Can anyone give us a little feedback about the Hallmark Resort at Cannon Beach? We have a supposed beachfront room in mid-September. Also, any recommendations for a great restaurant nearby?

We have stayed at the Hallmark in Newport and it was very nice. The property looks great for the outside. The Stephanie Inn is the best place to eat in CB. It's a four-course meal for around $44/pp. We dined there last month, very good.

Some other favorites are Bistro, Wayfarer and Gower St. Bistro. We had the filet mignon there a couple of nights ago, very very good. I like their caprese salad and my daughter loved her Painted Hills beef hamburger. The chocolate pot de creme here is a must if you enjoy a sweet ending to your meal. Enjoy Cannon Beach! Mid-Septemeber should be a very nice month for a visit. ***kim***

We've stayed at Hallmark a few times. On our last stay when I reported to the desk that our TV inexplicably turned itself on at 2:00 a.m., the clerks laughed at me.

We prefer the smaller Schooner's Cove. It has a lovely lawn, it is closer to the beach, and it is a short walk from shops and restaurants. The only thing missing is a swimming pool. Please check it out.

When I hear "beachfront" I think step out the door onto the beach. That's not the case with Hallmark, as it sits on a small bluff. So you have to take some stairs; no big deal.

The "Resort" is situated a half mile or so from central Cannon Beach, a nice walk either along the beach, or down the main drag. Of the restaurants recommended, Gower St. Bistro and Wayfarer are closest, and of those two, Gower St. is easily the better. It occupies a space in the Cannon Beach Hotel, a couple blocks from Hallmark. Bistro is in the center of town, and Stephanie Inn is the opposite direction of downtown from the Hallmark. All of these are comparatively high-end restaurants. If you meant something else by "great restaurant" restaurant, let us know.

"'great restaurant' restaurant"???? Sorry, need to proof better before I post!

Ali25 about a fifteen minute drive will land you in Gearhart by the Sea. There is a great restaurant there called Pacific Way Bakery & Cafe. They are open on Thurs.-Mon. for dinner.

We have had about three meals there now and have enjoyed everything we have tried. Proscuitto-wrapped Ocean Scallops, Ahi Tuna, Pork Tenderloin, Tarragon Chicken and the Fresh Pacific Salmon are all excellent. Dinners are served with yummy home-baked breads and a caesar (excellent) or green salad. Desserts are also very good. I like their marionberry crisp with vanilla bean ice cream. Corkage fee is a little high (15) so we just order a glass off of their wine list. Cheers! ***kim***

As I wrote before kimamom, I chuckle at how you turn other posters' questions and trip reports into your own little restaurant reviews. It is nice to know you're eating well! But, if Ali25 is asking for "a great restaurant nearby" why would you recommend Gearhart? And do you really think Pacific Way Cafe is at the level of Stephanie, Bistro, or Gower St.?

I agree with beachbum about "beachfront," and Schooner's Cove fits the definition in a way the Hallmark doesn't.

Thanks **kim** for reminding us about the Pacific Way Cafe in the town that time (and tourists) have passed by.

Hi happy! I don't know about the tourist thing, the past three times we've been there on a Mon. night the place was almost full with diners! I'm assuming on the weekends,it's pretty hard to even get in here without a reservation! When was the last time you were in Gearhart? Another great thing about this place is the bakery that is next door. We have been picking up some great pasteries to go with our crab omelettes in am. Hubby is catching them right out in the ocean when he boogey-boards here in Seaside! ***kim***

kimamom, I gotta say I've never heard of anyone crabbing from a boogie-board!! Where does your husband keep his shellfish license when he's boogie-boardin'?

For the future, most in the know say that crabbing in Oregon is best during months ending in "r" (like October).

Great response Beachbum- catching crabs from a boogie board is quite a visual -
and then you have to determine their sex and measure them - it would be quite a feat!!

Crabbing on boogey boards is a loads of fun--not to mention, a challenge. Don't knock it if you haven't tried it.

Hallmark has a lot of diferent room categories and beachfront there is close enough for me. Besides that you are probably safer on the bluff should a tsunami hit!

Crabbing now? Not for me! Too mushy. The best ones are during months that end in "r", like Beachbum said.

Try the Ecola Seafood Market. Buy what you like and take it to the beach for a picnic.

Ali, we had another GREAT meal at Pacific Way last night. We arrived at 8:00 w/o a reservation and the place was totally full. We put our name in for an 8:30 ressie and went and walked the gorgeous beach before dinner.

We shared (entrees are very large here) the Fresh Pacific Salmon baked and topped with red curry sauce. It is served with Asian slaw with sambal vinaigrette and steamed rice. So yummy, as always lots of fresh baked bread and the green salad was garden fresh with a creamy Gorgonzola dressing. Divine!

For desserts we had the chocolate lava cake and the marionberry crisp. Both were wonderful. A glass of local Pinot Gris was perfect with the salmon. I hope you get to try this great restaurant! Ambiance is cozy, romantic, a Vintage-type feel. And they play Pink Martini for their background music! I just purchased their new CD!! Cheers! ***kim***

Thanks for the remineer about Pacific Way Cafe. I looked for the place the last time I was on 101, but I didn't see it. Is it off the highway?

Yes, turn left on Pacific Way and go down a bit. You will see it on the left there in Gearhart. 601 Pacific Way is the address. I want to go there for lunch soon and check out their fish tacos! ***kim***