Cannon Beach Cottage & Garden Tour

Cannon Beach Cottage & Garden Tour, Sept 7-9 (photo courtesy of CB Museum)

 

You can get a glimpse of coastal living in Cannon Beach, Oregon at the annual Cottage & Garden Tour, held in the middle of September each year.

Historic inns, vintage homes, and special gardens will welcome guests to enjoy a weekend of special receptions, presentations, concerts, garden tea, wine tastings, and even a costume contest.

The annual event is coordinated by the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum which celebrates the town’s heritage as a coastal destination community.  Typically, special events surrounding the tour are held at Tolovana Inn.

A Destination Since the 1880’s

Cannon Beach has been a destination community since the 1880’s.  In fact, in an August 1891 issue of The Daily Astorian newspaper, Cannon Beach was declared a “sportsman’s paradise.”  Additionally, it was heralded as an “ideal location for rest and recuperation.” Still true!

Cannon Beach has emerged as a picture-perfect destination of unmatched charm.  And during this special weekend, you can enjoy an extraordinary experience–especially when you stay at the wonderfully inviting Tolovana Inn.

 

Vintage Cannon Beach fun (photo from CB Museum)

Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest featured on NBC News

Cannon Beach’s 54th annual Sandcastle Contest was featured  on the NBC Nightly News.

Anchorman Lester Holt, who recently visited the Portland area, narrated the story that wrapped up the evening news broadcast.

With Haystack Rock as a backdrop, drone photography showcased the incredible sand creations.  It also showed how the tide washed away the notable efforts.   Masters and amateurs compete in the one-day event.

One featured family shared how they have gathered for 9 years of competitions.  The Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest anchors their annual family reunion.

Said Holt, “While the sandcastles may wash away, the memories don’t.”

When you stay at Tolovana Inn, you are just a short stroll the the sites.  Book your stay today.

 

Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest a Summer Tradition

Cannon Beach 54th Sandcastle Contest set for June 9

Awe-inspiring creations that will go out with the tide

  Cannon Beach kicks off summer with its traditional Sandcastle Contest.

 It’s the oldest competition of its kind in the Pacific Northwest.  It is also the most popular event in this wonderfully charming Oregon Coastal town.

Dozens of teams of professional sand sculpture artists, amateur groups and families  construct remarkable creations in the sand during the event.

The Master’s division teams compete for cash prizes.  They will construct large, elaborate creations often utilizing construction forms similar to those used for pouring concrete. resulting in monumental-size displays. 

Sandcastle Weekend Events

The sand sculpture contest on Saturday is the highlight of the weekend.    The weekend activities kick off with the Sandcastle Parade on Friday.    On Saturday evening, beach lovers gather for a beach bonfire with live music.  Sunday morning starts with the Singing Sands 5K fun run and walk. 

In 2014, the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest was recognized as an Oregon Heritage Tradition by the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department.  It is just one of 11 events statewide to achieve such a designation. An Oregon Heritage Tradition is an event with a broad public appeal, with at least 50 years of continuous operation, and that contributes to the identity of the state.  

Make lodging reservations early for this popular weekend. Hotels typically sell out rooms in advance. Day-trippers should plan on arriving early.

The Sandcastle Contest is the only day of the year when the beach is used for parking to accommodate the large crowds.  Cars must be off the beach by early evening to avoid issues with the incoming tide. 

For information on how to participate, contact the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce at (503) 436-2623.  

over 50 years with broad appeal

Great Idea for Mom: A Gift Certificate to Tolovana Inn

An ideal gift for your amazing mom.

Between work and home, the average mom works two full-time jobs each week.

All the more reason to make Mother’s Day extra special for your own amazing mom.  You know, the kindly woman who claims she never needs or wants anything but loves whenever you show the littlest amount of thought.

Or, treat your mother-in-law, because why stop trying to make a good impression on her?

Every Mother’s Day you can tell your mom how special she is with a unique gift that will warm her heart. But, please, not another candle or scarf.  This year, instead of more stuff, give her the gift of a memorable getaway to the magical Oregon coast.

Your Presence, not Presents

The solution for an ideal Mother’s Day gift is a Tolovana Inn gift card. Gift cards don’t expire, so she can use them any time of the year    Like this upcoming sunny weekend, or any other time of year when she can get away.

Just think how much she’ll enjoy strolling along the sandy shoreline near Haystack Rock. Or browsing through the distinctive shops and galleries in town.  Or sipping an Oregon wine or ale from the balcony of an oceanfront room, just steps to the sand?

There are plenty of fun things to do in and around Cannon Beach.  Or not to do.   With the pace she keeps, Mom just might appreciate a chance to sleep in or catnap with the patio door open. She will be enveloped by the fresh smell of salty sea air

Send mom off to the coast either alone, with dad, or her BFFs.    All the better if you can join her.  Most Moms will tell you, it’s your presence, not presents she really wants.  This way you can give her both.

To purchase a Tolovana Inn Gift Card, call the front desk, at 503 436-2211,

Remarkably Scenic Northwest Hiking Trails

Tolovana Inn in Cannon Beach is located in the center of some of the most scenic hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest.

Here are some nearby suggested hikes filled with natural beauty, waiting for you to explore.

Ecola State Park offers an adventure through lush rain-forest, where hikers will find some of the world’s tallest trees. Hike past old-growth Sitka Spruce to the end of Cape Falcon where you’ll take in the most breathtaking views.  Many of the best hikes can be found just minutes away in Ecola State Park, accessed via Ecola Park Road at the north end of Cannon Beach. The Park offers options for easy, paved accessible trails from the Ecola Point viewpoint to options for longer multiple-mile hikes. An Oregon State Parks pass, Oregon Pacific Coast Passport or $5 day-use fee is required for parking.

Neahkahnie Mountain and the more challenging Saddle Mountain.  Walk through wildflower-covered meadows, miles of uninterrupted beaches, or connect with a portion of the 382-mile Oregon Coast Trail. You’ll find everything from moderate to challenging hiking trails and accessible pathways suitable for all ages and abilities.

Oswald West State Park, located about 10 minutes south of Cannon Beach, offers several interconnected hiking trails with many options for hikers of all levels including a 13-mile section of the Oregon Coast Trail.

Necarney Creek to Elk Flats: From the smaller parking area just south of the main Oswald West parking lot, the Necarney Creek Trail descends into the rain-forest and connects to the Elk Flats Trail south, offering about a 1.5 mile walk through forests, emerging at meadows frequented by elk and eventually leading to a short spur trail to sheer cliffs overlooking Devil’s Cauldron.

 TRAILS – Perfect for the entire family and any level of hiker

Tillamook Head Trail: From the trail-head at Indian Beach, hikers can follow the route taken by a party of explorers from the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1806. This segment of the Oregon Coast Trail leads from Indian Beach about six miles to the northern trail-head in south Seaside.

Clatsop Loop Trail: This three-mile loop trail from Indian Beach begins along a gravel service road, passes through rain-forest and finally emerges at a small hikers’ camp where a nearby viewpoint overlooks the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. Hikers can then return to Indian Beach via a portion of the Oregon Coast Trail.

Cape Falcon Trail: A 2.3-mile hike leads from the trail head parking area on the west side of Highway 101, through coastal rain-forest to the end of Cape Falcon. The trail emerges from the forest at the end of the cape through hedges of salal and wild roses, offering views north to Tillamook Head and south to Cape Lookout.

Cannon Beach Nature Trail: This trail includes a paved portion that follows a bend of Ecola Creek, past wetlands and emerging at 2nd Street at the City Park. A gravel portion of the trail circles the ponds at the east end of 2nd Street and a south spur of the trail passes through a Spruce forest reserve.

Short Sand Beach Trail: A half-mile walk through the woods and along a creek leads to Short Sand Beach in Oswald West State Park.

Calm Your Brain at the Beach

 

Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach

A trip to the Beach is good for your brain.

 

You know that overall feeling of peace that you experience when you’re at the beach?

It’s for real.  Scientists are now referring to it as “blue space.”  Fresh smells and the sound of the rolling ocean calm your brain.  And, the way your brain reacts to that environment leaves you happy, relaxed, and energized.

Experiencing refreshing “blue space” at the beach is like hitting a reset button for your brain.  

Are you ready for a reset? 

  • Reduce stress. Water is nature’s cure for the stress of life. So whether you jump in for a swim or dip your toes in the water, you’re sure to experience a feeling of relaxation. 
  • Boosts creativity.  If you’re in a rut, blue space allows you to clear your head.  The calmness allows you to tune everything else out and reflect on what you need to resolve, allowing you to approach problems or projects with a fresh perspective.
  • Reduce feelings of depression. The calming environment of the beach provides some relief to feelings of depression. The hypnotic sound of the waves can clear your mind in a safe space away from the chaos of daily life.

Is it time for you to “reset?”  Book your room online today.

Fresh Food & Flowers Tuesdays at CB Farmer’s Market

280237image235On Tuesdays, now through September 27, guests and residents of Cannon Beach can shop in the afternoons at the Farmer’s Market.

Music and prepared food booths open starting at 1pm.  All other vendors are up and selling by 2pm, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, pasture-raised meat, organic cheeses, and hand-crafted artisan foods.   Fresh flowers are also available at the Tuesday afternoon market, which winds up each day at 5pm.

The Cannon Beach Farmers Market is located adjacent to  Cannon Beach City Hall, in the Midtown parking area at the intersection of Gower and Hemlock  It is about a 15-20 minute walk north from the inviting, ocean front rooms at the Tolovana Inn.

 

 

Tolovana Inn Showcased as an Ideal Destination for Groups

 

All the things that make Cannon Beach an ideal destination for tourists also make it an ideal fit for groups and corporate gatherings, particularly in the off-season of October through May.

With new brew pubs, lots of dining options and dozens of notable galleries and shopping, there’s plenty for people to do in town year-round. 

Tolovana Inn, with ample meeting space and the largest number of guestrooms in Cannon Beach, is well-suited to many special events.

With 2,500 square feet of meeting space and a large adjacent foyer, Tolovana Inn offers flexible space that easily can host receptions up to 150 people, theater-seating up to 160, and dining for groups of 96.  More intimate gatherings can also be accommodated there. Additionally, a separate, executive board room comfortably seats 14.

Best of all, with its various lodging options, Tolovana Inn works out well for spouses and family members who want to attend and enjoy spacious, ocean-front rooms, balconies. and fireplaces, all steps from the sand.

Why not plan a memorable event at Tolovana Inn in Cannon Beach?

 

Father’s Day: Spend time together

A walk with Dad along the beach.

Father’s Day was established to honor all fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who have influenced your life.

Father’s Day is regularly observed on the third Sunday of June.

Sure, you can send a card, buy him tools, gadgets, or a new polo shirt, but you know that dad really wants is to spend time with you.

Why not surprise him with a trip to Cannon Beach and a stay in an oceanfront room at Tolovana Inn?   Reserve your room today, or order gift certificates for a future stay.

Father’s Day was first noted in June 1910 in Spokane, Washington at the YMCA.  Sonora Smart Dodd told her pastor she thought fathers should have a day of recognition like Mother’s did.   She was inspired by her own father who raised six children as a single parent.  Her pastor agreed as did his colleagues.  On the third Sunday in June 19, 1910, “sermons honoring fathers were presented throughout the city.”

Despite several initiatives, including merchant-driven efforts that were greeted with some cynicism, it took several decades for Father’s Day to be fully recognized.  President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers, in 1966,  designating the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day.    Six years later, the day was made a permanent national holiday when President Richard Nixon signed it into law in 1972.

History aside, fathers are critical and spending time with the men in your life who matter is a great tradition to uphold.

 

Gift Certificates a Great Idea for Mother’s Day

Mother's Day

Need an idea for Mother’s Day?  Why not a stay at Tolovana Inn? Cannon Beach is a favorite place to relax, nosh and browse around–all things most moms enjoy.

You can order gift certificates now that will arrive in plenty of time to delight your mom. Tolovana Inn gift certificates are also great for Father’s Day in June, for anniversary gifts, and for other special occasions.

To purchase a gift certificate, call the hotel. We’ll be happy to mail your order directly to you or to the recipient.

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