The Oregon Coast
With the landscape of beaches, cliffs and rock formations sculpted by wind and wave, the Oregon Coast has some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. And all but a few miles of coastline are public property. A short drive in any direction will bring you to look-outs and state parks that will supply you with numerous "Kodak Moments". There are small towns to explore as well. And the peacefully grazing dairy cows remind you that here you'll find some of the finest cheeses in the world. And with the great bounty of seafood, you won't go hungry. For sport enthusiasts, you can book a salmon fishing or whale-watching trip. Or pack up your binoculars and camera and spend the day sightseeing. No matter what your interests are, the Oregon Coast is sure to please.

Day Tripping - Day 1
One of my favorite coastal drives is just north of Lincoln City. From Pana-Sea-Ah B&B, take Highway 101 North for about 20 miles and veer off 101 toward Pacific City and Oceanside. This coastal route takes you through Sand Lake. The sand dunes make for fascinating scenery, but it's not always quiet here, as this is a popular destination with the all-terrain vehicle crowd.

A few miles north is Oceanside, a charming residential community literally built onto the hillside. It reminds me of the California coastal towns from my childhood. At the tip of the penninsula, is Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge. If you pack a lunch, this is a great spot to stop for a picnic and soak in the scenery.

From Cape Meares head back inland to Highway 101 and stop at Tillamook Cheese for an interresting tour of the cheese factory. However, my favorite spot for cheese tasing is the smaller French cheese factory, Blue Heron Cheese and Wine Company, just one mile south.

As you continue south on 101, you'll come through several small towns. Gleneden Beach is a fun stop where you can peruse the antique shops or grab a bite to eat at one of the small restaurants. Just a couple of miles south and you're back home at Pana-Sea-Ah. A dip in the hot tub followed by a glass of wine is the perfect way to end the day!

Day Tripping - Day 2
Head south from Pana-Sea-Ah B&B and almost immediately you'll come to Depoe Bay, one of the most spectacular spots for watching the waves crashing onto the rock formations. The natural rock tubes create spectacular geyser-like sprays as the ocean tides come in. A short distance further and you'll come to Otter Rock where, if you're lucky, you'll catch sight of ... you got it ... otters.

But just in case you don't catch sight of any ocean critters, keep heading south past the town of Newport, cross over the beautiful Yaquina Bridge and spend a couple of hours at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Keiko the killer whale of "Free Willy" fame was rehabilitated here before his release into the wild. The displays are fascinating - the jelly fish exhibit can keep you enhralled, and the shark display is pretty impressive too. There are hands-on educational displays that aren't just for the kids, and the docents are knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. If seeing all that water makes you thirsty or hungry, head back north to the town of Newport and try one of the many great seafood restaurants.

Newport supports a thriving fishing industry and preserves the charm of the turn-of-the-century era in The Old Bay Front, a waterfront section of town. It's fascinating to watch the boats come in and see the fishermen unload the day's catch. If it's Dungeness crab season (usually the months with an "r" in them) you can buy fresh crab at several of the walk-in fish shops. And if you're so inclined, Newport even boasts a "wax museum"! Like I said, there's something for everyone!