Finally I can add to what Gail has recommended about the Oregon Coast.

Gail definitely knows the southern coast better than I but since I lived in Seaside/Gearhart area for 15 years I have a few favorites, too.

Lincoln City &Tolovana Park have Mo's, too. As I remember Newport's is not on the water, but LC &TP's are. Both are great places for inexpensive seafood. Last time I was in Lincoln City I had their special slumgullion which is clam chowder with bay shrimp mixed in. Yummy.

Have to disagree with Gail over ice cream. The Tillamook Cheese Factory on Hwy 101 in Tillamook, has absolutely luscious ice cream...huckleberry, among others. Also their cheddars are the best anyway. Also make good deli sandwiches for a great picnic.

The Tolovana Wayside is a fantastic place to stop for a hike to Haystack Rock on the beach, less than a mile one way (my kind of hike) If you like a longer hike, you can go past Haystack Rock &into the little town of Cannon Beach. Fun, little beachy town. You can hike back by road or beach. Tolovana Wayside by the Tolovana Inn is also where the Mo's is located.

Having lived in &around Seaside for years, I'd recommend skipping it. It's very congested &doesn't have a lot of beachy atmosphere. The beach at Cannon Beach is much more beautiful. The only place I'd recommend is the Cove by Tillamook Head in s. Seaside or better yet, visit the other side of Tillamook Head at Ecola State Park which is at the n. end of Cannon Beach.

On up 101, Astoria is worth a couple hours. The Clatsop Co. museum is very nice &the very best fish &chips anywhere are at Ship Inn on Marine Drive (under the big, big bridge that goes over the Columbia to Washington state. The Ship Inn sits right on the Columbia &has been owned &operated by an English couple for 20 years or so. Try the squid...delicious, melt-in-your mouth strips of lovely white squid! Gotta get over there again soon.

Enjoy. Sorry I won't be available for a gtg either, especially at Ship Inn. I'm on my way to France &Ireland May 16.

Carol Bailey Madras, OR