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Oregon Travel Tips: Waters Edge in Lincoln City

By Andre' Hagestedt

(Lincoln City, Oregon) - It's one of those really, really warm late October days on the Oregon coast this publication spends so much time talking about, and it's another long drive up and down the shoreline on Beach Connection business. So, by the time I check into The Waters Edge Condominiums & Beach Front Resort, it feels good to be "home." But here, "home" is a doubly welcome experience as I step into a luxurious world, with a set of thin mirrors gracefully decorating the walls of the entranceway. This lobby then opens up into a spacious living room that's tastefully furnished, with a sizable, full kitchen that apparently has everything you could ever want to cook a major feast.

Modern and classy is the operative idea at Waters Edge, with four floors of pure pleasantness - all overlooking the soothing yet dynamic Siletz Bay. 56 units are either rented nightly as motel rooms or sold as condos. Each has a balcony with a great view of Siletz Bay and wind breaking glass that keeps out the gusts, but lets in the eye candy. Up on the fourth floor, the slightly aerial view is even more spectacular, as it's easier to see the entrance to the bay and the ocean waves.

In the living room of my unit, an enormous TV sits above the gas fireplace. As always, my coastal explorations result in some discovery. This time, it's the wonders of Waters Edge; and on TV, I discover what all the fuss is about with "Desperate Housewives."

In the kitchen, even Martha Stewart would've been pleased about these accommodations (were she not otherwise occupied at this particular October of 2004 and most certainly unavailable to check out our coastline). It's modern and lovely, with many nice touches in the décor, coming with a built-in microwave, an oven and range, dishwasher, and a large refrigerator with an icemaker. This was to come in handy the next morning, as I didn't have time to wait for breakfast at one of the many nearby eateries. Grabbing breakfast supplies at a nearby grocery to heat and gobble quickly came as a bit of a godsend.

My room was a one-bedroom unit, while there are others that are two bedrooms. There's an elevator as well, and at least one room handicapped friendly. There's a continental breakfast in the morning in the office. They also have a rather famous "outdoor" Jacuzzi, which is surrounded by thick glass pieces that still provide wondrous views.

From each room, the bay shows its various sides in all kinds of weather - from bouncy and turbulent to calm and lulling, all the while showing off its wonders, like sea lions, sea stacks and birds. This beach is perfect for those long, pleasant walks, meandering through the heaps of driftwood, and along the quiet, subdued waves of the bay. Eventually, you reach the baymouth and a sandy bend where the beach winds around to face the ocean. Somewhere just around that bend, at lower tides, sometimes the sand levels are low enough to spot some unusual colored rocks at the tide line.

The following morning, it's even warmer. Late October is supposedly when the weather turns nasty. Instead, the latter half of October 2004 was often a little warmer and sunnier than Salem or Portland had been at times. This day meant cruising around the beaches of Lincoln City and the rocky shores of Depoe Bay under incredible skies.

Several units at Waters Edge have already been sold as condos, but the others are also for sale. Prices for condos generally run between $159,000 - to $219,000. Call for nightly rates. http://www.watersedgebay.com 5201 SW Highway 101, Lincoln City. 877-996-9201.

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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