We will travel to Oregon for the first time this September. Tell me all about Newport. Is Florence a better town ? Anxiou to go and view as much as we can in a week. Thanks for any help. 123

www.newportnet.com is a great website for the area. ***kim***

I stayed at the Tyee Lodge in Newport a couple of years ago and loved it. I think Newport's a great location.

I spent a night in each two summers ago and enjoyed both. I enjoyed the small but unique Nye Beach area near Newport, as well as Florence's national seashore. I probably liked Newport a little better personally, but if you have a whole week, why not do both? As first timers my wife and I did both, plus Cannon Beach, Portland, Mt Hood area and the Willamette Valley in a week's time and loved all of it.

I think you could do either one and be happy- Florence is smaller - thats about the biggest difference to me. You can drive between the two easily so any place you want to visit is accessible from both - sort of depends if you want bigger with more choices of restaurants, shops ( and of course if you are into shopping Lincoln City has an outlet mall and that is definately closer to Newport).

I really like Newport. Years ago, we went to the aquarium (http://www.aquarium.org/) and I thought it was one of the best I had ever seen, particulary the seal (or perhaps sea lion?) swimming area--definitely worth a visit. You are close to Florence, so you should have no problem visiting both, and don't forget to swing by Yachats if you get a chance--it's just cute, with nice little shops and a pleasant seaside feel to it.

Yeah, I really like Newport, too. It's a lot bigger than Florence, but Newport has a lot going oin: the Oregon Coast Aquarium, the Hatfield Marine Science Center, the bayfront (OK, kind of cheesy), Nye Beach, Yaquina Head with its lighthouse and scenery, etc. I also happen to love bridges, and Newport has a terrific bridge, the Yaquina Bay Bridge on US 101.

Andrew

I want to thank all of you so much ! These suggestions will really help our first time trip to Oregon. We're really looking forward to it. Thanks again ! 123

Andrew, have you ever photographed the Astoria-Megler bridge in Astoria? It's a gorgeous bridge and not half as scary as it looks to cross, LOL! ***kim***