Nighty Night in Nye Beach
Newport’s
Nye Beach district is a sort of off-the-beaten path area for this bustling
port town, even though if you want to play on the beach, you have to go
here. With its historic ambiance, its slightly off-kilter moments and
its growing upscale contingent, Nye Beach has more than a few things out
of the ordinary.
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 era.
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.
The
Lady Catherine's Room is on the second floor, also overlooking the waves.
It includes a queen bed, cable TV and VCR.
The other big highlight 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. They're running a special throughout April and May: rent one of the B&B rooms or their vintage vacation cottage for three consecutive nights and the fourth night is free. 105 NW Coast Street, Newport. www.grandvictorianor.com. 503-508-4820.
Nuggets of the North Coast
In
Manzanita, a thick layer of woods covers the town and surrounds it, while
above, mysterious Neahkahnie Mountain looms and oozes power and presence
in many ways. Besides its visual prominence, there are legends there of
buried treasure, and some say its use as a native people’s sacred
place has left a spiritual imprint on this area that is interesting and
most pleasant – yet all at once mysterious. Some say the area is
a bit of a good luck charm.
For your slumbering pleasure here, there is a real charmer of a motel called the San Dune Inn in Manzanita. Upon first approach, there’s something obviously quite cute about it, but apart from that, nothing extraordinary. It’s a bit like the Manzanita and the Nehalem Bay area itself: dig inside and you’ll find much more.
This
place is super dog friendly, and really caters to kids as well. They have
a large selection of movies, as well as other unique things rather uncommon
to motels, like bikes for use of guests, volleyball equipment, beach balls
and other beachy equipment. It isn't your average little motel - but then
Manzanita is not your average sleepy coastal town, either.
They’re currently hosting a special: dogs stay free during April. 428 Dorcas Lane. www.sanduneinn.com. 503-368-5163.
Near
Cannon Beach, just a few miles north of Manzanita, one wonder stands like
a combination gothic castle and ski lodge. On a bluff looking out over
the forested stretch just above pristine Arch Cape, the Arch Cape House
is a B&B with a world of difference.
Outside it is grandiose and impressive. Inside, it’s rather jaw dropping as well, with a giant chandelier over the white living room, and a lovely white fireplace at the center. Part of the tower descends through here, creating a little roundish space in one corner that serves as a sort of game room.
Guestrooms
vary in decadence, with cozy Jacuzzi tubs, enormous, super-comfy beds,
little nooks for reading (or cuddling), and at least partial ocean views
that are thrilling. Arch Cape House screams romantic getaway at the top
of its lungs. The Tower Room, at the top of the feature that most gives
Arch Cape House its castle ambiance, is a sprawling place of fluffy white
carpeting and dreamy atmosphere.
The garden is a bit of fantasia come to life, and the gourmet breakfast in the morning is legendary for good reason. East Ocean Rd. - S. of Cannon Beach. www.archcapehouse.com. 800-436-2848.