Hi!
My husband and I are getting away for a few rare nights without our small children. We have three nights total, and are planning on spending two in Portland (we've never been to OR) at the Hotel Monaco.

The third night - we're debating going to Cannon Beach or Bend. We love to wake up, get coffee, read the paper, poke in little boutique stores, get out to a local, non-tourist place for dinner. I should also mention that we spend much of the year on the Maine coast, so I'm not really craving more "beach" per se, but I've also heard such amazing things about Cannon, I can't decide which to choose.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

sorry - one more thing - going Nov 20, so obviously we won't have beach weather....but we'd happily bundle up.

Bend is probably an extra hour (at least) drive each way from Portland, and it may be colder in Bend than Cannon Beach in November. With such a short time to visit you may not want to spend as much extra time driving?

Cannon Beach really is a very nice beach and I'll bet you will love the town also. Plenty of little shops in which to poke around. It feels different than Maine for sure.

Canon Beach is about 1 1/2 hour. Bend is four hours. I'd say Canon Beach is a more interesting and cozier town. The beach is beautiful and it is not like New England.

I doubt you'd have a problem making last minute reservations. Can you just wait and see how the weather and road conditions are before deciding?

PS. I just noted the "one extra day." I would not go to Bend for one day. It is too far. Seattle is closer.

Orcas is right, both on the times and not for one day. Bend is great, but you will need to save that for another trip. If you need anything else for CB, just ask. Good choice, BTW, for the Monaco. When we have events in downtown that is where we like to stay.

You people drive slow!! ;-) I drove from my SW Portland home to Bend last weekend in just over 3 hours.

Even if it's raining, which is likely, if it's just for an overnight, I think you'd prefer Cannon Beach over Bend. Especially if budget allows a beachfront room like those at Stephanie Inn, SurfSand Resort, or Ocean Lodge. Some nice restaurants in town, too. Personal favorite is Gower St. Bistro, but for something a little different, check to see if they're having a "class" at EVOO, the small cooking school/kitchen store. We've had a couple great meals there, too.

thanks everyone - easy answer here!!

Cannon Beach! Newman's @ 988 is a very nice place for a meal. A small, intimate restaurant with very good food, a nice choice for a romantic meal. ***kim***

Easy choice--Cannon Beach. Also, take a look at the Columbia River Gorge while you're in Portland.

Have fun.