Hi Everyone. Driving to Florence from Portland on friday A.M any suggested routes, somewhat scenic???? Where to stop for lunch. should I go to Eugene , then west or get to the coast and down???

Thank you

Stan

My favorite lunch spot in Florence is Travellers Cove - it has a nice deck overlooking the Siusilaw River - food is good - a variety of things but not gourmet by any means - just the only place in town where you can sit outside with a water view.
I would go down the coast - many nice places to stop - but slower drive of course - I would probably drive down I-5 a bit and then cut over so that you could do the coast from Lincoln City down to Florence

For scenic, take 99W to 18 to the coast, then head south. 99W takes you through northern Oregon's wine country, and the coastal scenery from Lincoln City to Florence is pretty spectacular too. Figure close to four hours, but it's worth the hour you'd save by going to Eugene, then west.

Hey Beachbum, any ideas where to eat lunch along the way. thanx

Depends on when you leave Portland, dumoch. If it's late morning, and you're planning a little wine tasting (and why not?), I'd suggest the Bistro in Dundee. Or, just before you get to the coast, there's the Otis Cafe in... Otis! Then there's a Mo's - famous for clam chowder, but don't miss the garlic cheese bread - in Lincoln City or the original one in Newport. Except for the Bistro, these are all casual places. It's been a while since I've had a more upscale meal along that part of the coast. Have fun!