I will be accompanying my golfing spouse to Bandon Dunes the first week in November. Any suggestions for alternate activitiesin the area (within 1-2 hours). I'm interested in art, architecture, culture, history, etc. Also, we would like to spend a couple of additional days in another location within 2-3 hours drive from Bandon Dunes. I've never been to Oregon, so all suggestions are welcome.

My husband has gone there for "business trips" (wink, wink). I will ask him what he would have had me do if I came with him. I think the have a nice spa.

Nope, the spa does not exist yet. It is in the works though.

Sorry, I should have clarified...you can get a massage there, but it is not a full service spa just yet. There are some pretty good plans though (a relative is involved, so here is my disclaimer, lol!).

Hey, If you're there the 5th - 8th, I might see you! Be sure to tell your husband to pack his rain gear. ;-)

If your interest in art is painting, bring your easel. Otherwise, you might be twiddling your thumbs. Bandon is on a fairly remote section of the coast. Scenery is spectacular, particularly south between Port Orford and Brookings, but the towns themselves have little to occupy your time for more than a couple hours.

For the additional days, I'd suggest going north to Yachats or Newport. Again, neither place fits your interests well, but Newport in particular has points of interest you might enjoy: Oregon Coast Aquarium, a couple lighthouses, decent shopping and dining, etc. I suggest Yachats because of its dramatic beachscape.

Oh, good to know mms. I guess I won't cry in my cocoa if he gets invited again and I cannot go.

When is the spa set to open?

I'm not sure. There are a lot of plans for the resort, so I don't know the timeline on this.

MotorCity, after seeing my husband's pictures of Bandon Dunes courses I told him he couldn't go again without me and he keeps insisting there is virtually nothing else to do there. I can't imagine that--sounds as if a full resort would be a money maker, mms! Seems there are willing participants. Honestly the coastline looked so beautiful I could probably just ride in the cart happily...though I doubt that'd go over well with the other guys! Is there a way to get to the beach and just walk it?

OO, I agree! Does your husband happen to get invited their by a man named Bill who loved Apples (if you know what I mean)? Maybe we could be there at the same time!

Yep, you can get to the beach and walk it, but ix-nay on the arts-cay. They don't allow them at Bandon. "Golf as it was meant to be". Aahhh....

OO, you may not believe him, but your husband really is telling the truth. Mms may have more inside dope on the future than I, but the impression I've gotten in a half dozen times there is that Bandon is built first to appeal to the serious golfer. And I'd honestly be surprised if the vision changed.

Definitely listen to Beachbum!

After the cottages (4 bed/4 bath, 1200 sq ft) were built, there were more couples who came. They realized that there was a market for a spa for the wives (not being sexist here...but most of the time the wives do not golf). So that is when the spa idea took up steam. My "inside" has said it is in the works, but we haven't talked about it since this summer, so I don't know any other details.

LOL, no Bill in the group motor_city and I'm going to be up tonight thinking about different angles for "Apples"! Maybe you and I will just stay in Portland. I think I know someone who might help!

Yup got confirmation that he's actually getting some exercise beachbum...said something about ruining landscaping and caddies needing work when I expressed surprise. That's pretty unusual in this day and age of get 'em in and get 'em out quick as you can!

They probably have all the golfers they can handle without attracting couples, but it could make for a really nice outing. I'm real low maintenance...a beach and some tidal pools and I'd be happy, even in the soupiest fog.

Bandon..as long as youleave th resort,. there is great shopping and dining..new restaurant Alloro wine bar.
There is a sps in town called Vicki g's they do hair, nails, massage a facials. Any othere questions..I live in Bandon. great Beaches and sunsets.