This past week my daughter Jenny hosted a former college classmate for a few days of sightseeing in Oregon. Emily hails from central Ohio, so Jenny figured a visit to the Oregon coast was in order. Because the visit would be  less than three full days all told, Jenny wanted to create a memorable visit for her friend.

No budget beach motel for these two; Jenny booked a one-night stay at the Heceta Head Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast in the town of Yachats on the south-central coast. Both the working lighthouse and the keeper’s house were built around 1894 and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house is a charming Victorian overlooking the cliffs and surf of the Pacific and boasts five guestrooms. Another big draw is the seven-course breakfast served each morning, which Jenny described with an efficient “Awesome!”

One of the things she remarked on (in addition to the food) was the delightful conversations she and Emily shared with the other guests. It’s one of my favorite aspects of staying at a B & B as well: a leisurely opportunity to get to know a little about the often well-traveled folks who’ve shared intimate accomodations with you. In this case, a woman from Colorado spoke of her several trips to Africa and her time in the Peace Corps; a couple from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, shared stories of their work in the oil fields; and then there was the couple from Southern California. Finally, they were introduced to the newlywed Swiss couple who had been driving across the United States and were planning to wrap up their honeymoon on Maui.

After a day exploring the beaches and sights nearby (including the Sea Lion Caves — world’s largest sea cave and home to breeding Steller sea lions and all manner of marine fowl), they made their way back to Portland for a little retail therapy and dining downtown. Jenny reports that her friend had a great time, but she’s pretty sure it was that seven-course breakfast at the B & B that will almost surely bring Emily back to Oregon one day.

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor