Hello, friends! Gather 'round as I paint you a vivid picture of life on the Oregon coast.

My partner and I are fortunate to have a home overlooking the ocean along the Central Oregon coast near Yachats. We adore having visitors, well some of them anyway, but let me set the stage for what to expect if you decide to drop by.

This isn't Los Angeles, and it's certainly not Palm Springs, where we live when we’re not in Oregon. There's a distinct charm here, one that comes without the large touristy resorts, bustling nightlife and swanky bars. When some of our guests have asked "where are the gay bars?" we know we're in trouble and fear this may not be the ideal vacation destination for them; (Sorry to disappoint our LGBT+ friends, although folks here are very accepting, there are no gay bars here.)

Instead, we have The Drift Inn, a cozy spot where local musicians strum away. If you have a fondness for listening to America, James Taylor, and Guess Who while enjoying a bowl of homemade clam chowder and a local IPA, you'll feel right at home. The SeaNote Restaurant is another great place for live music, great beer selection, full bar and homemade desserts. The black bean burger is absolutely delicious. Finding food on the coast after 9pm on a weekday is hard enough, but they even have vegetarian options!!

Our idea of fun? Picture yourself strolling the beach in search of agates on our secret beach, or exploring tide pools. Fancy a treat? Drive upriver to the Little Red Coop Farm Stand in the forest for a homemade yummy maple bar. If you're here on a Saturday, join the locals at the Pacific Sourdough Bakery, where we patiently queue for the freshest bread and pastries around.

On Sundays, visit The Yachats Farmer’s Market with a modest 25+/- stalls, brimming with charm, honey, locally grown produce, blueberries, homemade dog treats, pottery, essential oils and more. This is the weekly social outing for locals.

Looking for a tasty treat while exploring Yachats? Don't miss Bread & Roses Bakery! This charming, independent bakery is just a short stroll from the stunning Pacific Ocean and right next to the farmer's market. They specialize in crafting healthy and delicious breads, pastries, soups, sandwiches, and desserts using top-quality, natural ingredients sourced locally whenever possible. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a bite of something wholesome and delightful on your coastal adventure!

Yachats shopping isn't exactly a runway experience. Forget the high-end boutiques; local artisans peddle their wares here, from driftwood sculptures to "I heart Yachats" t-shirts, while Yachats Mercantile is a goldmine of unexpected finds - fishing gear next to gourmet jelly, anyone? Toad Hall is a funky shop with a little bit of everything, from puzzles to bird feeders, and operated by a former art teacher. And if vintage is your vibe, Lil' Joe's is a must-visit stop when you pass by the town of Waldport along Hwy 101. There is something for everybody in this beautifully stocked store, from antiques to handmade soaps to funky vintage furniture. And if you cannot make up your mind on your purchase, the talented owner, Andrea, will charm you with her Southern hospitality. For a unique experience, I can get lost at Styx, Stones n’ Bones, the premier shop of its kind on the Oregon coast, with 1,900 minerals, rocks, and fossils arranged in a dizzying maze of aisles and display cabinets. (After all, I think it’s mandatory that everyone in Oregon have crystals in there homes!)

Everyone has their favorite budtender, and ours is at the Yachats Cannabis Co.! This friendly spot boasts the most knowledgeable staff around, ready to help you find what you need. Plus, if you're a local, enjoy a special discount. It's a great place to chill and unwind in this charming coastal town.

Got a taste for adventure? Try spotting whales by watching for their blow spouts as they migrate off the coast, and wait for someone to yell out, “look! a whale!” which will prompt staring at the ocean for hours until someone else spots a blow hole.

It's not uncommon to spot kayaks strapped to car roofs around town, and for good reason! The Yachats area offers amazing water spots like Beaver Creek. Luckily, Oregon Coast Kayak Connection is here to help. As the premier source for kayak and paddleboard rentals, they offer delivery, setup, instruction, and pickup, taking care of everything so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.

Take a hike! One of the most popular walks in Yachats, is the 804 Trail, which is a 1.7mi semi paved trail that goes from a flat sandy beach on the north side of town, to Yachats State Park. This historic trail boasts epic coastline views, tidepools at low tide, fantastic wave watching (watch out for those deadly sneaker waves!) and whale watching, all on an easy walk. Or for something more exhilarating, check out Cape Perpetua, towering 800 feet over the Pacific Ocean. The Cape Perpetua headland is the highest viewpoint accessible by car on the Oregon Coast. From this high point, enjoy views of the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve and the rugged and rocky shore where visitors can witness the power of the ocean as it meets the coastal temperate rainforest. What could be more fun, right?

Did you know you can also become a Tidepool Ambassador? Naturalists with the Cape Perpetua Collaborative are offering free guided tidepool tours at Yachats State Park, Bob Creek and Heceta Head. The Tidepool Ambassador Program is aimed at promoting coastal conservation and education in the Cape Perpetua area. Participants can learn about intertidal life and the marine reserve while also becoming stewards of the tidepools.

There are always new hobbies to try. One friend recently started recorder lessons, and let me tell you, it’s a sound to behold. At Coastal Community Clay, a new co-op pottery studio, you can practice your throwing skills. Biking, kayaking, kite flying, and bird watching are other popular pursuits, and there's even a community garden if you’ve got a green thumb.

Feel like making a difference? Join a trail-cleaning group and spruce up the village’s pathways. Considering the fact that Yachats is a quaint coastal village, it's absolutely incredible how many stunning trails there are in the area! We are extra lucky because we receive generous help from a dedicated group of local volunteers known together as-Yachats Trails. Year round they work hard to maintain our trail systems, which benefits visitors and locals alike, of all species. Or volunteer to adopt a public flower plot to help improve the downtown.

*Volunteers tend to village landscaping improvements*

For the past couple of years, there have been Black Lives Matters protests on Highway 101 through the center of town, encouraging supporters to honk as they drive by. “Saturday, July 20th, was our 216th outing! ! Four years and seven weeks of Saturdays of this peaceful vigil and going strong - WE AIN'T DONE YET ! ! ! Our goal is to raise awareness of the ongoing oppression of people of color.”

Yachats also hosts community bonfires on the beach about once a month, creating a cozy space to connect with neighbors, share stories, and enjoy the simple pleasure of roasting marshmallows under the starry sky.

But wait, there’s even more! Each year, local hobby farms open their gates during the annual Yachats River Valley Farm Tour, where you can meander amongst the amazing small farms of the Yachats River Valley. Visit with “river folk" who are using their land to create everything from cactus to organic produce, Alpaca wool, to pasture raised pork, to teapots! The Seal Rock Garden Club’s annual sale is a hit too, with members selling cuttings from their own lush gardens that you can add to your own garden. And for a special treat, each 4th of July, we attend the Yachats Lions Club Pancake Breakfast. Later that day, is the La De Da Parade, no professionally designed floral floats, uniformed marching bands, or international TV coverage…. Just friends, family, neighbors, and guests out strutting their stuff in fun and celebration.

La De Da Parade, Yachats

We also look forward to the art sale hosted by the Yachats’ Art Guild which showcases local artists. And where else in the world can you attend a festival that celebrates mushrooms? The Yachats Mushroom Festival is a must every October! Save the date!

There may not be any Michelin Stars in town, but Yachats packs a flavorful punch when it comes to dining. From Ona's gourmet delights including the best crab cakes I’ve ever had, to the laid-back vibes of Beach Street Cafe, there's a taste for every palate. Craving fresh seafood? Luna Sea Fish House has you covered featuring the freshest locally caught (never farmed) seafood served outdoors on picnic benches. And if you're looking for a cozy atmosphere with a side of ocean views, The Adobe Resort is your oyster.

When we need a wine fix, or a good bottle for a hostess gift, we head to Beach Daisy Wine! located next to the Touchstone and Wave art galleries. Their extensive wine list spans old and new world varieties, catering to every taste and budget. You can join their wine club for curated flights and a rotating list of wines by the glass. Don’t miss Music Night on Fridays from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., featuring local musicians. Plus, enjoy a variety of board games with friends and family while sipping on wine and enjoying snacks.

After enjoying a delicious meal, take a stroll to Toppers, a mom and pop locally owned business specializing in making their own chocolates and fudge, while also offering ice cream, taffy, candy, and fun souvenirs. If you're heading north after dinner, stop by the newly opened JillyBeanz, a premier destination for ice cream, sweets, and cozy treats in Waldport overlooking the ocean. They pride themselves on offering a wide array of hand-dipped ice cream flavors, indulgent milkshakes, and irresistible confections. Grab a cone, and go sit on a bench overlooking the bay, & watch the sunset!

Need a caffeine fix? It’s the Pacific Northwest after all, so of course there’s no lack of great coffee establishments! Green Salmon Coffee is our go-to for the best breakfast add-ons with your java. The Village Bean is the local drive-thru coffee kiosk; but the talk around town lately is a new place to get a premium caffeine buzz, Dream Machine Coffee, And the name Dream Machine? It’s rooted in the 1950s, when an avant-garde artist named Brion Gysin devised a stroboscopic, flickering light machine said to induce a dreamlike state. “We wanted to evoke a connection with that psychedelia culture,” says the owner- it’s Yachats, so of course!

HOWEVER! Our loyalty goes to Beachside Buzz- located a little north of town, and owned by our friend and artist, Raychel- a long-time resident, she is our connection to anything we want to know about Yachats and the local LGBT+ community!! (And as expected, her business is devoted to giving back to the community, which how can you not love that?)

If you’ve made it this far, I’ve either scared you away, or convinced you to come for a visit! Fortunately, there are plenty of places to stay in Yachats. Although we have a home here, we love the quaint dog friendly Ya’tel Motel located right in the heart of the village. If you’re looking for more of that private home experience, reach out to Sweet Home Vacation Getaways, a family-owned and run vacation rental company with deep roots on the Central Coast and an amazing selection of properties for short term rentals. If a tiny home or vintage Airstream is more your style, then check out Tiny Tranquility, just north of town. It’s a “Park Developed Exclusively for Tiny Homes and Vintage RVs”, with all sorts of spaces to hang out, communal areas, a dog park and a short walk to a giant beach.

The excitement is truly unending – or at least, it feels that way to us. It's delightfully quaint. Life here along the central coast is simple and sweet, and that's exactly why we love it. But a fair warning: not everyone gets it. Some of our visitors find a three-day stay to be a torturous affair and vow never to return!

However, if curling up with a good book on the deck overlooking the ocean, or siting by the fireplace watching the fog roll in sounds like your cup of tea, then welcome! This coastal paradise just might be the perfect place for you too.

Oh, and one last warning: There’s crappy cell service along the coast. But you’re in one of the most beautiful locations in the world! So just hang up and enjoy the view!

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