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Visit Bandon By The Sea

Old Town Bandon, Oregon - Bandon by the Sea


Growing up in Southern California, I was used to easy access to the beach, in fact many beaches. After we moved to Ashland in 1981 and the novelty of small town life in a semi-rural setting began to wear off, I felt myself longing for the beach. The pull of the ocean, the salt air and the sea breeze were calling to me. My husband and I went in search of the perfect coastal getaway; one that was close enough to allow for a relaxing weekend when all we had were 2 or 3 days to escape. Brookings and Gold Beach were nice, they were, after all, the beach. What more could we ask for? Then we discovered Bandon! The drive from Ashland is a little longer, but so well worth it.

We found our favorite motel, the Windermere, on the ocean side of Beach Loop Drive. Many weekend getaways with our two young daughters were spent there, wading through the ever changing tidepools, searching for mysterious sea creatures and discovering something new each time. We'd walk for seemingly endless miles on the beach, collecting agates and other special rocks and the occasional shell, sometimes braving stiff winds, bundled in jeans and hooded sweatshirts; sometimes wearing shorts and walking barefoot as the sunshine dappled the water like dancing diamonds. We always included leisurely strolls through old town, sampling delicious treats at Cranberry Sweets then down to the wharf to eat the world's best and freshest fish and chips at the Bandon Fish Market. We couldn't overlook a trip to the cheese factory to sample the fresh curds (the girls' favorite) and all of the other tasty samples.

Many years, and many beach trips later, Bandon is still my favorite weekend getaway place. The girls are grown and I am remarried now, but the Windermere still feels like home away from home and the drive from Ashland to Bandon is still exciting, with the anticipation of that first deep breath of salty sea air, as we get closer to our destination.

My favorite places have remained the same, with some additions. The High Dock is our dinner place of choice and I can't leave without spending at least a good two hours in Winter River Books (always coming home with an armload for home and school). A casual and quick breakfast at the Minute Man Café in old town can't be beat, but a nice brunch at Lord Bennet's overlooking the beach, is a relaxing and delicious way to spend a morning! Weather permitting, my husband likes to get in nine holes at the Face Rock course and is planning to get in a full eighteen at Bandon Dunes one of these days soon.

But the best thing, the very best by far, is watching the sunset over the great blue Pacific. In not so perfect weather, watching from our room, with a fire crackling and a bottle of wine to toast yet another glorious seaside getaway, or enjoying a delicious dinner at one of the many great restaurants overlooking the ocean, is a fine way to view this majestic sight. But being down on the beach with the ocean breeze blowing salty air across my face, watching that glowing ball of fire sink slowly below the horizon, takes my breath away each and every time. Even if only for the sunsets, the drive is worth it.

Visit Bandon By The Sea

By Christyn Madau


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