturday sees a lesser chance of showers, but still around the 40 percent range, with temperatures in the low 50’s. Sunday sees a slightly increased chance of showers, while Monday may bring temperatures into the low 60’s and lesser rainfall, as well as the chance of rain decreasing to 30 percent. More at BeachConnection’s weather center.

Oregon coast locals are bracing for a packed and frenzied weekend. In Newport, Starfish Point’s Danielle Emerick said it’s already been booked up in advance.

Indulging in ice cream in Seaside

In Seaside, Mike Exinger’s ice cream shop, Zinger's Homemade Ice Cream, is preparing for a double scoop of activity, as he’ll also unveil some new products. “As for this weekend, spring weekends are somewhat weather dependent for traffic – except for this weekend,” Exinger said.

“They’ll be here either way, and hungry for ice cream as usual. “This is the official start of our season. The staff has been fully trained and is prepared, and we may go and make things more complex as we add chocolate waffle cones at the start of Memorial Day weekend. And this year we’re introducing our new line of ice cream sandwiches: vanilla or chocolate between chocolate chip cookies. Also, we just added our newest no-sugar-added flavor, Marionberry, which is sweetened with Maltitol and Spelnda.

Look for crowded beaches this weekend (Pictured: Bella Beach, near Depoe Bay)

Mari Rockett, owner of DragonFire Gallery in Cannon Beach, is preparing with new staff as well. “This weekend, we are doing extended hours and will have extra staff on (summer staffing and hours will be in effect), so we can give the service everyone expects from DragonFire. No music, however.”

Matt Allen, manager of Roadhouse 101 in Lincoln City, says it’s party time as usual at his live music hotspot – well almost party time as usual.

“Our new bar is up and running,” Allen said. “Our remodel is nearly complete, and barring unforeseen tragedy, we will be opening our new, bay-view dining room next weekend. We are simply preparing to throw a huge party, and everyone's invited. We've expanded our draft beer options, installed all new bar equipment, and can truly boast the coldest beer in town.”

Moody sunset near Manzanita

At the San Dune Inn in Manzanita, Brian Hines has simply shrugged off the weekend's onslaught. "There's nothing you can do to prepare for it," he said. "We just sit back and let it happen."

Some are celebrating the slam, and saying “Bring it on.” In Newport’s shimmering, atmospheric Nye Beach area, Nye Beach Gallery will be having a tasting of St. Innocent wines on Saturday, May 27, 2006 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Included will be the 2000 Sparkling wine, Freedom Hill Chardonnay and Shea Vineyards’ Pinot Noir. 715 NW 3rd St., Newport.

Toujours, in Nye Beach

Nearby, Toujours Boutique is hosting a surprise four-day sale over the weekend. This includes the Nye Beach store and the one at the Salishan mall location, near Lincoln City. Savings start at 25 percent off, including print dresses, beaded sandals, and wedding attire for males and females. 704 NW Beach Dr, Newport. (541) 574-6404 (and in the Salishan location, just south of Lincoln City).

Nehalem Bay Winery, on the north coast, hosts its massive blues festival this weekend (more here).

LODGING SECRETS OF MEMORIAL DAY
BeachConnection.net contacted some 250 lodgings and vacation rental agencies on the Oregon coast, and a few got back to us, noting their availability for the three-day weekend.

Seaside Beach Club Condos. All units are 1 BR, 2 bath, full kitchen condos w/ beach front view. They sleep up to 6 people. 561 S Prom (E Ave & Beach Drive)- 3 blocks from the turnaround in downtown Seaside. 888-733-7113. www.seasurf.net/~ssbc/

Beachhouse Vacation Rentals, Inc. Dozens of vacation rentals in the Seaside and Astoria areas. 800-995-2796. www.beachhouse1.com.

The Doll House Vacation Rental. Up to six guests, two vehicles, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, back deck with a picnic table and BBQ Grill, and a TV/VCR - only two houses from the beach in a residential neighborhood. $160 per evening plus room tax. 129 10th Avenue. 503-738-0643, 800-745-2378. www.summerhouse-seaside.com.

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach Vacation Rentals. They have seven properties left for this weekend. 866-436-0940, 503-436-0940. www.visitcb.com.

The Ocean Lodge. A couple are still available due to last minute cancellations at this sprawling, oceanfront beauty. 888-777-4047. www.theoceanlodge.com.

Rm4Two. 132 E Harrison St., Cannon beach. 503-436-9121. rm4two.com.

Arch Cape Properties. Still available for the weekend is a lovely oceanfront property, called Ocean Waves Point, which is situated in a pastoral setting looking over beautiful Arch Cape Beach. The new hot tub on the westerly side of the home adds to the enjoyment of watching the ebb and flow of the ocean. Nightly rate is $395. 1-866-436-1607. www.archcaperentals.com.

Manzanita

San Dune Inn. There are a few openings on Friday, but none on Saturday, says owner Brian Hines. There are definitely some openings on Sunday. San Dune Inn provides a host of fun amenities for kids (and kids-at-heart), like bikes, beach equipment, games and a ton of movies. It’s also very pet friendly. (888) 368-5163. www.sanduneinn.com.

Rockaway

Tradewinds Motel. 523 N. Pacific St. 503-355-3840. www.tradewinds-motel.com.

Lincoln City

D Sands Condominium Motel. Some suites are available Friday and Sunday, but they are completely full on Saturday. 171 SW Hwy 101, Lincoln City. 800-527-3925. www.dsandsmotel.com.

Starfish Manor/Nantucket Inn/Nelscott Manor. There are actually three Lincoln City lodgings involved here in different locations, with rooms available over the weekend that range from $139 to $199, or $299 for the Excecutive Bella Suite. 800-972-6155. www.onthebeachfront.com.

Looking Glass Inn. No rooms are available on Saturday at this gorgeous property on the Siletz Bay, but some are there for the taking on Friday and Sunday. 861 SW 51 St. (across from Mo’s). 541-996-3996, 800-843-4940. www.lookinglgass-inn.com.

Beachcombers Haven. Numerous rental properties in the Lincoln Beach and Lincoln City are on tap via this management company. Some are up for grabs still. 800-428-5533. www.beachcombershaven.com.

Brey House B&B. Some rooms are still available for Thursday and Friday nights. They have ocean view rooms and full breakfast. 3725 NW Keel Ave. 877-994-7123. www.breyhouse.com.

Waldport

The Edgewater Cottages. They have one opening in a two-bedroom, oceanfront cottage over the Memorial Day weekend. It is a non-smoking cottage with a wood burning fireplace, full kitchen, sliding door and sundeck, excellent ocean view and easy beach access. There is a four-night minimum stay. 3978 S.W. Pacific Coast Hwy. 541-563-2240. www.edgewatercottages.com.

Yachats

Ya'Tel Motel. There is one room open on Friday and a little more on Sunday and Monday, while Saturday is all booked up. This little charmer sits on a bluff that allows some lovely ocean views. www.yatelmotel.com

Ambrosia Gardens Bed & Breakfast. Some availability. 95435 Hwy 101 South. 541-547-3013. www.ambrosia-gardens.com.

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.
All of the units boast two bedrooms, two bathrooms, designer kitchens, wireless broadband Internet, fireplaces, Jacuzzi’s and private decks - surrounding you in soothing relaxation. We have a friendly staff dedicated to high quality and superb customer service. 140 NW 48th Street, Newport. (541) 265-3751. (800) 870-7795. www.starfishpoint.com