Our big Memorial Day weekend was spent over on the Oregon coast, chillin’ out in Lincoln City.
…I of course mean “chillin’ out” quite literally; it was chilly and windy and rainy on Saturday and Sunday, and finally started getting nice on Monday, when we were leaving. It was in the 50s and maybe low 60s, so by Central Oregon standards, just like spring!
It was nice. It’d been ages since I’d been to the coast, so the chance to get on the beach and touch the ocean and taste the salty air far outweighed any minor weather concerns. We stayed at the ‘D’ Sands motel right on the beach, just below the D River (the shortest river in the world). It turned out to be a pretty good place to stay since we had a fantastic view, easy beach access and a full kitchen room (condominium style). That worked out well since we had the kids and didn’t have to rush to meals anywhere if we didn’t want to.
The trip was split between relaxing, shopping, gambling, and drinking. I know, the perfect trip, right? The drinking largely consisted of driving up to Pacific City and visiting the Pelican Pub and Brewery (right on the beach), and having a bottle of wine later while the kids watched TV, and a few odds and ends here and there. Gambling was two hours spent at the Chinook Winds casino (not my cup of tea). Shopping was, well, shopping… Lincoln City improbably has a large and busy complex of factory outlets, and then there’s all the tchotske and souvenir shops that you invariably find on the coast.
The relaxing was the money, though. The kids and I flew a kite. We walked on the beach and played in the sand and threw rocks at the ocean. We swam in the swimming pool (a bit chilly there, too). We lazed around the room. I even got up early in the morning and walked barefoot on the beach, collecting a few rocks and shells here and there and splashing in the sea a bit. Yes, nippy! But totally worth it.
Unfortunately, those coast trips never seem long enough. We left Monday bound for Portland, as we had an early Tuesday morning eye doctor appointment for the kids there. Perhaps we’ll have to see about a summer trip, when the weather is much nicer… the ocean’s still damn cold even then, but that’s never stopped us from jumping in anyway.
When your nearly 5 year old son asks you TWICE after the casino, "dad, can we go to the casino" since he LOVED playing in the daycare there, you even commented on how there is something wrong with that. Like mother, like son…he’ll be a gambler someday. 😉
Your wife,
Did you win anything?
No, but we had fun, even if *he* doesn’t want to admit it 😛
From what I can gather you have children and you live in the portland area and take an occassional trip to Lincoln City for relaxation….
My family and I are looking to relocate to Lincoln City and I was wondering if you can give me your opinion about raising your children in Oregon in general. Do you like it?
We’re in Vegas and we absolutely HATE it here.
That is why I don’t gamble. I hate seeing my money go bye-bye.
Lincoln City is one of my favorite places to take the family for a weekend at the coast. It’s sooo relaxing, even when we have to bundle up!
To Ken in Vegas:
Hmmm… my SO used to live and work in a small town on the Oregon Coast. It was a short-term thing but I don’t think either of us would choose to live in that area. I have lived in both the Willamette Valley and Central Oregon and both regions have their pros and cons. It really just depends on what your family is looking for in a community, and what you enjoy. I would recommend going to TripAdvisor.com and posting your specific questions on the community forums – you will get feedback from many locals! And, most importantly – visit 2-3 of the communities you are considering before making a final decision.
Thank you so much for your advice Jen….I plan on making a trip to the Lincoln City are within the next month. We are bringing our son and will be really looking at every aspect of the town.
Thanks again….
If there is anyone else that can offer some advice I am definately open.