Oregon Coast Visitors Association » Stories

Oregon SOLV Spring Beach Clean Up

OCVA — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:52:06 +0000

Mike and the girls participated in this year’s SOLV Spring Oregon Beach Clean Up. It was pouring down rain but that’s just a fun excuse to put our rain gear to good use, right? Lots of people showed up, everyone picked up tons of garbage and the girls came home soaked but happy to participate. And guess what? The sun came out as soon as everyone got home – a well-earned thank you from the Sun himself!

We appreciate being a part of a community that cares so much about our environment. I feel challenged to become more aware of my surroundings and am inspired to do my part in honoring this beautiful location we live in. I won’t just wait for the SOLV Clean Up event but will start practicing good stewardship every time we walk to the beach. A garbage bag is something I should carry around with me all the time.

Returning honeymooners

OCVA — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:39:53 +0000

My husband and I chose the Oregon Coast to honeymoon to 20 years ago this coming August. Since then, we have had 2 children of our own and have tied in a couple of family trips to Disneyland with camping down the Oregon Coast on our way there. Our kids have had the great benefit of the experience of Cannon beach, Seaside, Florence etc. In August, my husband and I will head down there again to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary, and to make new memories to add to the wonderful ones we already have of Oregon’s gorgeous coastline!!

Footprints in the Sand

OCVA — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:36:35 +0000

The beaches here on the Central Oregon Coast offer a variety of hiking experiences for the average or seasoned adventurer. For a dog like me …picking up agates, strolling in the surf or watching a sunset, or any combination of exposure to fresh air and beach smells is an exciting adventure.
When the weather is nice, or even when its not nice, I’m always ready to go walk any time, day or night. What better place than the Oregon Coast for an afternoon stroll. My parents usually keep me on a leash because I love people and kids so much and sometimes I am overenthusiastic and will come bounding toward them – all 90 pounds of me – I have learned that some people who don’t know I’m a lovable character might be intimidated or even afraid of me. I just want to come and say hello. So if you see me on the beach…please come over and say hello. I have left my footprints in the sand so you can find me easier. Hope to see you on the Oregon Coast soon!
Charlie

Times of change

OCVA — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 22:30:50 +0000

Autumn is a time of change. School has started, the leaves are turning from green to gold and the days turn shorter. When the seasons change it seems a good time to start new projects and measure the choices we’ve made to improve our lives. Seaside is a place where I’ve made choices to live a better, richer life. To live in a place where I don’t chase after riches and fame, and to live each day fully and intentionally.

The pace in Seaside is one that I love; it’s away from the traffic, away from the high rises and away from the city. Seaside invites long walks on the beach, warm cups of coffee in cozy cafés and a place where I’m surrounded by a sense of community and friends.

There’s a bend in the road when you’re coming into Seaside. It’s right before you get to Circle Creek Campground. Many years ago I had a life changing moment on that bend of road. I was with my fiancé and we were driving back to Seaside from a dinner in Portland. We had only been engaged for a few months, but had been dating for a few years. We were having a recurring argument and on that bend in the road on an autumn day we broke up.

Even though it was hard at the time, it was the best thing that could have happened to me (though I did have to take many long walks on the beach and cups of coffee with my girlfriends to help me get through the hard parts). I realized (after some time) that I couldn’t be myself in that relationship and was now free to pursue my dreams and be myself. Now, years later I’m in a relationship where I’m encouraged to be myself (how wonderful is that!?!).

As I was driving over that bend in the road recently I thought about how hard it is to make choices that are good for us. Whether it’s choosing to eat well, exercise, save money, etc. it’s funny how the things that are good for us take courage and discipline to do. Seaside is a place where I’ve experienced so many amazing things and even the hard choices I’ve had to make have endeared Seaside to me even more.

Maybe it’s the fresh ocean air or hearing the waves pound on the shore that make us feel a little stronger and see the things that really matter. It’s interesting how being surrounded with natural beauty can inspire us to do great things. How seasons can make us realize it’s time to make some changes- as the autumn winds stir up our soul and bring fresh perspective to our busy minds.

Seaside, as that bend in the road, has made a huge impact in my life. Maybe that’s why it’ll always be home to me. A place where my heart has grown-for the better.

Astoria Anniversary

OCVA — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 17:37:14 +0000

One year my husband of thirty years took me to Astoria for our anniversary celebration. We stayed at the beautiful Cannery Pier Hotel and enjoyed a most memorable dinner at the Silver Salmon restaurant. It just so happened that there was a fierce thunder and lightning storm that night with torrential rain. As we were enjoying our romantic candlelight dinner and the best glass of pear wine I’ve ever had, the electricity went out in the crowded restaurant. A hush came over the crowd as we all sat there in just the candlelight, dining on the exquisite fresh food that the kitchen kept producing even without the electricity. It was so beautiful and surreal, the most beautiful and romantic dinner memory I have.

Climbing the Tower

OCVA — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 17:36:32 +0000

When I was a little girl (about 5) my mom took me and my two little sisters to Astoria to play on the beach and to climb the Astoria Tower. What she didn’t know (and I didn’t either) is I am TERRIFIED of heights. With the steps being metal grate and not solid, I completely panicked 1/2 way up the tower. What was my poor harried mother to do? She left me on a landing where I cried and watched a spider crawl up the wall. While dear ole’ mom continued the climb to the top without me to enjoy the view. To this day, I have never gone back “conquer” my fear of the tower. This, I believe could be my opportunity.

Biking to Astoria

OCVA — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 17:09:09 +0000

Every summer I ride my bike to Astoria on the weekends and my wife will drive down, I usually try to race real hard to get there so I can make a stop at either Fort George, Rogue or The Wet Dog, awesome way to end a hard ride, on one occasion our anniversary we stayed at the Elliott Hotel a very nice grand hotel, they gave us the presidential suite, we spent the evening walking about dining and sipping some fine drinks, even went to the cigar lounge in the basement of the Elliott, capped off watching the sunset from the ruff deck!

To the Goonies!

OCVA — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 17:07:04 +0000

Hi. I’m originally from Canada, British Columbia. I have been here in Portland for 15 years. My first experience in Astoria or visiting there was about 5 – 6 years ago. They had the 20-year reunion for the Goonies Movie. I remember telling my daughter Bianca about it and she said momma lets go get autographs. Now you have to understand that the Goonies is her favorite movie, I can’t watch it with her because she will recite the whole movie. I had no clue where Astoria was. But I have to say it was the best one on one time that i have spent with my teenager. She still talks about it till this day. We still watch the movie and she remembers the time we spent there together. She always says, mom that was the best time we ever had together. Now if any of you have teenagers you will understand why Astoria is mine and my daughters special place. Because teenagers will grow up and become parents one day and have their own special moments with their own children. Thank you for letting me share this special story about Astoria with you.

Antiquing in Seaside

OCVA — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 01:01:19 +0000

Antiquing is a serious hobby and passion for many people. One of my favorite television shows, “American Pickers” on the History Channel, proves this. These two “pickers” go all over the nation looking through people’s collections, homes, garages, etc. to find antiques to sell (and sometimes keep for themselves). It’s a great show because it really educates the viewer on the rich historical significance behind antiques. Antiques can give us insight into how people lived, what was important to them and more insight into our history as a country (it’s a wonderful show!).

I love collecting children’s books so I’ve looked through many bookshops for just the perfect book, but I decided to do some antiquing in Seaside to see if I could find a new title to add to my collection. There are so many great shops in Seaside but I ended up at The Seaside Antique Mall, which is a block west of Highway 101 (between Roosevelt and Holladay) at 726 Broadway.

The Seaside Antique Mall has everything! Over 60 dealers occupy the expansive space that includes nearly 90 different collections. The mall features displays of American & European furniture; collectable glass, china and pottery; toys, books and jewelry. You’ll also find old magazines, photos and vintage advertisements – always very fun to look through. I found a wonderful little Mother Goose story to add to my collection of children’s books.

There are other great antique stores in Seaside to check out as well! China Collection at
402 Broadway, Cottage & Castles located at 501 S. Holladay and Seaside Antiques, positioned just east of Highway 101 at 1005 Broadway Street, are just a few.

Antiquing is an adventure. You have to be willing to lurk in dark corners, sift through garage sales and have an optimistic hope that you will find something in your search. Seaside is a great starting point and you can have a whole antiquing adventure right up to Astoria if you want a whole day dedicated to your search. Weekends are also a wonderful times for yard sales so be willing to stop and check them out (they usually want cash so make sure you visit your local ATM before you head out on your trip). I found a great silver candelabra today at a yard sale for just eight dollars! I felt just like a treasure hunter sifting through various items on sale.

The wonderful thing about antique stores is that they constantly update their wares so you can always check back to find new treasures to add to your collection.

Whatever you’re looking for remember to bring a sense of adventure, an open mind and allow yourself to enjoy your search for the perfect piece! Happy Hunting antiquers!

Living with Cooler Temperatures

OCVA — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:58:12 +0000

Having spent all but the last seven weeks of my life living in a desert climate I can’t by any means begin to call myself an expert on the weather along the Oregon coast. In fact, people often laugh when I tell them I love the weather in Seaside. They say, “just wait!”

I oblige and admit that I’ve moved to Seaside at the most opportune time, the summer season. But that’s what makes it so great. For well over 30 years, weather in the summer for me meant many days with temperatures in the 90s and trying to find a cool place to get out of the heat. Don’t get me wrong, a warmer climate has its advantages. If you like shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops and the extra perspiration that comes from extreme heat from 9 a.m. until well after the sun goes down for a solid three months, then the desert is a great place. It rarely rains, thunderstorms happen, but by and large it includes days of conversation that center around, “boy it sure is hot today.”

Anywhere you live, the conversation nearly always centers on the weather. It’s too hot, or it’s too cold. We complain about how cold it is and can’t wait for summer to get here but then when summer gets here we find ourselves longing for something a little cooler. April and October have always been my favorite months because the seasons change and temperatures find their way into the 60s. Pure bliss if you ask me. It means I can wear shorts, t-shirts, hoodies, jeans and well, basically anything that fits.

So I often imagined life in a place where the weather was fairly similar throughout the calendar year. It’s difficult, right? I mean how many places on this great big earth of ours can say the mercury stays between 40 and 70 degrees 12 months a year. I don’t have the answer, but I love weather and I know from watching the temperature maps on tv and in the newspaper that there aren’t many.

Seaside, I’ve been told and experienced so far, fits that billing. And you can analyze the historical temps to see just that. Sure it will have extremes. We had a 95 degree day in Seaside my third week here. And I’ve seen pictures with a few inches of snow on the ground. But my short life in Seaside during the months of June and July have been just what I dreamed a perfect weather life could consist of… shorts, t-shirts, hoodies, jeans and even a sun tan.

But what I really enjoy is the overcast mornings where a fresh rain shower has cleaned the air and walking outside is as peaceful and calming as those April and October days that only come a few times a year, at least where I’m used to living. Now I get those days during actual summer months. Yes, the rains will come and that’s when I’ll get to experience storm watching at its finest… another fascinating weather phenomenon I’ll be excited to write about.