What are your favorite winter activities on Oregon’s North Coast? Whether you enjoy experiencing the raw forces of nature in our bountiful parks and beaches, or searching for treasures in the many shops and galleries, you’ll inevitably want to take a break to warm up. Here are a few locals’ favorite hot spots for a cup of coffee, steamy bowl of chowder and even a trip to the spa.
Astoria and Warrenton
Steaming coffee and hearty meals: Stop in for coffee or an espresso drink and fuel up with a nourishing bite to eat. Just off Highway 101, Uptown Cafe in Warrenton will wake you up in the morning or reinvigorate you in the middle of your adventures. They serve simple breakfast, lunch and dinner, and have a fully stocked bar.
Soothing spa treatments: Warm up with your choice of an assortment of spa packages, or design your own at Astoria’s Cannery Pier Hotel and Spa. Soak in the hot tub and bask in an authentic Finnish sauna as part of a rejuvenating massage, facial or body treatment package.
Piping-hot clam chowder: Take the chill out of a drizzly day with a bowl of succulent clam chowder. Hidden in the heart of the Port of Astoria, Northwest Wild Products serves up clam chowder daily in addition to a variety of other fresh ocean delicacies. The cafe also doubles as a fish market.
Seaside
Fresh-roasted coffee: Start your day in Oregon’s classic beach town with a cup of locally roasted coffee and fresh bagels at Seaside Coffee Roasters. It’s the perfect intermission from wet and blustery weather, or a break from your adventures on the promenade. They also sell an assortment of fresh roasted beans by the pound.
Relaxing massage: Heat your body, mind and spirit with a relaxing massage from At the Water’s Edge’s professional therapists. With flexible appointment times, it’s easy to fit a session into your coastal adventure.
Grilled entrees and fiery drinks: Light up the evening on Seaside’s promenade with seasonal cuisine at Maggie’s On the Prom — think locally sourced seafood, steaks and other grilled favorites. Compliment your dinner with an Irish coffee, hot buttered rum or hot toddy.
Cannon Beach
Small batch roasted coffee: Situated in the center of Cannon Beach, Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters is a little hub with a big reputation for their internationally sourced, organic, single-origin and blended coffees. Come in from the cold, and breathe in the warm mixture of rich espresso steam and roasting coffee. (Note they close each year for the month of January.)
Fireside lunch or dinner: A fireside lunch or dinner is sure to warm you completely no matter how stormy or cold the weather outside may be. So get cozy with a bowl of clam chowder, oyster stew or the soup de jour at Morris’ Fireside Restaurant, located inside a quaint log cabin and built around a massive open-hearth fireplace.
Oceanside dining: Just a stone’s throw away from the beach, Mo’s Restaurant provides unparalleled views of the Pacific Coastline and iconic Haystack Rock. The menu focuses on locally sourced seafood and other classic beach eats paired with a selection of regional wines and beers. Their steamy, New England-style clam chowder is a local favorite.
