Quick Escapes

Not every vacation needs to be two weeks exploring Provence.  Sometimes you just need a quick break, a couple of days away from the office and the phones, a trip that doesn’t require getting on an airplane or packing your passport.   Take out a map and draw a circle with a radius of a couple hundred miles and I bet you will find many interesting places and things to do.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Ocean

The Oregon Coast is a wonderful sight, rugged and breathtaking, a perfect place to recharge and relax.   Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge, a beautiful collection of homes, guest suites and guest rooms located in Gold Beach and only 250 miles from Salem, is a favorite location for many travelers from around the world.   The property sits along the north bank of the historic Rogue River seven miles from the ocean.  The lodge is comfortable, with a massive stone fireplace, library, and rooms that look out over the river.  In the evening you can relax outdoors in front of a fire pit drinking a great glass of local wine.  For an extra treat, reserve a room with a fireplace and outdoor soaking tub.  The restaurant at TuTu Tun Lodge is known for wonderful cuisine that is served at a slow pace, so be prepared to enjoy a wonderful meal, but don’t expect a quick dining experience.  The lodge is frequently fully booked, so plan ahead for this trip.  The restaurant operates on a modified schedule in the winter months.

Other activities in the Gold Beach area include kayaking on the Rogue River, exhilarating and sometimes wet jet boat tours up the “wild” sections of the Rogue, golfing at Bandon Dunes, or walking the beautiful beaches.

The drive south of Gold Beach to Brookings along US 101 is one the most scenic drives in the state and often is less traveled than those sections located further north.  There are plenty of roadside stopping points, so pack a picnic lunch and wear your hiking boots.

Next up, Oregon wine country...