Our New Life on the Oregon Coast Forever: Part One

We made it!! Which you already know because we got here a week ago. Almost a week ago. Six days ago. Basically a week ago.

Our New Life on the Oregon Coast Forever / Bev Cooks

And it.is.stupid.stunning.

Like, my eyes don’t know what to do with themselves here. You see photos all your life of this rugged terrain, the forest, the mountains, the water, the sand, the Subarus.

But in person it’s just ridiculous! And we’ve barely just begun. We have SO much planned over the next three weeks, but for now – a little peek into what last week looked like.

Ready, BRAH?

Our New Life on the Oregon Coast Forever / Bev Cooks

Of course one of the very first things we did was to go find clams. These are steamer clams, and SO GOOD. We did hunt for razor clams yesterday, which you already saw in my Stories and sent me vomit-face emojis for hours WHICH OKAY. I get it. I sent them right back to you in solidarity. Matter of fact, I’ve got a whole post on razor clam hunting coming next week. Get your vomit-face emojis geared up!

Our New Life on the Oregon Coast Forever / Bev Cooks

Our house is amazing. Those giant windows wrap around over half the house, and they line up with the slant of the Neahkahnie Mountain perfectly, but I’m not showing you that here because I didn’t think I would be talking about that until right this second k byeeeeee.

Our New Life on the Oregon Coast Forever / Bev Cooks

So Manzanita – okay, we knew NOTHING about this place when we started our search for our Pacific Northwest nest. We knew we didn’t want an overly touristy place, but something that still offered a few charming spots that we could explore and frequent during the month. And it’s just perfect! One main “strip” with a few local restaurants, a winery, grocery store, book store (going today) and shops that you can buy things you don’t actually need but do clearly need. Like cheap stackable rings with tiny mustard jewels on them. It’s all I can think about.

This is the Winery at Manzanita – CUTE PLACE. They have these crazy gourmet s’mores and although the kids look like they’re being forced to do algebra, they really loved them. I even had a bite! LIVING ON THE EDGE, GUYS.

Our New Life on the Oregon Coast Forever / Bev Cooks

So next door to Manzanita is a teeeeeny town called Nehalem. And when I said the word Nehalem, I say it like Maya Rudolph might. Sunken eyes, double chin but yet emitting a wanna-be sexy vibe with a slight sway in the shoulders, “Ne-HEH-lem.” And it makes me giggle.

Our New Life on the Oregon Coast Forever / Bev Cooks

It was at this winery that I discovered a SHOCKING (<–said like Joan Cusack in High Fidelity) truth.

That RIESLINGS (which I’ve always said can rot in hell) CAN BE DRY AND ARE SUPPOSED TO BE DRY AND ARE DELIGHTFULLY DELICIOUS WHEN DRY.

Guys, I had a Riesling. And enjoyed it. And freaked out a smidge. Not a HINT of sweet and I’m not kidding. Bone dry, crisp. I’m a different person.

Aaron wants to go back next weekend because this winery is hosting a huge reggae fest and I’m like . . . okay?

Our New Life on the Oregon Coast Forever / Bev Cooks

Ahhhhh the Goonies rock. NEVER SAY DIE!

Yesterday morning we made the tiny treck (everything is so close here!) to Cannon Beach to get our obligatory photo with the childhood beloved Haystack Rock.

Our New Life on the Oregon Coast Forever / Bev Cooks

And it’s just . . . breathtaking. The whole upper half of the rock looks to be covered in a thick, lush moss, with white seagulls circling around and perched all over it. Just magnificent.

“I FEEL LIKE I’M BABYSITTING, EXCEPT I’M NOT GETTING PAID.” – ntm.

Our New Life on the Oregon Coast Forever / Bev Cooks

After Haystack we dropped into Sleepy Monk coffee shop, per your maaaany suggestions! It’s darling, hippie, cozy, warm. And has the best bacon and blue cheese scone I’ve EVER HAD. I’m now into scones because of this place.

The end.

Our New Life on the Oregon Coast Forever / Bev Cooks

Right north of Seaside (which I believe we’re officially spending the afternoon there tomorrow!), is Gearhart – and THIS IS WHERE YOU CLAM. When I was shopping a few days ago, the owner of a cute store on the Manzanita strip gave me the tip – drive to Gearhart for major clamming. And omg, it’s true. Clammers EVERYWHERE. Which you can’t tell from this photo, but the other direction had kajillions of people in rainboots, ankle deep in the sand, pulling out giant pacific razor clams in huge white sci-fi- looking clamming tubes.

More on this soon. Vomit-face emoji!

Our New Life on the Oregon Coast Forever / Bev Cooks

After we clammed our 10 giant honkers, we found a stunning park on the way back to Manzanita called Hug Point. Holy moly it is gorgeous. This is what Oregon looks like. So rude.

Our New Life on the Oregon Coast Forever / Bev Cooks

Waterfalls!

I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore. (don’t look at me like that. I live in Kansas I GET TO SAY IT.)

Our New Life on the Oregon Coast Forever / Bev Cooks

It makes me crazy how spectacular this whole area is.

Our New Life on the Oregon Coast Forever / Bev Cooks

We let the kids swim a little bit before heading back, but would you believe those people (and a ton more!) were in BATHING SUITS. Hello, I had a jacket on. It was like 57 degrees.

Oh! Before I forget – I’m getting a ton of messages asking about their wet suits and beach shoes. The suits are Amazon (Aaron found them), and the shoes are thrifted (Aaron found them.)

But I can tell you what I’m about to find. Stackable rings with tiny mustard JEWELS ON THEM.

Our New Life on the Oregon Coast Forever / Bev Cooks

This was the view on our way back to Manzanita. Just a hair north of where we’re living. HOW IS THIS REAL.

STOP IT, OREGON.

Our New Life on the Oregon Coast Forever / Bev Cooks

So this place – Bread and Ocean is my favorite so far. ADORABLE bakery tucked back on the main strip in town. It has an outside patio, a quaint inside with a huge rustic skylight, and then a bar next door. See you never. (more in my Stories!)

Our New Life on the Oregon Coast Forever / Bev Cooks

This is from the inside window. I wonder if the owners would notice if I stick this plant in my bra.

Our New Life on the Oregon Coast Forever / Bev Cooks

This is my running route. Half I do on the pavement, and other half on the beach. I know, I’m so BIG LITTLE LIES RIGHT NOW.

(also, that fog is so Oregonian. There are patches of GHOSTY FOG everywhere. It’s like Twilight! FUN FACT: we’re planning on going to Indian Beach next week, which is one of the spots used in the movie! More on this soon. You’re like, or not?)

Our New Life on the Oregon Coast Forever / Bev Cookst

That’s all for now! I seriously could have shown you 50 more photos, but I value our relationship, so I’ll stop while I’m ahead.

Tonight we’ll hit the Manzanita Farmer’s Market, maybe get some tacos this afternoon, hit up Seaside tomorrow, go crabbing IN A BOAT next week, along with a trip to Astoria! Which is only like 45 minutes away. Everything is so close here!

Manzanita, OR

As always, hit me up if you have any insider tips or hidden gems that I must absolutely seek out. Speaking of gems, IMMA GET MY STACKABLE RING TODAY WITH A MUSTARD JEWEL ON IT.

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38 Responses to Our New Life on the Oregon Coast Forever: Part One

  1. Anonymous June 7, 2019 at 11:59 am #
    Coastal Maine is awesome. If Astoria is that close, they have a wonderful Sunday Farmers Market. It's right downtown and has other vendors in addition to fresh vegetables, flowers, etc.
    • Lindsay June 7, 2019 at 1:48 pm #
      Uh, Maine?
    • Bev Weidner June 7, 2019 at 2:50 pm #
      Do you mean coastal Oregon? Is is "Coastal Maine" I cool place in Astoria that I should know about?!
  2. Darcy June 7, 2019 at 2:33 pm #
    Doryland Pizza in Pacific City is delish, and it’s fun to watch the dory boats go in and out. Pelican has the best apps and beer (sit outside by the fire and let your kids play in the sand while you watch). Go to the Tillamook Cheese factory and get ice cream. Welcome to Oregon - we love it here!
    • Bev Weidner June 7, 2019 at 2:51 pm #
      Yessss Tillamook and Pelican in Pacific City are on the list for NEXT weekend. Can't wait!
  3. Kristin June 7, 2019 at 2:50 pm #
    We loved the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria. I didn't pay attention to how much of it would hold the attention of little ones, but I know there are definitely some parts they would enjoy.
    • Shannon June 7, 2019 at 4:10 pm #
      https://www.blm.gov/learn/interpretive-centers/yaquina The tide pools at Yaquina!
  4. Marielle Harrington June 7, 2019 at 3:18 pm #
    So glad you are loving it and taking it a tad slower than last last year. I was exhausted after your east coast experience ;) Quick questions - always questions - did you post steak and/or asparagus recipe. Cant find them. AND can you share the sneakers you bought pre-trip. Or tennis shoes brand. Looking for a good decent walking shoe, non-running type shoe for our trip to east coast....Were more like a ked type shoe but I personally do not like keds.... so ya, just the brand. And do you like them. Sorry so long
    • Bev Weidner June 8, 2019 at 9:10 am #
      Ha! You weren't on the trip, so you don't get to be exhausted. :) :) :) Haven't posted the asparagus! I'll officially shoot it later this month, or maybe once we're back in KC. Stay tuned! And the shoes that I posted in Stories are Keens - Mercer Lace I believe is the style. Found them at Zappos!
      • Anonymous June 8, 2019 at 10:27 am #
        Super Duper! Thanks - Enjoy
  5. Eliza June 7, 2019 at 4:05 pm #
    I hope you’re going to Otis Cafe in the teeny tiny town of Otis, just outside Lincoln Coty a bit. You don’t regret it!!!
    • Bev Weidner June 8, 2019 at 9:09 am #
      I'll look into it, thank you!!
    • RN Wilson June 8, 2019 at 12:26 pm #
      I could not agree more with this recommendation!
  6. Lori June 7, 2019 at 4:22 pm #
    YES- the first Riesling I had was dry and I thought they all were. Then I had a sweet one and was like, blech. Now I scope out the dry ones like a crazy person - I'll have to look into that winery you posted -do they distribute their wines?
  7. Dalton June 7, 2019 at 10:33 pm #
    As a Oregonian since the early 1950s I beg u to PLEASE stop telling everyone how amazing it is. We don't want all this beauty crowded and trampled . . . .
  8. Sara June 8, 2019 at 12:46 am #
    30 year Oregonian here with so many reccs to echo or add! Starting in Astoria and going south: Astoria - Fort George is the best brewpub (pizza upstairs regular pub downstairs, great beer at both!), though Buoy has a glass floor so you can see sea lions below! Breakfast/coffee/a bite at Blue Scorcher. River walk. Finn Ware is the greatest little scandi gift shop. Bowpicker fish and chips, Custard King frozen custard stand. Tillamook area: De Garde brewing for fancy, fruited, farmhouse/sour beers. La Providencia for great roadside tacos. Jacobsen salts and salty caramels. Lincoln City - for when you need more city-ish conveniences or if rainy. the outlet mall! a movie theater! Mossy creek pottery just off 101 south of LC is gorgeous. Depoe Bay - whales without trying! Newport - Beverly Beach (duh), Local Ocean Seafoods and Newport Candy Shoppe for best taffy and fudge, Nye Beach has cute shops and restaurants. Aquarium goes without saying! Yachats is a lot of natives’ favorite spot on central coast for the beach and the cute shops. Yachats Brewing! Cape Perpetua for views and hiking. Florence: homegrown pub, sweet creek falls easy cute hike area slightly inland. I could go on! Enjoy your time! In the meantime I’m enjoying everyone else’s reccs :)
    • Bev Weidner June 8, 2019 at 9:08 am #
      This is all so helpful, thank youuuu!
    • Heather June 8, 2019 at 11:10 am #
      To add to Sara's comment, The Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center (closed Mon & Tues) is such a fun quick place if you are interested in whales. It's right off the road and just a quick walk to a center/building that overlooks the ocean. Every time we have gone we have seen more than one whale. I believe that last year in the month of June Orcas were spotted. Western Oregon is gorgeous (especially during the summer) and was one of the reasons why we moved here. Like you said, everything is so close!
    • Wendy June 9, 2019 at 12:24 am #
      Everything Sara says is on point. Also: -Blue Heron across from Tillamook. Frenchier cheese, less ginormous. Goats to pet. -Tour Jacobsen Salt on Netarts Bay, Netarts is also good for clamming. Hike at cape Meares and see the Octopus tree and climb up into the Lighthouse. -You can’t go wrong in Astoria. So many eclectic cute shops and cafes. You’ll love it. We last went to Astoria Coffee House on 11th. Bowpicker is a must...Prepare to wait in line if it’s a weekend. -Fly balsa wood planes off the top of the Astoria Column. My kids love doing that! If coming inland to wine country, McMinnville, Dundee, Dayton, Carlton. So much awesome charm. Shopping, antiquing, wine, wine, wine. Check out The Vintages for a place to stay. I haven’t, we live too close, but every time we drive by I think we should it looks so fun!
  9. Nicole June 8, 2019 at 10:14 am #
    Ft George Brewery in Astoria!!!! Astoria column in Astoria!!! Bills Tavern in Cannon Beach!!! Mcmennamins in Gearhart!!!
  10. Amy June 8, 2019 at 5:51 pm #
    Sea Level bakery/coffee in Cannon Beach!
  11. Tilliie June 8, 2019 at 6:50 pm #
    great pics! I saw you in a commercial the other day. Can't remember what it was for but I heard the voice and had to look up from my computer to confirm, hey that's Bev!
  12. Amanda June 9, 2019 at 9:44 am #
    https://www.seasideor.com/seaside-stories/painted-rocks-secret-spots/ This is one of our favorite places to take our kids when we are at the coast.
  13. Nicola Gienger June 10, 2019 at 1:30 pm #
    Five rivers coffee roasters in Tillamook is INCREDIBLE— perfect first stop for coffee and a treat on the way through Tillamook ☺️ Also the Schooner restaurant in Netarts Bay is fabulous too! Welcome to Oregon, it’s A Beautiful place to call home!
  14. Colleen June 10, 2019 at 7:02 pm #
    What on God's green earth is a mustard jewel?
    • Bev Weidner June 12, 2019 at 9:58 am #
      An earth-toned jewel with a mustard tone.:)
  15. Kayla June 12, 2019 at 4:49 pm #
    Tillamook!! Of course have to tour the Tillamook cheese factory, then get ice cream at their Creamery. Then stop for a beer at Werner Beef & Brew!
  16. Tahnya June 8, 2020 at 10:24 pm #
    Hey there! Ran across your blog as I've been looking for thoughts on life on the Oregon coast. Now that you have lived there for a year, what are your thoughts now after experiencing all of the rain? We are considering a move to the Oregon coast. We have four kids and would love your perspective of life on the coast with kids. Thanks!

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