Oregon Coast Getaway — whit and wander

We just returned from spending a few days in Manzanita, Oregon on the coast. It was our first trip of 2021 and one of just a handful of trips we’ve taken since March aside from our Denver trips for the clinical trial. The trip ended up being exactly what we needed—a change of scenery, good weather, a quiet cabin, and some spa-like amenities. Our wifi connection was not the best and it ended up being a blessing in disguise because both of us ended up putting our phones to the side so we could connect more.

We stayed at Coast Cabins, a resort made up of private luxury cabins. We had originally planned to visit in September but ended up pushing the trip back due to the fires. We stayed in the Modern Ranch cabin that had a full kitchen, wood-burning fireplace, steam shower, and lovely courtyard with a grill, firepit, and hot tub.

This was our first time staying at a hotel/resort since our visit to Willows Inn in August. The last few months prior to this trip have been hectic and stressful to say the least and we were both looking forward to spending some relaxing quality time together and getting a change of scenery.

The cabin itself was modern (as the name suggested) but also had some lovely rustic features. The vaulted wood paneled ceilings in the main living area were a beautiful touch and the live plants in every room made it feel fresh and welcoming. We cooked most of our meals in the kitchen, which was fully stocked with Miele and SubZero appliances, as well as All-Clad pots and pans, and plenty of dinnerware/serveware. Other cozy amenities included the indoor wood burning fireplace (with chopped wood and firestarter included) and a bowl of hazelnuts that came with a nutcracker. The bed was also made with luxury linens, which felt so silky when we sunk into bed.

On the drive down we hit some pretty stormy weather, there were high winds and heavy rain, especially on 101 south. The last 30 minutes of our drive was a bit harrowing driving on a winding road with no shoulder as it was starting to get dark, but as soon as we arrived and walked into the cabin I just felt some of the stress melt away and my shoulders visibly softened.

By the next morning the rain had cleared and the sun was shining through so we decided to walk down to the beach, which was just 10 minutes down the main road through the cute town of Manzanita. There were cute shops and galleries, as well as restaurants and coffee shops. Most of them were closed due to COVID restrictions but I can’t wait until we can return and spend an afternoon stopping in to every shop and grabbing ice cream and coffee.

It had been so long since we had been to the beach that I had almost forgotten how expansive Pacific coast beaches are. The sand seems to stretch on forever before it meets the waves. It was so amazing to breathe that fresh after-rain air and smell the salt. After the constant rain and dark skies in Seattle it was extra refreshing.

Kodi especially enjoyed us throwing his ball and chasing it down along the beach. Almost all the dogs we saw were off leash so we gladly let Kodi run free.

After our daily beach walks we settled in to cook/grill, enjoy the outdoor fireplace and hot tub, followed by a luxurious steam shower that made me almost as relaxed as actually going to the spa (a pre-COVID treat that I miss the most). We didn’t have the best wifi connection (potentially due to the storm) so we ended up spending less time browsing our phones and more time hanging out together. We played a few rounds of backgammon, read our books and cuddled up on the couch to watch movies.

David and I both agree that we would love to return to Manzanita and Coast Cabins in the next few months, and perhaps next time stay at one of their oceanside residences. We can’t wait to return with friends when it is safe and enjoy some of the local restaurants. This trip was a much needed chance to unplug and relax, and we have returned home with a refreshed perspective.

As much as we love big international trips, sometimes these local escapes are an even better reset.