Postcard from Brookings, OR

June 23, 2008

There is much to see along the coastline between Lincoln City and the California state line; among the sights: shear coastal bluffs, quaint fishing villages, historic lighthouses, and spectacular bridges.

View south of Lincoln City.

Yaquina Head Lightouse, just north of Newport.

The fishing/resort town of Newport was especially charming. We took time to stroll the streets of Old Town Newport. The Art Deco Yaquina Bay Bridge, one of many such steel bridges along US 101 in Oregon, graced the horizon. In contrast , California typically employed reinforced concrete arches for many of its coastal bridges built during the same era (1928-38).

Yaquina Bay Bridge, Newport.

Near Yachats is the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center that features interactive displays and spectacular coastal views from its outdoor decks.

View south from Cape Perpetua.

Heceta Head Lighthouse, near Florence.

Shore Acres State Park and Botanical Garden, 89814 Cape Arago Highway, Coos Bay, was well worth the detour. The turnoff for this highway was at Charleston, another picturesque fishing village.

Scenes from the botanical garden, Shore Acres State Park.

We made a stop at Bandon, known for its cranberry-related industry. Probably the best known establishment is Cranberry Sweets and More ® where we did some sampling and shopping.

Sport and fishing boats at Bandon.

We paused in Port Orford before ending today’s drive in Brookings. From this point on, we went for value, not charm for our lodging (AAA preferred) and eating choices. We stayed at the non-descript Spindrift Motel (about $55 with coupon). We had a good Mexican dinner at Pancho’s Restaurante y Cantina, virtually across the street.

Coastal view near Port Orford.