Founded in 1873 by Lord George
Bennett of Ireland, the quaint coastal town of Bandon, located just 90 miles
north of the California boarder, may be referred to as the “Hub of the Southern
Oregon Coast”. Historically, known for
fishing and timber opportunities; today’s modern Bandon is filled with an
abundance of breathtaking scenery, benevolent residents, unique cultures, family
recreation and historic venues. Its sights and shops are all within walking
distance of charming Old Town, which makes it the perfect place for strolling,
shopping and dining while you're on holiday. If you haven’t put this coastal
town on your Bucket List, you might be missing out on more than you think.
1. Go Fly
a Kite: If you’re looking for a day of fun at the beach, flying kites is an
affordable activity the whole family will enjoy and Bandon’s beaches are a kite
flyers' paradise. Pick up a kite at the Koffee N Kites Shop located in Old Town.
2. Let’s
Go Fishing: Sideline Guide service is
comprised of years of river fishing along with dedication and research that has
earned Craig Paulsen the reputation of the go-to guy. Novice or experienced,
Craig welcomes all anglers. www.sidelineguide.com . If you’re interested in a Deep Sea Fishing
Adventure. Give Ken & Phyllis Butler
a call at Prowler Charters and book a
seat on one of their sea worthy vessels. They will make your day on the ocean a
memorable one. All gear is supplied. 325
1st St SE (541) 347-1901
3. Visit
a Winery: The Foster Family is popular for their cranberry wines at Sea Mist Winery. They take pride is using all locally grown cranberries from
their own 32 acre farm and are happy to host tours to curious guests. www.seamistwine.com
4. Play
Golf: Bandon has gained much recognition due to its beautiful golf courses. Bandon
Dunes Golf Resort offers a five star experience. You will also find an array of other
amenities at the Dunes Resort including overnight accommodations and fine dining.
www.bandondunesgolf.com . Bandon Crossings Golf Course is home to
“18 Unique Experiences. Named one of the 10 best new courses of 2007 by GOLF
Magazine, it is gathering a loyal following as it offers both great golf and
great value. www.bandoncrossings.com
5. Turn
Trash into Art: Washed Ashore is a
local and internationally known non-profit, community based organization, with
a mission to educate and create awareness about pollution through art. Witness
for yourself the massive sculptures of sea life, made from marine debris. This
is a great experience for the whole family.
www.washedashore.org
6. Visit
a Myrtlewood Factory: Zumwalt’s Myrtlewood gifts made from the rare Myrtlewood tree,
indigenous only to Northern California, Southern Oregon and Israel, are
unmatched in their elegance and will be treasured over the years. www.zumwaltsmyrtlewood.com
7. Pet
a Wild Animal: Just 7 miles south of Bandon is West Coast Game Park Safari,
home to over 450 animals and birds representing 75 different species. Walk and talk with the animals. This is as up
close and personal as it gets. www.westcoastgameparksafari.com
8. Eat
some Chocolate: Coastal Mist Chocolate
serve up a full line of artesian, European desserts, pastries and a Chocolate
Lovers Club. www.coastalmist.com Bandon is Oregon's cranberry capital, and for
50 years Cranberry Sweets has been
combining cranberries and chocolate. But
don’t take my word for it ~ they offer samples to everyone. www.cranberrysweets.com
9. Pick
a Blueberry; David Leff at Twin Creek
Ranch Blueberry Farm welcomes folks to come visit his blueberry haven. Pick
your own or buy them picked. David takes
pride in his naturally grown berries. Give him a call to schedule a tour. (541)404-4262.
10. Tour
a Cranberry Farm: Bandon’s cranberry industry dates back to the 1890s, and
produces 500,000 barrels annually. Faber
Farms offer free educational tours daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Call
ahead at (541)347-1166 or visit www.faberfarms.com
11. Visit
a Lavender Farm: Lavender can help you relax & gain clarity as you take the
next steps toward the rest of your day and the Lavender Lady Farm promises all natural products made from sustainably
grown lavender. www.lavenderladyfarm.com
12. Taste
some Oregon Jam: Misty Meadows Jam
has been making jam and other condiments in Bandon since the 70’s. There are so
many flavors to choose from, all made with locally grown fruits and berries. www.oregonjam.com
13. Visit
a Museum: The Bandon Historical Museum
is dedicated to preserving, interpreting and sharing the wonderful heritage of
Bandon, the Coquille Valley, and southwestern Oregon. The museum is open seven
days a week from 10:00 to 4:00 PM. www.bandonhistoricalmuseum.org
14. Take
in a Show: Check out play schedules for
the Sprague Theater at www.spraguetheater.org or The
Bandon Playhouse Theater at www.thebandonplayhouse.org.
15. Stay
at a Beachfront Inn: The Inn at Face Rock is an ocean view
retreat for the beach lover and those just looking to be pampered. www.innatfacerock.com
16. Tantalize
your Palate: Bandon has a plethora of specialty eateries, from Fresh Seafood to
Italian Coastal Cuisine. Check out the few listed here. www.allorowinebar.com. www.lordbennett.com. www.theloftofbandon.com .
17. Say
Cheese: Face Rock Creamery
specializes in making premium, hand crafted, gourmet cheeses from start to
finish. Stop by and watch their Creamery Technicians work and enjoy sampling. www.facerockcreamery.com
18. Walk
the Boardwalk: Located on the waterfront, the Famous Bandon Boardwalk is an artsy adventure. Visit sea sculptures
scattered along this riverside promenade.
19. Visit
a Lighthouse: Coquille River Lighthouse
was erected on February 29, 1896. Discover what an amazing role this majestic
structure played in the history of this seaport community. www.lighthousefriends.com
20. Bird
Watch: The Bandon Marsh Refuge is
renowned for its excellent shorebird viewing opportunities. Birdwatchers
visiting in the spring or fall can expect to see thousands of native species. http://www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/bandonmarsh/index.htm
21. Take
a Stroll: Bandon's Old Town shopping district
is a feast for the senses. Click the link below for an interactive map of the
city. http://www.bandon.com/downloads/BandonOTMap.pdf
22. Visit
a Marina: The Port of Bandon is a
stopover for commercial, sport and ocean going cruisers providing fuel and
marine pump out capabilities. Contact the Port for mooring information. www.portofbandon.com
23. Grab
a Donut: Bandon Baking Company has
been satisfying customer’s cravings for over 14 years. Year after year,
tourists return for their wholesome sweets.
www.bandonbakingco.com
24. Expand
your Wardrobe: Located at 92 SE 2nd Street, Devon’s Boutique boasts a nod for storefront excellence by the
Oregon Main Street program and multiple shoppers-choice awards. www.devonsboutique.com For a
more casual flare stop by Black Horse
Boutique, located at 385 N. 2nd Street is where you will find a
wide variety of apparel and great prices.
25. Personalize
a T-shirt: Gibson Graphics is a local
screen print business that specializes in personalized shirts, hats, jackets
and team wear. www.bandonshirts.com
26. Read
a Bestseller: WinterRiver Books is an
independent bookstore located in the heart of Old Town. This expansive
bookstore offers a relaxing atmosphere and a unique selection of children’s
books, cards, music, games and reviews on all the new arrivals.www.winterriverbooks.com
27. Horseback
on the Beach: Enjoy a guided North Beach trip along the Pacific Ocean on
horseback while taking in tide pools, majestic rock views and caves. Call Bandon Beach Riding Stables for
reservation (541)347-3423
28. Check
out Local Artists: Second Street Gallery
featuring over 89 artists and art companies primarily in the Pacific
Northwest. www.secondstreetgallery.net. Offering workshops in: kelp basketry, jewelry
making, glass fusing, or more, the Sage
Place is the place to let your creative spirit play. www.sageplacebandon.com. Riverside
Studio located at 346 Riverside Dr. specializes in pottery & basket
weaving and frequently offers classes. Call for details on class schedules. (541)551-0071
29. Buy
some Wool: The Wool Company has an
ever growing product line of Alpaca, Merino, Cashmere, Angora and Shetland wool
yarns. Beautiful organic cottons, scrumptious silk blends and mink yarns are
also available. www.woolcompany.com
30. Go
Camping: Bullard’s Beach State Park &
Campground is nestled among shore pines and well protected from the strong
ocean breezes. This large park, just two miles north of Bandon, has access to
dunes and beaches. Take a walk or bike ride on a paved pathway to the
beach. Don’t forget your binoculars!
31. Grab
an Ice Cream Cone: Located at 130 Baltimore in Old Town, The Big Wheel General Store is home to the Fudge Factory, and the best ice cream in town, they offer every
flavor you could think of and a few more.
32. Board
a Pet: At Riverview Kennels canine
and feline clients enjoy spacious, comfortable runs, fully heated facilities
and many other comforts. Open 7 days a week.
Check out vaccination requirements
www.riverviewkennels.com
33. Collect a Gem: Jail House Rock is located at 570 2nd St. Here you will find unique
jewelry and one-of-a-kind gems to purchase, or you can design your own. You
might even find a pet rock!
34. Rent
a Bicycle: South Coast Bicycles is a full-service cycling center and carries
something for everyone and for all ages. Rent a bicycle for a day, weekend or
week, with single and multiple-day special rates. www.southcoastbicycles.com. They also provide you with a route planner at
www.twowheeloregon.com.
35. Take
a Glass Art class: Bryce Dimitruk’s Vines
Art Glass Gallery offers beautiful works of art from hand blown glass
ornaments to one of a kind vases and sculptures. Visit their website for class
schedules www.vinesartglass.com or
call (541)347-2652.
36. Buy
some Leather: The Cobbler's Bench
offers quality shoes and clothing. Purchase new leather or take your old leather in for
repair. www.bandoncobblersbench.com
37. Eat
Vegan: Better known as the “Organic Wine Press” Pacific Blues has been serving organic cuisine and wines for years.
They cater to specialty preferences and offer indoor or outdoor seating. www.organicwinepress.com
38. Watch
a Parade: Bandon’s Cranberry Festival
is an event that began over 60 years ago to pay tribute to the community’s No.
1 agricultural crop. It’s a weekend affair and takes place the second weekend
in September annually.
39. Browse
a Gift Gallery: The Spirit of Oregon,
located at 112 S 2nd is not short on unique gifts featuring handmade
pottery, sea baskets and animal sculptures.
41. Buy
Fresh Seafood: Bandon Fish Market provides locally caught seafood, delicious
smoked fish, fresh shrimp, oysters, and Dungeness crab, caught in season, visit
www.bandonfishmarket.com
42. Shop
Exotic: Check out Tribal Artifacts and Exquisite Indigenous Treasures at
Bandon’s most exotic shop The Gypsy Wagon. www.bandonwagon.tumblr.com
43. Capture
a moment: PortraitEFX offers
customers a National Brand Photographic Network with Local Touch and Care, they
bring decades of high-volume photography and marketing experience. Call Gary
Edmiston of South Oregon Coast portraitEFX at (541)982-9393 www.soc.portraitefx.com
44. Get
Pampered at the Spa: Vicki G's Salon
& Day Spa offers a variety of spa treatments to provide you a healthy,
relaxed, revitalized sense of calm and wellness for your body and soul. www.vickigspa.com
45. Pick
up a Souvenir: Bandon Mercantile ensures a wonderful shopping experience with
exceptional customer service and high quality merchandise at great prices. www.bandonmercantile.com. Bandon Card & Gift Shoppe,
located in Old Town has a collection of general gifts, wind-chimes, wind-socks,
cards, tee shirts, collectibles, jewelry, holiday ornaments & figurines.
"A unique collection of gifts for all seasons”.
46. Have
a picnic: Bandon State Natural Park
awaits the beachcomber, the explorer, the artist and the dreamer. Located along
Bandon's Beach Loop Road, there are several locations with easy beach access,
picnicking and unsurpassed views. www.oregonstateparks.org
47. Visit
a Toy Store: The Toy Room has a large
selection of baby gifts and toys, Klutz, Think Fun, Melissa & Doug, games,
dress-up, wooden toys, kites and magic kits. Something for kids of all
ages. Call 541-347-9783 for store hours.
48. Go Crabbing: The Port-O-Call will make sure you have everything you need to crab
off the docks, fishing licenses, crab pots, fishing poles and bait are always available.
Weber’s Pier, provides access to 360 feet of a concrete crabbing dock. Bring a
chair and get ready to spend a wonderful day of family fun crabbing for
delicious Oregon Dungeness Crab. www.tonyscrabshack.com/port-o-call/
49. Eat
a Famous Fish Taco: Tony’s Crab Shack
is located on the Bandon Boardwalk draws folks from all over the state to enjoy
their friendly atmosphere, fresh seafood and the salt air of the mighty Pacific
Ocean. www.tonyscrabshack.com
50. Go
Kayaking: South Coast Tours will take
you on an adventure paddle in the Wild Rivers Coast estuaries. Go fishing, wildlife viewing or just simply
enjoy the experience of gliding across the waterways. Check their website for
rates and availability. www.southcoasttours.net
51. Visit
a Fish Hatchery: Visitors can view and feed large rainbow trout in a show pond,
and can observe the spawning of salmon and steelhead October – March. Bandon Fish Hatchery is located at 55212
Fish Hatchery Road, Bandon, OR 97411 (541) 347-4278
52.
Catch a Sunset: The perfect ending to a perfect day,
overlooking the beach, viewing majestic sea stacks, and the smell of the
Pacific Ocean. There’s nothing more
mesmerizing than a sunset at the Oregon Coast.
Today's guest post is written by Sherrill Gray. Sherill is a native Oregonian who is passionate about Umpqua Valley wines and craft brews. She and her husband Doug own and operate Gray Ghost Tours, a wine and brewery tour business in Roseburg. Sherrill publishes a monthly online news letter, The Umpqua Valley Crush and is Chapter Director for Girls Gone Grape Southern Oregon, an organization that is community driven by women.
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