Lincoln City Oregon: May Events

Lincoln City Oregon Events

Lincoln City Oregon is a great place to visit in May. As the weather warms, there are more opportunities to explore the seashore, city, and surrounding area. Here is a just few things that might peak your interest this May.

Discover What’s Lurking in Tide Pools

Wednesday, May 16, 2018 @ 8:30am

Thursday, May 17, 2018 @ 8:30am

Saturday, May 19, 2018 @ 9:30am

Tide pools abound along the Oregon Coast and offer a great way to learn about aquatic life. Each year, local experts put on tide pool clinics on the Lincoln City beach at the 15th Street access.

After a brief lecture of what you might find, you’ll head to several tide pools to discover what’s lurking there. You can pose questions to Fawn Custer, of the Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition, or Athena Crichton, of the Hatfield Marine Science Center. Common finds in the tide pools include mussels, sea urchins, starfish, and sea anemones, but you never know!

Come prepared- Oregon Coast weather can change in a flash. At the least, you’ll want rubber boots and gloves, a fold up rain jacket, and sunscreen. Children and animals are welcome, but you must tend to them at all times.

Beachcombing Treasures

Tuesday, May 22, 2018 @ 6:30pm

Check out a lecture on beachcombing at the Driftwood Public Library from our own Oregon beachcomber, Kay Myers. She’s published a pocket guide on exciting finds you might encounter on the Oregon Coast including petrified wood, fossils, and semi-precious stones. Once you know what to look for, head out the following day and see what you can discover and take home a souvenir.

Last Chance For A Glass Float Until Fall

Saturday, May 26, 2018 to Monday, May 28 – Anytime

Memorial Day weekend is your last chance to scour the beach for a handmade glass treasure you can keep. Organizers of the Finders Keepers program drop an extra 100 glass floats and one whopper to wind up the spring season.

Look for the floats on the public beach in Lincoln City, between Roads End and Siletz Bay. If you don’t come now, you’ll have to wait until the fall for another opportunity.

Start of Clamming Season

May 30, 2018 @ 10:00am

If you’ve always wanted to dig for clams, but don’t know how it’s time to take in a clamming clinic at the Driftwood Public. You’ll start with a 45 minute orientation to review the rules and regulations of clamming, how to identify clams and harvest them, and of course how to clean and cook these little morsels.

After the orientation, you’ll head to Siletz Bay to dig clams. Participants must be over 12- years old and everyone needs a shellfish license (you can buy one locally). You’ll also need a clam bag, shovel, gloves, and a bucket which you can either buy on-site or beforehand from local shops.

If you miss the May 30th event, there are 6 more clinics later in the year.

Take A Self-Guided Historical Tour

Anytime

Lincoln City has an interesting history you might want to explore on a pleasant day. Download the guide from the link above and visit all or some of the 14 featured areas of the self-guided Heritage Tour. The tour takes between 2 and 3 hours, but its well-worth your time. You’ll not only get a glimpse of local history, but a great orientation of the area so you easily find your way around.

5 Unbeatable Reasons For A Central Oregon Coast Spring Visit

Central Oregon Coast

The Central Oregon Coast encompasses the area between Lincoln City and Florence on scenic Highway 101. While this spectacular area is well-appreciated during the summer months, you may want to rethink you travel plans and schedule a spring visit instead. Here’s why.

Moderate Temperatures

Admittedly, Central Oregon Coast towns and cities are somewhat wild and unpredictable during the winter months. However, as spring rolls in the rains subside and temperatures hover around a comfortable 60°F during the day.

If you’re a person that can’t tolerate the heat, spring’s the ideal time for travel. Coastal residents will be the first to tell you will encounter clear, sunny days during the spring, and if you’re caught in a storm it’s not a big issue. You’ll hear Oregonians say, “If you don’t like the weather, just give it five minutes”.

Peak Season For Blooms

One great reason to tolerate a shower or two is these spring rains do bring an abundance of flowers on the Central Oregon Coast. Wildflower season starts around the end of March, but the season for blooms is gloriously long in this area, peaking in April and May.

The Cascade Head Preserve provides the ideal habitat for rare wildflowers such as the native Cascade Head Catchfly and the Hairy Checker-Mallow and protects the Oregon silverspot butterfly too. The preserve has a lush 2.5 mile trail loaded with blue violet, streambank lupine, and native grasses suitable for most people.

Florence also offers the Rhododendron Festival each May, as they have since 1908. These flowers show off in various colors along roadsides, yards, parks, and displays and the festival culminates in a floral contest for the most outstanding blooms. Florence’s Historic Old Town is the setting for a parade, entertainment, and other festivities.

The Central Oregon Coast is also home to a native carnivorous plant; Darlingtonia californica, or the Pitcher Plant. With an entire state park dedicated to its protection, a spring visit will awe you with fields of purple petals and yellow sepals.

Watch Ocean Geysers

Areas such as Depoe Bay are built on basalt beds and the waves squeeze between the rocks to create spouting geysers during a storm. If a spring squall does pass through the area, you’ll see quite a show.

You don’t have to brave the elements to appreciate the beauty of these ocean plumes either (unless you want to). You can just as easily watch them from the comfort of your living room in a well-appointed Depoe Bay waterfront condo.

Other spectacular viewpoints along Highway 101 also provide outstanding views of waves as the pummel the cliffs. Cape Foulweather, Heceta Head Lighthouse, and Cape Perpetua are great places to take photos and watch Mother Nature unleash her fury.

Farther north, Lincoln City offers excellent spots at the D River Wayside and Roads End State Park if you love to feel the wind in your hair. Otherwise, sip a drink, contemplate life, and enjoy the luxuries of a beachfront Lincoln City condo.

Fewer Crowds – More Fun

During the summer the Central Oregon Coast teems with tourists, and understandably so. With miles of sandy beaches, unspoiled natural treasures, and outstanding activities and entertainment it’s an area that’s hard to beat. Nonetheless, packed restaurants and a clogged Highway 101 aren’t much fun.

Seasoned travellers quickly realize the spring offers much more. They can easily visit many restaurants, brew pubs, and local attractions, get more attention, better service, and have a chance to converse with locals too. It’s a good time to truly appreciate what the Central Oregon Coast has to offer.

Discounted Accommodation

A spring visit to the Central Oregon Coast makes perfect sense. Why stay in a cramped hotel when you can stretch out, view the grandeur of the Pacific Ocean outside your window, and access Highway 101 for daytrips throughout your visit?

Choose the best. Our premium oceanfront condominiums offer substantial discounts during the off-season.

Fall, Food, & Fun On The Oregon Coast

Fall Food Fun Oregon Coast

Fall is a great time to visit the Oregon Coast. You’ll discover exceptionally fresh food, fabulous local wine and craft beer, and plenty of local history and adventure.

Fall is also a spectacular time to stroll along the miles of uncrowded sandy beaches, dine in the best restaurants, and taste wines; all without contending with scores of visitors. Plus, the Oregon Coast puts on a colorful display as this heavily wooded expanse change to yellow, orange, and red. The following events are just a taste of what fall on the Oregon Coast offers.

The Bite of Oregon
Portland, Oregon
September 1-4, 2017
Labor Day Weekend

Start September off with a visit to The Bite of Oregon, our state’s premier event which showcases west coast life, food, and drink. This event features outstanding cuisine from seven Oregon regions, and everything from appetizers to desserts.

Fall would not be complete with tasting at least a few of Oregon’s award-winning craft beers from across the state. Oregon also has a thriving wine industry, and up and coming distilleries making a name for themselves too.

The event also includes the Iron Chef Oregon and Iron Mixology Oregon competitions which determines who can create the most amazing concoctions under grueling conditions.

Carlton Crush Harvest Festival
Carlton, Oregon
September 9, 2017

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to roll up your pant legs and actually stomp grapes? Well you can, if you act quickly.

Every year, Carlton puts on their Crush Harvest Festival where 24 teams of 4 people compete in a team stomping completion. There’s also a stomping competition for kids. You need to register to take part.

Even if you’re not too keen on purple feet, it’s a hoot to watch and there’s plenty of wine, beer, food, entertainment and crafts to enjoy. They also offer free admission and parking.

Cannon Beach Cottage Tours
Cannon Beach, Oregon
September 08 – 10, 2017

Fall is the best time to explore the Cannon Beach area. Its postcard-perfect beaches are home to vintage cottages, unique beach getaways, and spectacular dream homes and you can tour them, courtesy of the Cannon Beach History Center and Museum.

Many major publications including Sunset, Oregon Home, and Oregon Coast magazines describe this tour as an excellent opportunity to take in local history, view amazing architecture, and “see” how the locals live. The 14th Annual Cannon Beach Cottage Tour also includes a concert, luncheon, lectures, presentations and a reception. The event is very popular, so buy your tickets in advance.

Indian Style Salmon Bake
Depoe Bay, Oregon
September 16, 2017

This is the 61st annual salmon bake at Depoe Bay, and they certainly know how to do things right. This event draws people from far and wide, and with good reason.

Preparation for the salmon bake begins many months before the event. Volunteers find alder wood from the neighboring forests, just as native tribes have for centuries. They build an 80-foot fire line in Depoe Bay City Park and then light the wood before sunrise on the day of the event. The park offers an outstanding view of the Pacific and the harbor.

Hundreds of Pacific salmon fillets are fastened to alder wood stakes and then baked over the coals. The alder adds flavor to the fish as it bakes to perfection. There’s no need to worry about parking. You can catch a free shuttle to the park and back to the shops on the oceanfront. Many merchants also offer special discounts during the event.

Cherry Blossom Orchestra–100 Years of Recorded Jazz
Lincoln City, Oregon
September 21, 2017

Fall marks the 100-year anniversary of some of the best and earliest jazz recordings by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band from New Orleans. This September, you can hear these timeless classics come to life again when the Cherry Blossom Orchestra performs at the Lincoln Cultural Center.

This seven-piece Portland band will get your foot tapping and tickets are very reasonable.

Fall Splendor Scenic Railroad Excursion
Rockaway Beach, Oregon
September 30, 2017

Take in the splendor of our Oregon forests as the leaves change color on a steam locomotive as it chugs along the Nehalem River. You’ll do a circle route from Wheeler Depot, and past a few historic logging camps. You can even ride in the engine cab for a small fee to cover insurance costs. Dogs are welcome and excursions run through October too.

Fall Vacation Rentals Without Fees

If you’re looking for fall Oregon Coast vacation rentals, without the hefty fees that sites like Airbnb, VRBO, TripAdvisor, and others charge, we can help. We have many oceanfront units with high-end amenities. We offer condominiums in Lincoln City and Depoe Bay at affordable prices so you can experience the Oregon Coast in the fall for yourself.

Booking Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals Without Hefty Fees

oregon coast rentals fees

Oregon Coast vacation rentals may seem much the same. You scroll through the images, check what you get, and look for the best price. However, what many people don’t realize is companies such as Airbnb, VRBO, and TripAdvisor also charge hefty fees when you book. They might call them service fees or booking fees, but you pay.

Airbnb

Airbnb charges you a fee after a confirmed reservation. Service fees typically range between 5 and 15 percent, based on the subtotal before fees and taxes. Airbnb states they calculate fees based on the reservation subtotal, the length of the reservation, and characteristics of the listing, and more. In general, higher reservation subtotals have lower guest service fee percentages. You may also pay a one-time cleaning fee set by the owner.

VRBO/HomeAway

VRBO/HomeAway began charging fees in 2016. They state their booking fees cover operational costs such as running their website, offering customer support, marketing, etc. Fees normally range between 5 and 12 percent, but some can be lower or higher. The rate can also change. Generally, the higher the reservation amount, the lower the percentage of service fee.

TripAdvisor/FlipKey

TripAdvisor states they charge between 8% and 14.5% of the total booking value. This fee is automatically added to your invoice when you book and it is non-refundable unless you cancel.

They state their fee helps them run their secure platform, provide customer support, and gives you peace of mind that your transaction is safe.

Do They Offer Protection?

Clearly, these not so small fees pay for their operating costs, but do they really offer some level of protection? The answer is not really.

Airbnb states they may help facilitate the resolution of disputes, but they do not control or guarantee the existence, quality, safety, suitability, or legality of any listings or their accuracy. They do offer a dispute resolution service, but only as a mediator between you and the owner.

VRBO states they “do not mediate disputes”. TripAdvisor offers a Payment Protection Policy, but they make all decisions regarding claims and eligibility and it is final and binding. Clearly, these are not great guarantees.

Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals Without Fees

Fortunately, you can still access Oregon Coast vacation rentals, without paying these unnecessary fees. We have many oceanfront units to choose from and they include many high-end amenities. You book directly with us to eliminate these nasty fees and you have someone you can talk to if you have concerns.

We know the area and we want you to have the absolute best vacation possible. We can direct you to great restaurants, events, and activities. We offer high-end beachfront condominiums in Lincoln City and Depoe Bay at affordable prices.

Here are examples from each.

Pacific Winds “The Tides”

Lincoln City

Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals The Tides

 

Village at North Pointe “Ocean’s Melody”

Depoe Bay

Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals Oceans Melody

 

Lincoln City Oregon: Nelscott

Lincoln City Nelscott

Lincoln City was originally five small communities. This is the final article in our series regarding the roots of Lincoln City and explores Nelscott and its intriguing history.

The Early Days

Early Nelcott was remote and densely forested with spruce and hemlock. The Dawes Act of 1887 provided free land to new colonists and Siletz tribal members, but few took the government up on their offer.

Among the adventurous were Charles P. Nelson and Dr. W.G. Scott, developers looking for land in the early 1900s. Nelson first came to see the area around 1906 and the two men later returned to buy. Many parcels of relatively flat land with beach access offered development promise. The two men combined surnames and formed a new partnership firm: the Nelscott Land Company.

The area remained mostly inaccessible until the construction of the Roosevelt Military Highway (Highway 101) in the 1920s.

Automobiles Changed Everything

Automobiles were affordable by the 1920s and travelers found the drive down the new Oregon Coast Highway almost irresistible. Suddenly, motoring tourists flocked to the area in droves and an economic boom ensued in the area.

Nelscott’s development was relatively small compared to others along the coast. The Nelscott Land Company subdivided their property into 87 small lots for small vacation cottages. The company wanted to create a small summer resort town, not a massive development.

Scott and Nelson wanted a wholesome environment for visitors. They outlawed public halls and taverns and the community operated on coal oil lamps. Even when a diesel-powered generator arrived on the property in 1926, it was shut down at ten o’clock every night.

Early Nelscott catered to motorists and tried to entice campers to the area. The Nelscott Auto Park was basically an elaborate campground, which accommodated 100 tent campers at the height of the automobile craze. It offered tent houses for fifty cents a day.

The Nelscott Cash Store built in 1927 had a general store, bus depot, gas station, and restaurant. It was so busy during the summer that six clerks sometimes staffed the store. Photos of the auto park and store are courtesy of the North Lincoln County Historical Museum.

Eventually, travelers wearied of camping in tents and business owners offered cabins instead. Modern private cabins rented for $1.50 to $3.50 per day completely furnished and with hot and cold showers. Visitors could also partake in pony rides, Friday night entertainment, and church services.

The Great Depression and World War II eventually brought tourism to a halt. Blackouts after sundown, rationing, and the migration to the coast for employment stunted growth during these periods of uncertainty.

Nelcott Becomes Lincoln City

Despite these hardships, people remained in the area. However, the rise in modern hotels and new state parks meant few people stayed in tourist cottages or tents. A 1939 directory recorded only seventy-one residents and by 1950 there were just 180.

Nelscott never incorporated and when given the option to amalgamate with Oceanlake, DeLake, Cutler City, and Taft, residents voted 85 in favor and 57 against. In 1964, all five communities became Lincoln City for improved fire, water, and sewage services.

Nelscott Today

You can find the Nelscott area north of Spanish Head. Fashionable beach houses line the coast and the Nelscott Strip offers shops and diners.

Nelscott is most well-known for its stunning beaches and the Nelscott Reef, home to world-class big wave surfing competitions. It was named as one of the Pacific’s best surf locations in Surfer Magazine in 2003, and home to the Nelscott Reef Big Wave Pro-Am in Lincoln City.

*****

If you’re interested in exploring historic Nelscott, why not stay in a comfortable Lincoln City oceanfront vacation home with stunning ocean views and high-end amenities. These well-appointed condominiums offer stunning ocean views, HDTV, wireless internet, an exercise room, a heated indoor pool and a games room, and more.

You’re perfectly positioned to explore the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway and all the Oregon Coast has to offer, without sacrificing comfort or affordability.

Lincoln City Oregon: Cutler City

Lincoln City Cutler City Oregon

This is the fourth article in our series regarding the roots of Lincoln City. This article focuses on Cutler City, one of the five original communities of Lincoln City, each with an interesting past.

The Early Days

The Dawes Act of 1887 opened up the Oregon coast to settlers. It provided acreages to new colonists and Siletz tribal members. The promise of free land drew people to the area, but getting there was another matter.

North Lincoln County homesteaders used the old Salmon River route to travel in the area, but it was little more than a trail. It followed the Salmon River, rocky slopes and passed through very deep forest. The abundance of timber and the access to the river made it the ideal spot for the lumber industry, but the road was barely passable and only during the dry seasons of the year. It was hardly an attractive prospect for settlers traveling with all their worldly possessions.

Nonetheless, settlers did arrive. The first non-natives came to Drift Creek in 1896, and by 1905 the first sawmill appeared. Even after many road improvements, the area was still almost inaccessible. You could reach it on horseback, by boat, or by wading across the water at low tide. A swinging foot bridge across Schooner Creek improved access by 1911.

The Cutlers from Dallas, Oregon were the first to purchase land in the area and by 1913 the Lincoln County Court approved the Cutler City town site. Within the next decade, a dairy also appeared near Drift Creek, but the lack of a passable road limited the population. This all changed with the completion of the Roosevelt Military Highway in 1927, linking all Oregon coast cities.

The Automobile Boom

The area was suddenly connected to the surge of automobiles traveling on the newly built highway. Automobile camping soared during the 20’s and by 1930 the town had the official name Cutler City, an archway at its entrance, and its own auto park with picturesque cottages.

Cutler City became known for its stunning rhododendrons and the ideal getaway for a vacation. Consequently, vacation cottages sprang up with picturesque views and quaint gardens. The town progressed slowly through the Great Depression, bringing new residents and new businesses to the area.

The start of World War II brought development to a standstill. Gasoline shortages and blackouts quashed the tourist industry and any events designed to entice people to the area. However, the lumber industry continued to flourish due to the need for timber throughout the war.

Post-War Development

The end of World War II triggered an economic boom in the U.S., and Cutler City came to life again. The population doubled and many new businesses appeared. Cutler City was less affluent than many other towns, but it had a strong, proud, independent working class community.

When discussions began regarding amalgamating Oceanlake, Taft, Nelscott, Delake, and Cutler City residents were reluctant and skeptical. When the proposal final won approval in 1965, Cutler City’s vote was only 73 yes and 69 no, hardly a landslide. Regardless, Cutler City became Lincoln City along with the other communities.

Cutler City Today

Old Cutler City lies between Schooner and Drift Creeks. It is primarily residential, but a few notable historic buildings still stand. The Cutler City Tavern (photo courtesy North Lincoln County Historical Museum) is now the Bay House and the Kangas Brothers Dairy Barn still echo Cutler City’s early days, although they’ve undergone renovations. You’ll also find antique shops, an art gallery, and the relaxing Josephine Young Memorial Park if you need to unwind.

If you’re interested in exploring historic Cutler City, why not stay in a comfortable Lincoln City beach rental with stunning ocean views and high-end amenities. These well-appointed condominiums offer stunning ocean views and high-end amenities including HDTV, wireless internet, an exercise room, a heated indoor pool and a games room, just to name a few.

Lincoln City Oregon: Taft District

lincoln city taft district cottages and archway

Lincoln City was originally five separate communities. This is the third in our series focusing on one of these – Taft. Discover its fascinating past and why it makes Lincoln City such an interesting place to visit today.

Early Settlement

European immigrants appeared in the area in 1894 when North Lincoln County allowed settlement. It began as a small trading and social center for homesteaders living in the isolated area. Homesteaders often traveled by water to patronize the waterfront stores.

Allotments ran along the north end of Siletz Bay that bordered the open ocean, now 49th and 51st streets. The waterfront eventually earned the nickname “Taft Flat”, and was a popular place for get-togethers and camping.

To say the village grew slowly would be an understatement. By 1904, there was only one house and commercial ventures. In 1906, Taft earned its official name with the addition of a post office honoring President William Howard Taft, Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary of war. Retail, the post office, and fishing and logging were the only noteworthy concerns in the area for the primarily Finnish residents.

Economic Boom

This small settlement nestled on the floodplains of Schooner and Drift Creeks grew very slowly until the Roosevelt Military Highway (Highway 101) opened in the 1926. It opened the area to tourism and linked once remote communities along the Oregon Coast.

Almost overnight, everything changed. Trade moved away from the waterfront to the highway to accommodate automobile traffic. A covered bridge at Schooner Creek welcomed motorists to Taft from the north. Promoters advertised Taft as the ideal destination for a holiday and a picturesque place for a vacation home. A small economic boom ensued and the once sleepy town became a resort community for motorists.

In 1949, Taft officially became a city with a population of 498. However, the city teemed with tourists and lodging to accommodate them. The first was The Pines Hotel with a ballroom and restaurant. Later, 91 tourist cabins and two trailer courts joined the ranks on or near the waterfront.

A few of the cabins can still be seen in the southern end of Lincoln City. However, most cabins disappeared when hotels and state campgrounds appeared in the area.

Incorporation as Lincoln City

Today, the Taft archway adorned with Dungeness crabs marks the entrance to this historic waterfront area. Taft, along with 4 other districts became Lincoln City in 1965. The business district remains, with art studios, coffee and pastry shops, restaurants, and shopping. It is still a popular tourist destination, because it offers unparalleled Oregon Coast beaches, surfing, and pristine tidal pools and wildlife. The oceanfront is ideal for whale watching, digging for clams, or trapping crab.

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Some of the historic buildings still stand in the area. If you’re interested in exploring historic Taft, why not stay in a comfortable Lincoln City oceanfront rental with stunning ocean views and high-end amenities. These well-appointed condominiums offer space and comfort at a very affordable price.

Lincoln City Oregon: Delake District

Lincoln City Delake D River Delake School

This is the second in our series regarding the roots of Lincoln City. This article focuses on Delake, one of the five original communities of Lincoln City, each with an interesting past.

Delake was one of the towns that sprung up after the Dawes Act in 1887 offered eighty-acre allotments to Native Americans and settlers. By 1924 Delake had a post office and a general store. The Roosevelt Highway opened in 1926 making it easier for people to reach the town and the population grew quickly.

D River

You know you’re in what was once Delake when you see the “D” River. Guinness World Records recognizes it as the shortest river in the world, but its state recreation site is one of the busiest on the Oregon Coast. Its home to the spectacular, world-class Lincoln City Kite Festival scheduled for June 24th and June 25th this year. Competitors from around the globe show off their creations and skill, but anyone can join in if they register.

Delake School

The official boundary of Delake is actually seven blocks south of the river, where you’ll find the Delake School seen in the photo (courtesy North Lincoln County Historical Museum). The Lincoln Cultural Center operates there now, but when the school was completed in 1929 it was the first in the town center. It accommodated the many grade school students in the rapidly growing community. Before it was built, many students walked up to four miles to attend classes. Today, you can take an art class, what a magic show, or enjoy a special event in the facility.

Old Delake bustles with tourists now and offers modern amenities. However, the miles of sandy beaches and the sense of community remain. It’s still a great place to grab a burger, chat with a local, and experience the glory of the Oregon Coast.

Lincoln City has much to offer, including many snippets of Oregon’s colorful past. Its oceanfront is also the ideal place to watch the grey whale migration, trap a Dungeness crab, or dig for razor clams. The city offers incredibly fresh seafood, microbreweries and wineries, and untouched wildlife reserves too. If you like to fish, steelhead, bass, sturgeon, and trout abound so you won’t leave empty-handed. Of course, the kids can explore the tidal pools, visit an arcade, or check out a movie at the local theater.

If you’re interested in exploring the area, why not stay in one of our Lincoln City oceanfront rentals? They’re affordable and offer all the comforts of home while you explore Lincoln City and its charms. Rentals include stunning ocean views and high-end amenities including HDTV, wireless internet, an exercise room, a heated indoor pool and a games room, just to name a few. Why stay in a stuffy, pricey hotel when you can stay in a spacious, well-appointed condominium instead?

Lincoln City Oregon: Oceanlake District

lincoln city oceanlake district

Lincoln City Oregon has a diverse history, particularly since it is the amalgamation of 5 small towns. It now stretches along the Pacific Coast Highway for about 8 miles. However, this area was home to the Siletz band, rugged, and relatively untouched in the past.

Settlement began when fisherman came to the area for the prolific salmon stocks. Homesteaders followed soon after as the Dawes Act in 1887 offered eighty acre allotments to Native Americans and settlers. Consequently, many people began to populate the coast to forge new communities.

By 1926, the completed Roosevelt Highway provided a passable roadway between Taft and Newport, Oregon. These were very isolated areas until that time, but the new road made it much more accessible. Eventually, the Roosevelt Highway became part of coastal Highway 101, bridging the Washington, Oregon, and California coastlines.

The Beginnings of Oceanlake

Records indicate the name of one town became “Oceanlake” due to its position between Devil’s Lake and the Pacific Ocean. Apparently, they hadn’t needed a name until the post office opened in 1926.

Oceanlake, along with Delake, Taft and the communities of Cutler City and Nelscott united to become Lincoln City in 1965. Today, officials refer to the original communities as the “String of Pearls”. Each retains its brilliance and unique characteristics.

Oceanlake Today

Oceanlake did not become a city until 1945, and it is now the principle shopping district and business region of Lincoln City. Its urban renewal project widened the highway and tucked utility wires away, but it still retains its small town charm. The Oceanlake arch with sand dollars on each side marks the entrance to the area.

The snapshot from the North Lincoln County Historical Museum archives shows the old Lakeside Theater. Today, it is the Bijou theater showing classic films, befitting its Art Deco architecture and roots.

Before the antique and gift shops and a 50’s-style ice cream parlor with memorabilia, you’ll find Oceanlake sidewalks adorned with 65 artistic glass inlays. You’ll also find a statue of Abraham Lincoln here and the colonial-style Dorchester House, completed in 1935. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was home to the oldest annual political conferences in the nation.

Oceanlake and Lincoln City have much more to offer. No matter what time of the year you choose to visit, the Oregon Coast is an ideal holiday location. You can watch grey whales, go crabbing for Dungeness crab, or hire a boat for some incredible fishing. The restaurants offer fresh local fare and world-class chefs and you’ll find many microbreweries in the area too.

If you’re itching to explore, why not stay in one of our Lincoln City beach rentals? They’re the ideal spot to use as a comfortable, affordable home base while you explore Oceanlake and everything it has to offer. Rentals include stunning ocean views and high-end amenities including HDTV, wireless internet, an exercise room, a heated indoor pool and a games room, just to name a few. Why stay in a stuffy, pricey hotel when you can stay in a spacious, well-appointed condominium instead?

7 Interesting 2017 Oregon Coast Events

Oregon Coast events are diverse and fun. Of course, there are whales, spectacular scenery, and panoramic views of the Pacific, but you’ll also find the unusual. You’ll discover Oregonians love art, culture, food, and healthy activities too. Here are a few worth checking out.

Sitka Centre Artists

Jan 7 & Jan 25

The Sitka Center hosts up to 20 residents annually of all levels, across the U.S., and from other countries too. Residents stay on campus for 3 1/2 months to push through creative boundaries and chase artistic pursuits. Sitka offers artists an opportunity to work undisturbed without the distractions of daily life.

On January 7th and January 25th, you can attend presentations from artists ending and beginning the program, view their work, and listen to what drives them to create. Nestled in the forest near the Cascade Head and Salmon River estuary, a visit to the centre refreshes and inspires. Admission is free.

Artistry In Wood Show & Sale

Jan 14-Jan 15

This 25-year old event features free woodcarving demos and lectures for adults and kids. It features woodcarving, intarsia (inlaid wood), wood turning, and more and admission is free. It’s hosted in the Chinook Winds Casino Resort.

Yachats Agate Festival and Gem-Mineral-Fossil Show

Jan 14-Jan 15

Oregon Coast events are for the entire family. Do you have a rock you can’t identify? Bring it to the Yachats Agate Festival and ask the Roc Doc. Learn about fossils in the area, and bring the kids – they can dig for agates in a sandbox and take them home. Don’t stay in crowded hotel room while you’re here. Stay in one of our Oregon beach rentals, use it has your home base, and then explore the area.

Winterfest

Feb 04

Oregon events are about music too. Support local musicians with this annual fundraiser in the Salishan Spa & Golf Resort. This year’s event features high energy 3 Leg Torso from Portland, a favorite world chamber music ensemble. Influenced by tango, Eastern European folk and other world music traditions, their cosmopolitan musical style embraces wit and humor within thoughtful, uncommon and beautiful musical arrangements. Funds go towards the Siletz Bay Musical Festival.

Florence Crab Crack

Feb 04

Oregon events are about food, food, food! It is crab season on the Oregon Coast, so why not enjoy fresh seafood and support local food pantries? Enjoy Oregon Coast crab along with pasta, coleslaw, garlic bread, sodas, coffee and dessert.

Antique Week

Feb 11-Feb 20

You may not think about Oregon as a typical place to find antique treasures – but it is! Lincoln City and the surrounding areas offer untapped reservoirs of old finds and plenty of shops to explore. Antique week offers an opportunity to peruse the shops using a map so you don’t miss out on anything.

Cannon Beach Yoga Festival

Feb 24-Feb 27

Oregon coast events are healthy. Visit Cannon Beach, home to the iconic Haystack Rock, and partake in a weekend of yoga, meditation, music, health & wellness treatments, and festivities with world-class instructors. Choose one event, or buy a pass for the entire weekend.

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Oregon Coast events are interesting, fun, and diverse. Stay in one of our Oregon beach rentals while you’re in the area instead of a stuffy hotel. They offer the comforts of home and affordability.