Bed and Breakfast at the Oregon Coast

Photo Credit: Bill Young

A trip to the Oregon Coast is a must do vacation for the Northwest. There are over three hundred miles of public beach just waiting for you to explore. You could spend a long weekend in one area, or take a week or two and journey along the coastline, experiencing the three regions, from the North coast, to the Central and Southern, each of which offers its own flavor of fun. From local breweries, award winning cheeses and incredible wineries, the fresh seafood has plenty of options to accompany menus at restaurants all along the way. There are several lighthouses to visit each with amazing views of the Pacific. The hiking trails are endless along the coast, with viewpoints along the way. Museums, aquariums, antique and artisan shops will never leave you wanting for something to do. Outdoor activities include fishing, crabbing, clamming, boating, camping, golf and more.  But where do you stay when at the Oregon Coast? Bed & Breakfasts (B&B) make a wonderful choice for a coastal vacation. 

A Bed & Breakfast offers you the comforts of home, including breakfast at the start of your day. There is the opportunity to meet local residents, those with the inside knowledge of what makes an area worth the visit. Often, a B&B is also more cost effective compared to a hotel, resort or rental house, so if budget is a concern, this could a great option. Bed & Breakfasts also offer an intimate setting which makes for meeting new friends easy. When you meet other travelers ideas are exchanges, stories shared and sometimes friendships made. During your stay at a B&B, you become family, if only for a short while, and it can make your travel memories that much better.

Along the Northern Coast, there is the Arch Cape Inn & Retreat. This B&B is reminiscent of a French Chateau located near Cannon Beach, home of world famous Haystack Rock (One of two in the state), a natural landmark which has been drawing visitors to the coast for years. The cedar shingled house has several suites designed to meet your desire for comfort. Some rooms have their own soaking tubs, and all have spectacular views, whether of the ocean below, or lovely grounds, whichever suite you stay in, you will be wrapped in luxurious beauty and charm. There are even three pet friendly rooms which have their own private entrances so you can bring your best friend along for your coastal adventure. Arch Cape Inn also offers incredible excursions and eco tours. You can spend a day with a local marine biologist and enjoy some whale watching for example. Another boasting point for Arch Cape Inn is their own approach to going “green” in terms of their services.  They are making updates and changes to how they run the inn in order to help the environment overall. From a romantic weekend to an eco-adventure, whatever your plans are for the Cannon Beach area, Arch Cape Inn & Retreat is an incredible place to call home while on vacation at the Northern Oregon Coast.

Newport is the mainstay of the Central Oregon coast, as one of the largest cities in the region, it

boasts enough attractions that you could spend your entire coastal vacation there, taking excellent day trips all around the area. A few examples include the Oregon Coast Museum, Yaquina Head Lighthouse and Rogue Ales Brewery. One of the highlights of the Oregon coast are the incredible panoramic views to be had. So why not stay in a Bed & Breakfast with a view worth waking up to? Lightkeeper’s Inn in Newport gives you just that- each room has a panoramic view of the coastline. Yaquina Bay, including the lighthouse, Yaquina Bay Bridge, the Newport Bay Front and plenty of activity from sea lions to sailors can all be taken in from Lightkeeper’s Inn. The evenings are picturesque as you watch the sun go beneath the waves and docks and walkways become alight, a beacon in the dark. Lightkeeper’s Inn is a three story home with touches of coastal architecture. It offers 2 suites each with a gas fireplace, as well as a TV and DVD player for those Oregon Coast stormy nights (winter is an amazing season to experience at the Coast). The inn is perfect for an intimate stay with someone local, where you can relax in the comfort of home. There is a large living space, 4 viewing decks and dining room, but you are welcome to eat in your suite if you prefer. Each room is tastefully decorated in coastal themes, subtlety stated, yet charming, they make you feel at home along the coast. It is said an air of friendship awaits you at the Lightkeeper’s Inn, with the warm welcome Bill and Cheryl provide. The Lightkeeper’s Inn holds a lot of family history and connection to lighthouses. One of the owners, Cheryl comes from a line of Lighthouse Keepers, and is a fountain of local knowledge. 

For a truly Oregon experience there is a place in the Southern Oregon Coast which will not only help you understand what Oregon is all about when it comes to our approach to the environment, it will help you become a part of nature yourself. Just outside of Port Orford, Oregon, near Gold Beach and about 60 miles north of California, is a quaint B&B style property whose main focus is to support the natural beauty of the coastal forest, and their guests in luxury. Wildspring Guest Habitat is a five acre retreat nestled in the woods overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Their motto is “For Body and Soul” and they are serious about this concept.  With 5 guest cabins and an open air slate spa, tranquility is the goal that you can achieve when you stay. Wildspring is dedicated to making as little impact on the environment as possible, yet still providing a place where people can come and relax, connect with the peace of nature and the beauty of the Oregon Coast. Breakfast is included with your stay, and the grounds are filled with lush, natural vegetation and contemplative features such as a walking labyrinth and a sculpture garden. With rates starting as just about $200 a night, this is a retreat that is very affordable, yet will surround you with luxury. The owners of Wildspring Guest Habitat want to encourage others to help conserve our natural resources, and the way they bring you to nature in comfort and luxury, it is an easy thing to understand when you there. During your stay in the area you can visit any number of antique and gift shops, enjoy some golf and explore the region’s 8 rivers which flow into the Pacific. The Southern Coast is where the mountains meet the ocean in a sea of forest, and where you can step away from the ordinary and surround yourself with spectacular beauty. Wildspring Guest is just the place to rediscover yourself and connect with the spirit of the Oregon Coast.

 The next time you head for the Oregon Coast, or are planning a trip to Oregon, whether you are traveling from near or far, why not check out one of these Oregon Coast B&Bs? Be sure to check out our next blog, where we will share some unexpected aspects of the Oregon Coast. For a small fee, we at C.P. Trips are here to work with you in planning a stress free Oregon vacation.  Check out our website, cptrips.com and our Visit the Wonders of Oregon page for more information and travel ideas to the 7 Wonders of Oregon. Email us at cptrips@aol.com, or call Cindy Passannante at 503-658-5646 or our Oregon Dream’s Specialist, Julie Hirning at 503-705-8043, today and we can explore the incredible variety of vacation ideas and options waiting for you in our wonderful state of Oregon.

Discover New Treasures at the Oregon Coast

If you live in Oregon, or nearby in Washington, chances are you have been to the Oregon Coast. The scenic beauty of the Oregon Coast may even be one of the reasons you moved to the state, should you be from elsewhere originally. Born and raised Oregonians, having grown up with the Oregon Coast easily accessible, will no doubt be full of great suggestions about what to do and where to stay. This region of the state is one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon, and it is easy to see why. All 363 miles of coastline are free and open to the public. All beaches are accessible, and no one person or entity owns it, except for those of us who live here. The region itself is full of a variety of natural wonders and cottage industries that make any trip to the Oregon Coast worth the journey. If you are an Oregonian, when was the last time you went to the coast and tried something new? If you live outside the state, why not plan a few days, or more at the Oregon Coast? You will be glad you did.

There are many aspects of the Oregon Coast which are well known, not only in the state, but across the country and the world. Astoria is famous not only for its history as the first U.S. permanent settlement along the Pacific, but also for its incredible location for movies such as the Goonies. Tillamook Cheese is possibly the biggest brand name for food which has put Oregon on the map of culinary enthusiasts around the world. Newport has the Oregon Coast Aquarium, once home to Keiko the Orca, and is nearby Yaquina Head lighthouse, the tallest in the state. The sand dunes of the Southern Oregon Coast are well known for all the exciting recreational fun available, such as off-roading, hiking and camping, all within the largest expanse of sand dunes in the country. And yet there is so much more to the coast. We have found some exciting and unique places to visit and activities to enjoy and are excited to share them with you.

Should your Oregon Coast travel plans include Astoria, you can reach back further in time and

connect with the original inhabitants of the area, the Chinook tribe. The Barbey Maritime Center is one stop that is a must. Here you can see how the craft of Chinook wood carving has been preserved with demonstrations. Better yet, you can stop by and take a class to learn about it firsthand. The center is next to the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which houses original tribal artifacts for a deeper look into Oregon’s ancient past. The center and museum both offer a wonderful glimpse into Oregon’s character. Beyond the people, products and places that have made Oregon famous, there is a connection to the natural world which is still close by. Here in Oregon, and in particular along the coast, you can get away from the hustle and bustle of every day work life. You can easily leave the city and noise behind with little time needed to realize that you have indeed made your way back into nature.  The wood carvings of the Chinook reflect this in an amazing way.

Most travel along the Oregon Coast by car. But there is one sure way to really get a close up view of all the natural beauty along the Oregon Coast. Stop and take a hike. There are trails all along the coast, it could take a lifetime to walk them all, and there are many great spots worth the effort to reach. There are trails that can fit any fitness level or time frame, from short jaunts off the road to a view point, or trails that can take you ‘off the beaten path’. Cape Meares Scenic Viewpoint offers stunning views along a short jaunt to the lighthouse there. Here you can see wildlife like nowhere else, the largest nesting sites of the common murres, bald eagles and peregrine falcons. If you check out these trails in the fall or winter, Cape Meares makes a great place to spot migrating whales. Located near Yachats along the Central Coast is Cape Perpetua, a rainforest region of the coast which offers some of the most spectacular views of the ocean.  From the top of the cape, on a clear day you can see up to 70 miles of Oregon Coastline and 37 miles out to sea, a stunning place for photos. To experience the quieter side of the Oregon Dunes, go to the John Dellenbach Dunes Trail just south of Reedsport, where the trail and surrounding area is off limits to off-roading vehicles. You can experience a conifer forest, sand dunes, deflation plain and the beach all in one walk, and get a true sense of the nature of this region of Oregon.

You can eat more than just cheese and fresh seafood at the Oregon Coast. If you have a craving for delicious specialty chocolates then a trip to Bandon should be in the works. Located in Coos County, at the head of the Coquille River, the town of Bandon is the perfect stop for a long weekend on the

coast. There is golfing, the Coquille River Lighthouse, spas and incredible parks, but one particular star of Bandon is the specialty Chocolates and Deserts of Coastal Mist chocolate boutique. Here you can enjoy over 130 types of chocolate, caramel bars, sipping chocolate and hand crafted desserts. They also provide “Flight Events” which are chocolate tastings that you can enjoy in the shop or wherever you are staying in Bandon, be it a beach rental or hotel. Coastal Mist is one example of the kind of top of the line products you can find along the Oregon Coast. We have incredible cottage industries in our smaller towns, adding yet another reason to explore the 7 Wonders of Oregon, and that it is always worth the journey.

As you can see there is so much more to the Oregon coast. The next time you are ready for a vacation, whether you are traveling from near or far, why not check out one of these unique Oregon Coast experiences? Be sure to check out our next blog which will help you decide just where to stay the next time you travel to the Oregon Coast. For a small fee, we at C.P. Trips are here to work with you in planning a stress free Oregon vacation.  Check out our website, cptrips.com and our Visit the Wonders of Oregon page for more information and travel ideas to the 7 Wonders of Oregon. Email us at cptrips@aol.com, or call Cindy Passannante at 503-658-5646, or our Oregon Dream’s Specialist, Julie Hirning at 503-705-8043, today and we can explore the incredible variety of vacation ideas and options waiting for you in our wonderful state of Oregon.

7 Getaway Wonders in Oregon

When it comes to travel, often the first thing people think of is what new place do I want to visit? Or, where is the best place to get away from it all? There are any number of exotic and historical places in the world that are bound to be a part of any bucket list. But when was the last time you explored our beautiful and amazing state of Oregon? There is experience and adventure waiting for you just outside your door. Oregon is a place of wonder, and to that end there are 7 Wonders of Oregon, all worth the visit to discover.

These Wonders range across the state and highlight that which makes Oregon such a special place to be. From the entire Oregon Coast, to Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge, up and down The Painted Hills, and Smith Rock and deep within the Wallowas, or Crater Lake, the 7 Wonders of Oregon offer not only a destination worth traveling to, but also a variety of experiences ready to suit your travel desires.

Along the Oregon Coast all the beaches are free and open to the public. The Coast is filled with gems, literally, which you can find in places such as Agate Beach, and figuratively there are gems in the small towns and cities that dot Highway 101 from Astoria on down to Brookings. We get to see Mt. Hood every day (when skies are clear), but did you know it is the second most climbed peak in the world, and home to glacier lakes brimming with fish and fun in the summer? This area of the Cascade Mountains is flanked by the Columbia River Gorge, the largest National Scenic Area in the United States, and where you can drive the ‘Fruit Loop’ where some of the best orchards of Oregon can be found. Central Oregon is home to The Painted Hills which show us millions of years of history in layer by layer of different colored rock, and through fossils of dinosaurs, mammoths and saber tooth tigers. Not too far from the Painted Hills is Smith Rock, the center of a series of cathedral like volcanic ash spires, which was also the birthplace of American sport rock climbing. Eastern Oregon is home to the Wallowas, mountains surrounding the deepest canyon in Northern America. From these majestic peaks you can take a step back in time and explore artisan crafts with local wineries and breweries. The deepest lake in America is within reach in Southern Oregon at Crater Lake, which offers pristine waters, old growth forest and cross country skiing. 

Each of the 7 Wonders of Oregon are regions within our state that offer incredible cultural centers and travel ideas for whatever your vacation plans may be, such as a family reunion, summer break with the kids, a guy’s only trip,  girlfriend’s weekend or romantic getaway. For a small fee, we at C.P. Trips are here to work with you in planning a stress free Oregon vacation.  Check out our website, cptrips.com and our Visit the Wonders of Oregon page for more information and travel ideas to the 7 Wonders of Oregon. Email us at cptrips@aol.com, or call Cindy Passannante at 503-658-5646 or our Oregon Dream’s Specialist, Julie Hirning at 503-705-8043, today and we can explore the incredible variety of vacation ideas and options waiting for you in our wonderful state of Oregon.

Fall into Your Vacation with a Special Cruise

Are you a traveler who looks forward to when school is back in session and there are fewer crowds at many of the best destinations to be found? Do you look forward to the beautiful fall colors as the season changes before your eyes? Are you ready for a new and exciting journey to some place you have not been before? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then a Fall Cruise could be just what you are looking for. 

 For many families the best time to go to Europe is in the summer while school is out. For a different feel, and often less crowded time, why not vacation in Europe during the fall? One of our agents, Robin Wilfong has a cruise already planned as one of our Special Selections. You can go on the Norwegian Cruise Line EPIC for a Fall Mediterranean Getaway. With cruise prices starting at just over $1,000, and a $50 on board credit waiting for you, this is a wonderful deal worth every penny. You can spend seven incredible days exploring the best that the Mediterranean has to offer from Barcelona to Rome and Cannes. Robin has also put together a pre and post cruise hotel package in Barcelona, so you can spend more time exploring this incredible cultural center of Spain. Excited to learn more about this cruise in Europe? Robin can be contacted either by email at
 vacationsbyrobin@yahoo.com or by calling her at 510-676-7015


Have you always wanted to experience the beauty and wonder of Autumn along the east coast? This 

part of the country is the place to be to take in all the glory of nature as the season changes. A riot of color will be in view of any vista you take in. Experiencing this amazing time of year is made even better on a Fall Foliage Cruise. Holland America Line offers cruises with not only breathtaking fall views along New England and Canada, but you get a taste of history as well with stops to New York, Boston and Quebec available. From charming lighthouses to historic battlegrounds, fresh caught lobster and other regional cuisine, you will be sure to savor every moment while exploring this part of North America. With a Fall Foliage cruise you can experience a kaleidoscope of color and culture in comfort and luxury. Are you ready to get away once the summer buzz has ended? Call or email CP Trips today at  cptrips@aol.com or 503-658-5646. Be sure to check out our website as well for vacation ideas, deals and information, cptrips.com.

Wanted: A Unique Family Vacation

Summer is fast approaching, and now is a great time to make plans for your family vacation. You know about theme parks, cruises and guided tours. These are all wonderful options, but what if you are looking for something different, that provides something for everyone, through a uniquely American experience? C.P. Trips has one suggestion you may not have thought of before, but that is guaranteed to create a lifetime of memories for the entire family. There is a type of resort that is unlike any other, where you can get a taste of the Wild West and what it’s like to live the life of a cowboy or ranch hand, and still have the amenities you want with a relaxing hotel stay. We are talking about vacation Dude Ranches.

There are a wide variety of vacation Dude Ranches in the western parts of the United States, from Wyoming, to Colorado, Texas and Utah, on down to Arizona and California; and even in our back yard in Oregon. What these ranches offer is truly unique when it comes to resort vacations. The Dude Ranch Association of America was founded in 1926 as a way to preserve a specific way of American Life. The result of the association and its members are family owned ranches which open their land and homes to vacationers who want to discover the American wilderness and get back in touch with our natural wonders in a truly hands on and unique way. Most Dude Ranches are all inclusive, providing all your meals, a comfortable cabin or room and all the activities available for one price.

Today offer many resort amenities including pools, spas, fine dining and incredible entertainment. Activities abound at a Vacation Dude Ranch, there is something for everyone of all ages. Horseback riding is one of the main attractions, and not to worry if you have never gone before, the ranch hands and guides will help you along the way. Taking trails on horseback will give you the chance to see the scenic wonders of the west in a way that will not only take your breath away, but which will help create lasting memories. You can take the kids on a hike, go fishing, or spend a lazy day at a local swimming hole. Many Dude Ranches have petting zoos for the young ones, and put on rodeos for your entertainment. For more outdoor fun, many places offer skeet shooting and archery. On the “quieter” side, often art and cooking classes are also made available.


Vacation Dude Ranches are more than just a comfortably rustic place to stay. They are more than horses, hay rides and barbeques. Dude Ranches offer you and your family the chance to connect to a way of life that is closer to nature than most. These places share their spirit of the West and the beauty of wild nature. You will find not only good riding, food and amenities; you will find new friends, and nourishment for your heart and spirit. The moment you find yourself with your kids, under a canopy of stars brighter than you ever thought possible, you will know this vacation will be one to be remembered.

If you want proof of this, just ask Lana, Cindy Passannante’s daughter. The family went to a vacation dude ranch almost 40 years ago, and the memories of that time are still strong, “I remember the fun we had, and it was the first time I rode a horse. I was 4 years old when we went, and I still remember the horse I rode was named Powder River, she was a slow and gentle creature, just right for a little girl to ride. The smell of hay to this day takes me back to the nightly hay rides we went on around the ranch. We were lucky kids to travel with our parents around the world, and the Dude Ranch for me was the start of loving to travel. Recalling the canyon trails, farm animals and other kids to play with, having fun every day and night, these memories will be with me always.” So if you are ready for an exciting and different way to explore America and enjoy a family vacation, call us at 503-658-5646 or email cptrips@aol.com today and we can find the perfect Vacation Dude Ranch for you.

Caravan with C.P. Trips to Ashland’s Shakespeare Festival

This summer, Cindy Passannante, and her husband Tony are taking a journey right in our own backyard, and you are invited to join them! Because of her love of the theater, Cindy has been decided it is time to enjoy a long weekend in Ashland, Oregon to take in some of the best Shakespeare productions in the world. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival has been an annual summer seasonal attraction for 80 years, providing some of the region’s best and most spectacular theater offerings. The focus of the festival is the plays of William Shakespeare, with the center being the Allen Elizabethan Theater, an outdoor venue reminiscent of the Renaissance. The festival has grown over the years to include not only Shakespeare’s work, but also contemporary plays, and children’s theater, and encompasses four theaters within Ashland to produce them all.

The caliber of the plays to be found in Ashland is a testimony to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival organization. They are committed to bring stellar theatrical programs which “illuminate our collective humanity through varied interpretations of classic and contemporary plays”. This is also reflected in the talent the festival attracts, as many well-known actors got their professional start here; such as William Hurt, Jean Smart, Stacy Keach and Kyle McLaughlin, to name a few. The talent goes beyond the stage with many directors, costume and stage designers, as well as actors who have continued with success within the festival and beyond. With 80 years of production and talent set to entertain you, the journey to Ashland is an experience not to miss.

The C.P. Trips “Caravan to Ashland” is ready to take center stage this summer, from Thursday July 23- Sunday July 26^th.  For $450.00 per person/ double occupancy, the caravan package includes your hotel stay for three nights at the lovely Ashland Springs Hotel, and two Shakespeare favorites. The trip will begin with everyone meeting in Portland Thursday morning to caravan down to Ashland and take in the first play, Much Ado About Nothing at the Angus Bowmer Theater. Friday will be a day full of options, where you can do as little or as much as you like. Saturday will be the pinnacle Shakespearean experience with the caravan regrouping to enjoy Antony & Cleopatra in the Allen Elizabethan Theater. This is an outdoor theater so be sure to plan for the weather!

Cindy has also put together some optional additions to go along with this hosted Ashland experience. If two plays are not enough, you can join Cindy on Friday evening for a performance of Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land in the Angus Bowmer Theater. Meal and Dinner options for Saturday are also available. If you want to explore on your own either Friday or Saturday, Cindy can help set up other Ashland area favorites for you, such as a rafting trip down the Kalamath or Rogue rivers, wine tastings along the Rouge and Applewhite valleys finest vineyards, or simply a relaxing spa or golf day if you like. There is a wide variety of activities to choose from in Ashland and the surrounding area, Cindy is ready to help you make your Caravan to Ashland experience to be just as you like it.

If you are traveling on your own, or have a group of friends that are ready to join you in the Caravan to Ashland, we also have single and triple package rates available, but space is limited so contact Cindy at C.P. Trips today to be sure and join the fun and excitement of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. Call 503-658-5646 or email at cptrips@aol.com.