Tag: Cannon Beach

Zoom from your Room: Work and Learn at Tolovana Inn

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This fall, Zoom from a beachfront room at Tolovana Inn in Cannon Beach.

With free internet throughout the resort, you can make Tolovana Inn your virtual office or coastal classroom.  Then, when the work is complete,  experience ‘hands-on” learning and outdoor recreation at Oregon’s favorite beach destination.

Indoor Learning:  Special Resources

The Cannon Beach Historical Society and Museum website provides great content to enlighten you about the area.   First, start with a fun, interactive online quiz that will test your knowledge of local lore.

Secondly, you can learn about the three cannons of Cannon Beach.  The first cannon, which inspired the name of the town, washed ashore in 1898.  The cannon was part of the armament of the USS Shark which sank in high seas.  Two more cannons, from the same schooner, were discovered on the coast in 2008.

Thirdly, check out old photos online of popular historical sites around town.   From Bill’s Tavern to the original Osburns’ Grocery sites, you’ll recognize many locations.  The old Warren Hotel site built by homesteaders in 1911 is where Tolovana Inn sits today.  After you’ve done some research, venture out to see some of the notable sites.

Clear your mind with a fresh air stroll 

When your work is done, there’s not a better way to clear your mind than with a walk in the fresh, clean air of nearby forest trails.  You can experience the natural beauty found along the favorite walking and hiking trails through lush rain forests and giant Sitka spruce groves.

Of course, there’s always the allure of the wide sandy beaches just out your door. Cannon Beach offers miles of uninterrupted beach to explore.  And along the magnificent shoreline, tidepools present their own kind of magic.

Discover the magic of tidepools

Optimum viewing of coastal tidepools is an hour before low tide. There, you’ll discover many colorful and strange creatures as the tide recedes.  This unique environment reveals bright sea stars clinging to rocks. Green anemones lay open like flowers at the bottom of pools. Look carefully and you’ll see crabs, fish, snails, limpets, coral, sponge, and colorful sea slugs.    

Review the Cannon Beach tide tables here.

Book Today

In a year like no other, make great memories with an Autumn getaway to Tolovana Inn.  With full kitchens, private beachfront balconies, fireplaces, and a sparkling indoor saltwater pool, you can get your work done and then relax in comfort.

 Book your stay today.

 

Ocean view, suite

 

 

 

 

 

Whale Watching in Cannon Beach, Oregon

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Whale Watching in Cannon Beach happens twice a year, in winter and spring. 

In the winter, the mighty mammals pass along the shoreline, heading from Alaska waterways to the lagoons of Baja California where mamma whales fatten up and welcome their newborns. About 20,000 are expected to pass during the last week of December. The whales will swim back up the coast starting in the spring.

The Oregon State Parks’ Whale Watching Spoken Here® program places trained volunteers at sites along the coast including nearby Ecola State Park, during the week December 27-31.  With binoculars, you can also watch for whales from beachfront balconies at Tolovana Inn. Getting up to look out over the horizon is critical.

Whale watching tips

Whales are spotted when they rise to the surface and spout a plume of mist and vapor that can reach up to 15 feet in the air. Calm days are best for whale watching, as the spout can linger in the air for up to five seconds when there is little wind. Seas without white-capped waves make whale spotting easier. And, early daylight from a low angle that illuminates the lingering spout also helps. With your binoculars, keep an eye out for a spout. Once you have it spotted, just raise your binoculars to where it was and keep looking.  

Whales typically spout three to five times, about 15-30 seconds apart, before making a deep dive of up to six minutes long.

Once spotted, keep their direction of travel in mind. Then, you will have it down in no time.  

Tolovana Inn is a favorite destination for families at any time of year. Just a few easy steps to the sand,  roomy oceanfront suites feature cozy fireplaces and private balconies with amazing views. The indoor saltwater pool is always inviting, along with the sauna or spa.

 

 

EV Charging Stations at Tolovana Inn

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Tolovana EV charging station

EV and Tesla fueling stations

Tolovana Inn has expanded its electric vehicle charging stations Tolovana Inn just added four Level II chargers that accommodate all-electric vehicles in addition to four Tesla-only chargers

Oregon is a leader in creating a strong network of charging stations for electric vehicles, and Tolovana Inn is pleased to expand its role in that system.    Charging stations are increasingly important to Tolovana Inn guests and visitors to the Oregon coast.

Haystack Holidays in Cannon Beach: The Spirit of the Season!

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The picturesque village of Cannon Beach lit up festively for the season.

 

Haystack Holidays is a collection of delightful special events in Cannon Beach that will warm your heart. Get into the spirit of the season at events for all ages! 

Between the shopping and special events,  you can enjoy the spectacular Oregon Coast during a season like no other.  Make Tolovana Inn your home away from home, with spacious suites and cozy fireplaces. 

 Annual events include the Lamp Lighting Ceremony, Pictures with Santa, and  Special Concerts.   The Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce has all the details.

 

The Stormy Weather Arts Festival: A Cannon Beach Classic Event

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Snow Day in Cannon Beach, Jeffrey Hull

For over 30 years, the Stormy Weather Arts Festival kicks off the first weekend in November, attracting art and music lovers to Cannon Beach.

The festival of the arts allows guests to experience the best of the Cannon Beach creative community. You’ll soon see why this exceptional  little beach town has earned the distinction of “One of the 100 Best Art Towns in America.”

Make reservations now to stay at Tolovana Inn then prepare to enjoy all the festival fun, November 2-4.   If you come down for the weekend, you can stay over Sunday night for 50% off your room rate.   Then, you can enjoy a leisurely ride home Monday morning.

Home to Extraordinary Galleries

Cannon Beach is home to over a dozen exceptional art galleries.  Many of the galleries’ most notable national and regional artists’ will be showcased during the festival. You can wander around the town, visiting art gallery after gallery, enjoying receptions and artists demonstrations.   You can also catch free live music performances all weekend long at six music venues, both indoor and outdoor.

The Jeffrey Hull Gallery is one of the sponsors of the Festival. Jeffrey controls the difficult medium of watercolor, often in very large paintings. He also works in oil paints.  He is reknown for his ability to capture the beauty and moods of the places where water joins the land.  He and his wife Carol opened their Cannon Beach Gallery in 1987, where his original works, lithographs, cards, and books are available to admire and purchase.

 Lloyd Jones Friday & Curtis Salgado Saturday

A concert showcase featuring Lloyd Jones is set for Friday night at the Coaster Theater.  The Oregon-born soulful Jones has spent 30 years as a singer, guitarist, songwriter, performer and producer. Tickets for this intimate show in the Coaster are just $35.

On Saturday night, legendary Curtis Salgado will headline a Coaster Theater performance.  National  Public Radio calls Salgado a “Blues icon” with a huge voice.  The Blues Review declares that Salgado is “one of the most soulful honest singers ever. ” Like Jones, he is sure to bring down the house.  Tickets for his concert are $40.

You might bump into Salgado at the Tolovana Inn, where he and his band will be staying.

The festival also includes “Dancing in the Rain” fashion show where you can pick out a new outfit.  All apparel and accessories from local and national designers is available in Cannon Beach shops.  On Sunday, the Festival wraps up with a Brews, Blues and BBQ lunch featuring local craft beers.

Concert and other event tickets can be purchased online. 

You can book your Tolovana Inn room online or call 1-800-333-8890.

 

Jeffery Hull Original Painting, Falls-Hug Point

 

Beach Fire Ban Lifted: Break out the S’mores

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Cannon Beach fire ban lifted
(Photo: Jon Martin)

The Oregon State Parks Department announced today, August 29, that the fire ban in place for most of the summer has been lifted for Cannon Beach and other North Oregon beaches and parks.

Specifically, the ban has been lifted north of the Umpqua River (Roseburg area). *

For Labor Day visitors to Cannon Beach, that’s great news just in time for the three-day weekend.  It’s time to break out sweatshirts, beach blankets and makings for S’Mores. 

The weekend forecast calls for mostly sunny days, but evening temperatures are expected to drop to a brisk mid 50 degrees.  Perfect for a beach bonfire! 

Tolovana Inn has a special S’Mores‘ package for four including roasting sticks, chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers.  You can also get firewood from Tolovana Inn.   Just call ahead to reserve your supplies–800-333-8890.

A cozy beach fire is a perfect wind down for what many people consider the final weekend of summer vacation, especially for those whose lives revolve around school calendars.

For others, the months of September and October are typically inviting too, for bundling up around an outdoor fire.

 

*Two exceptions are Alfred Loeb and Saddle Mountain Parks, where the fire ban remains. 

 

 

Cannon Beach Cottage & Garden Tour

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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 a Summer Tradition

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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

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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

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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.

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