We are planning a visit to Oregon for our anniversary in May. We are thinking about staying at McMenamins in Edgefield for a few nights and would like to stay on the Oregon coast for a few nights. Can anyone recommend a bed and breakfast or nice hotel in the area. Has anyone stayed at McMenamins? How did you like it? Thanks.

You'll need to be more specific about where on the coast you want to stay, and how long you have. The most scenic parts of the Oregon coast are in the south, a long day's drive from Portland, but there are also some nice areas on the north coast, such as Cannon Beach. Don't overlook the southwest Washington coast, though, (closer drive) including Ilwaco and the Long Beach peninsula (dinner at the Ark in Nahcotta, one of the NW's best restaurants, out in the boonies.)

Regarding the Edgefield, you will most likely have a great time - on-site brewery and winery, fabulous art on the walls, movie theater, golf, gardens... too much to list. Plus the Columbia Gorge starts a few minutes east, so touring opportunities are extensive. We've stayed at the Edgefield several times and love it, but if you want stuffy and formal, pick another place. The food in the Black Rabbit (main restaurant) could be better for the price, but there are other lunch/dinner options on site, plus remember, beer is food.

John, Thanks for your reply and suggestions. I'm not too particular where we stay on the coast, we wouldn't want to drive all day. I'm just looking for ideas. We are from Wisconsin and neither one of us have been to Oregon. My husband makes his own beer, so I think he will really enjoy McMenamins. We want to get away from stuffy and formal! Thanks again.

Another place you might look at staying in the gorge is Skamania Lodge. You can probably find a website. It's a totally different atmosphere than Edgefield and we like them both. It has a great pool and outdoor, natural-looking hot tub. Nearby is the funky Carston hot springs, where you can go for a soak in a hot old tub, get a mummy wrap and massage. You'll think it's the 1930's.
On the coast, since you have only a few nights, I'd go for Canon Beach. Ecola St. Pk to the north, is beautiful, and Canon Beach has art studios and interesting shops, as well as a gorgious, wide beach. We stay at the Hallmark Resort, which is on a gorgeous section of beach, but I'm sure there are many other nice places. The Stephanie Inn is supposed to be the most upscale and romantic of the hotels, but we haven't tried it.

I've stayed at the Stephanie Inn a few times and ADORE the place! It's been an absolutely perfect stay each time. VERY relaxing, right on the beach, good food, excellent staff.

I am also planning a trip that way this spring and will be looking to stay at either at the O'dysius Hotel or the Inn at Spanish Head in Lincoln City.
http://www.odysius.com/
http://www.spanishhead.com/

I'm not a big fan of Cannon Beach but prefer the Yachats and Depoe Bay areas. Visit Honeyman Park if you get that far south.

Someone recently told me they enjoyed their stay at a Best Western hotel in Florence - said they had a great view across the bay.

Another place you might want to check out is the Columbia Gorge Hotel.
http://www.columbiagorgehotel.com

Lincoln City is a town on the Oregon coast to avoid unless you like 8 miles of mini malls all along the slow moving 2 lane "highway" and a flat featureless beach. The only reason to stay in LC is if you want to save bucks as that 8 miles is packed with non-descript motels. Why pick O'dysius Hotel which isn't even waterfront when you have many dozens of motels that are?

Good point, George. What would be the closest place to Lincoln City, north or south, then with a fabulous beach location? We'd be driving from McMinnville.

Another question: the McMenamins website looks slightly creepy to me. Does the place seem that way in person?

Not creepy, no. Artsy maybe. It's definitely different, but an enjoyable experience regardless. I agree about their websites - too self-consciously hip IMO.

Bonnie,
I see that you're planning a getaway in May and saw that one response was telling you about Illwaco and Long Beach. I wanted to let you know that we have a beach house (not water view) for rent in Long Beach, WA. It is about an hour drive from Cannon Beach/Seaside.
If this sounds inviting to you just email me back at my email address!
Have fun whatever you decide to do!!
Happy Anniversary!

Thanks John. Maybe I'll give them a whirl.