Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Cottage Amenities

The house was fully renovated in the summer of 2008. The 850 sq ft are well utilized, front and rear decks add a further 440 sq feet of additional space to spill onto.

The living room

You enter the cottage through the living room, this was the original cabin built in 1929. The room provides seating for six on sofas over newly laid Hickory floors. The room has cable TV with VCR / DVD player. We retained the original fir ceiling, which has become one of our favorite features of the property.

Sleeping accommodations

There are two bedrooms, the larger boasts sleeping for four, with a double bunk bed (only one adult on top bunk) with a single pull out trundle. The room was designed with children in mind.

The smaller bedroom offers a queen bed, it also has a connecting full bathroom and access to a private back deck to sip coffee in the morning sunshine.





Bathrooms

The main bathroom, offers a full bath with extra large shower head. This bathroom also has a full size washer dryer.
The second bathroom, while smaller also offers all the amenities of a full bathroom. It is privately accessed from the master bedroom.

The Kitchen

The cottage has a fully equiped kitchen, offering a microwave, oven, large fridge and dishwasher. The kitchen is well stocked with placings for twelve, as well as a tea kettle, coffee maker, griddle, food processor, crock pot with all the necessary utensils, enjoy this kitchen as though it were your own. There is a breakfast bar that seats three, as well as a dining area that provides seating for six.

Outside

The house has decks on both the front and rear of the property. The rear deck is the smaller of the two, facing east to enjoy the morning sun. It can be accessed from either the queen bedroom or the garden. There is a small table with seating for four.The front deck off the living room is 20 x 16 feet and provides ample space to spill out onto in the evenings for those BBQs watching the sunset. The deck has a BBQ, and table and chairs for six to enjoy.

There is ample parking for four vehicles. The cottage is a non smoking facility. Two well behaved pets are allowed.

Pacific Beach's top eleven (all within 1 mile of cottage)

1 The Beach

The most important element of Pacific Beach is the beach. The majesty and sheer power of the Pacific Ocean is a wonderful experience no matter what the weather.

At its best on the sunniest of days you can enjoy it in your swimsuit, splashing around in the tempid Ocean, at the other extreme when Mother Nature is expressing itself to be on the beach to have the waves crash in and the wind howl in your ears is quite an experience.

2 Kite Flying

Make no bones about it, the wind can blow on the coast. This makes it ideal for Kite Flying, there is a kite shop in town called the Hi-Flyers Kite shop (55 Main Street) and every September (11-13th in 2009) there is the 'Up your wind Kite Festival', no matter what the month, it is usually possible to get your kite out to fly.

3 Beach Combing

Due to the stormy nature of this part of the coast, there are some great treasures to be found on the beach, it can provide a educational walk for the younsters as they come accross Sand Dollars, shells, crabs and Jelly fish to name a few.

4 Razor Clamming

On numerous days throughout the year, it is possible to go Razor Clamming on the beach. Pacific Beach is one of only a few that open up for such an event. I tried clamming for the first time recently and couldn't believe how much fun it was, not to mention how hard! You are limited to 15 clams and a license is required, this can be bought at the two stores in town. Check out the link below for the latest information on the season:

http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/shelfish/razorclm/razorclm.htm

5 Indoor Swimming Pool & Hot Tub

A half mile to the north of the cottage is the Ocean Crest Resort, the resort offers public access to their Swimming Pool and hot tub. Their rates are only $5 a day if you buy a pack of six day passes. What is great about this deal is that they allow you to come and go throughout the day for no additional charge. The charge without the six pack is $10 per person. http://www.oceancrestresort.com/reccenter.html

6 Coffee Shop

Nestled at the back of the home decor boutique is a cute little coffee shop. Opened a couple of years ago it provides a perfect respite, serving all the usual beverages and they compliment them well with a selection of home baked goods. They have great cinnamon rolls that can be ordered ahead of time so they are ready for group in the morning! YUM!

7 Seabrook

A mile and a half south of the cottage is Seabrook. Undoubtedly the jewel in the region. An ambitious endeavor to bring beautiful acrchitectural splendor to the area. The community now totals over 100 properties. It is well worth taking a walk around the town to marvel at the quality; pair it with a meal at their bistro and it provides a good couple of hours of entertainment. http://www.seabrookwa.com/

8 Bowling & Movies

The Naval Recreational Resort, a mere 300 yard walk from the house, not only has a restaurant and bar, but it also has a small bowling alley that it opens to the public. They also show movies at select times, it is worth popping in there to check out the latest showing.

http://www.navylifepnw.com/site/68/Pacific-Beach.aspx

9 Browse the Shops

Pacific beach does not have too many shops, but what they do have make for an interesting selection. A candy shop, antique shop,an art gallery, home decor boutique, kite shop, home improvement shop / used book store. It provides a opportunity to relax when the beach has you exhausted.

10 Moclips Museum

The Moclips museum is a non-profit run by volunteers, memorializing the history of the region, located a mile north of the cottage it is open weekends during the winter 11am - 4pm. Between May and October it is open Thursday through Monday (11 am - 4pm). Worth a visit to get an insight into yesteryear.

http://www.moclips.org/

11 Playgrounds

With the kids in mind, Pacific Beach has three good parks for the kiddos to run around. One at the school in town and two in the Naval Station facilities, one opposite the house and the other on the east side of the street, half way to town.

Calendar of Events

February

13-15th Chocolate at the Beach

http://www.chocolateonthebeachfestival.com/

March

16th Avalon Glass Show:

Avalon glassworks shows their wares and sells for the benefit of the Museum of the North Beach. Art glass floats on sale from 10am to 3pm. They will be producing limited edition floats, 360-276-4441

May

9th Sand Castle Contest:

Pacific Beach Sand sculpture teams and individuals compete for prizes, 10am to 2:30pm at the State Park in Joe Creek (Pacific Beach). Contact 360-276-4727

23-24 Garage Sale:

Annual Memorial Day weekend Pacific Beach, Moclips.

July 11th and 12th:

Trifreaks, welcome to the first annual triathlon weekend. Events include 1/2 Iron Triathlon, Olympic Triathlon, Sprint Triathlon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5k runs. Check out trifreak.com for more information and registration. For additional information visit: http://www.trifreak.com/

August 15th:

Seabrooks 3rd Annual Fun Run. Come to the beach gazebo at 9:00 AM to register.

http://www.seabrookwa.com/news_calendar_detail.asp?event=67

Summer, June and July:

Cape Elizabeth Walking Tour. Lowest tide of June or July, Museum of the North Beach will host a 3 hour walking tour of Cape Elizabeth. Info: 360-276-4441

September 4th -6th:

Kelpers Festival and Shake Rat Rendezvous held in Pacific Beach, Moclips. Kiddies Parade, Shake Mill Events, Vendors,and a very Crazy Adult Parade, Info: 360-276-4727

11th - 13th :

Up Your Wind Kite Festival, Beachside Pacific Beach. Sponsored by HiFlyers Kite Shop, for information contact Scott at 360-276-8377.

October 31st:

Haunted House, Pacific Beach Resort and Conference Center. Info: 360-276-8377.

December to New Years :

Christmas Lights. Decorate your business and home for accolades and prizes. Contact Colleen 360-276-4443.

Restaurants and Bars

Family

Front Street Cafe (360) 276 4884

Located a mile and a half south of the cottage in Seabrook, the Front Street Cafe serves good food at reasonable prices and generous portions; you can't beat that! It also offers good views of the ocean and serves throughout the day, happy hour is from 4-6pm.

http://frontstreetcafe.wordpress.com/

Windjammer - 113 N 1st St, Pacific Beach (360) 276 8199

The Windjammer is only 300 yards from the cottage on the western side of the road to the south. It offers functional food at good prices. As part of the Naval Recreational Facility the restaurant is functional, but lacks intimacy, it is also set back from the Ocean which is a crying shame as the views would be magnificent. It serves throughout the day, the good news is that you do not pay tax on your meal! You can eat in or take away.

Falcon's Nest - 28 Main St, Pacific Beach (360) 276 4440

An old staple located in downtown Pacific Beach, specializes in burgers and now pizzas! Primarily a take out location, it also offers limited seating inside and ample benches outside. It can often take 15 minutes to receive your order, as all food is made to order so phoning ahead can be of real benefit. They also have yummy treats, soft serve ice cream and my favorite-milkshakes!

Paddie's Perch - 41 Main St, Pacific Beach (360) 276 8144

The genuine diner in downtown Pacific Beach. Owned by Pattie and Eddie, it is the locals place to eat, Pattie waits the tables and Eddie does the cooking. Don't be turned away by the signs, Pattie loves children and they are welcome. If you are up for good quality food and great desserts for the family this is a good choice. Pattie bakes homemade pies each day!


Take Out only

You and I market - 51 Main St, Pacific Beach (360) 276 8182

The local gas station has opened a Teriyaki take out restaurant! The food is good, and the service is fast. Prices are not too bad either.

Moclips Country Store - Located on SR 109 in downtown Moclips (360) 276 0296

A couple of miles north of the house, nearly in Moclips is the Moclips Country Store. It has a take out bar for fried chicken and corn dogs, not too memorable, but worthy of a mention.

Bars / restaurants

Seagate - 4594 State Route 109 Pacific Beach, (360) 276 4118

Half a mile north of the cottage set back on the east side of the main road is Seagate, don't let the exterior fool you, or the interior for that matter. I love their food, especially the fries. This is a 21 or older location. Open for breakfast onwards, the burgers are the best. Like many restaurants in the area, the portions are huge. Always on my list of places to visit when I am down there for the weekend.

Evenings they have Karaoke, some of the worst singers can be found packed in here on a weekend night.

Aloha Tavern - 2990 Ocean Beach Rd Pacific Beach (360) 276 4723

Three miles east of Pacific Beach on the main road back to Aberdeen is the Aloha Tavern, I think Ta Ta would have been a better name for this place as you drive on by. Not highly frequented I am not aware of their food. The only time I have been there it was empty... very awkward.


Green Lantern - 3119 State Route 109 Copalis Beach (360) 289 2297

This pub is about 10 miles south of Pacific Beach, the food is OK. They have shuffle board, worth the drive, if you are after a pub.

Up scale

Ocean Crest - 4651 SR 109 Moclips (360) 276 4465

Apparently a great wine list and upscale restaurant overlooking the Ocean, I haven't visited but when I do I will update.

http://www.oceancrestresort.com/restaurant.html

Emily's Restaurant - Quinault Casino 78 St. Rt. 115 Ocean Shores (360) 289 9466

Located in the Quinault Casino 15 miles south of Pacific Beach towards Ocean Shores, this is a fine restaurant. The finest I have been too in the area, worth the drive if you are looking to celebrate (and maybe gamble!).

http://www.quinaultbeachresort.com/emilys-restaurant.html

Things to do beyond Pacific Beach

Taholah

Just north of Moclips across the river is the Quinault Indian Nation reservation, established by treaty in 1855. The tribe's Chief Taholah Days celebration around July 4th marks their founding. The oldest rocks found along the Washington coast are located at Point Grenville at the south end of the QIN. These are a collection of spectacular volcanic seastack rocks laid down 45-50 million years ago. You must purchase a tribal beach pass to visit the beaches at Taholah and Point Grenville. More remote spectacular sites - the rocks of Cape Elizabeth, Elephant Rock, and the Quinault River - require an Indian guide. http://www.quinaultindiannation.com/

Lake Quinault

As spectacular as the ocean beaches is the scenery at Lake Quinault - reached by a half hour drive from the North Beach. The Lake Quinault Lodge, set on a magnificent lakeside site, was constructed in 53 days in 1926. The previous Log Hotel from the 1880s had burned down two years before. FDR visited the lodge in 1937 and established the Olympic National Park shortly after. Along the North Shore Road beyond the lake, the park service is restoring the Kestner Homestead, a farm established in the early 1900s. The homestead is reached by a 3/4 mile loop trail through a rain forest dominated by big maple trees. A funny sight is the old 1930s delivery truck sitting rusting in a field with the passenger cabin all full of vines. Two ancient trees - at least 1,000 years old - can be reached by short trails: The Quinault Big Cedar on the North Shore Road and the Big Spruce on the South Shore Road.

http://www.visitlakequinault.com/

Ocean Shores


Westport

Another collection of historic attractions are found at Westport - a one hour drive from North Beach. The Grays Harbor lighthouse is the tallest in the state, built in 1898. The docents give an excellent tour. The Westport Maritime Museum, occupying the old coastguard station building, features two complete whale skeletons and the very beautiful Destruction Island lighthouse Fresnel lens. Fresnel was a company in France that made all the world's lighthouse lenses during the 1800s. Each lens was custom made and the Destruction Island lens is particularly beautiful: displayed in its own building, rotating, and with a white light shining out from it. http://westportwa.com/museum/ Marking the mouth of the Grays Harbor entrance are two jetties built over 8-12 years in the early 1900s. The North Jetty sits at the bottom of the Ocean Shores peninsula and the South Jetty is found at Westport. These are great spots to clamber up on the rocks and watch the big ocean waves roll in unimpeded by a beach. You can often spot wildlife here too: I've seen seals, pelicans, and a shark (just its dorsal fin). This interesting website recounts the history of the jetties and their effect on coastal erosion. http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/coast/erosion/oc_shores.html

Pacific Beach

The town has a rich history, the area was occupied by Quinault Indians until the first settlers arrived in 1863, tourism soon flourished and by 1906 when the Pacific Beach Hotel was constructed it was regarded as one of the Northwest’s most romantic getaways.

The town developed on the back of tourism, hunting and logging, the landscape changed in WWII when the Navy and Air Force converted the hotel into a regional headquarters, and have since used the facility for training and as a Radar Station. The Navy disestablished the location in 1987 and now operates a recreation facility that offers accommodation to government personnel with a bar, restaurant and a bowling alley which is open to the public.

The town is now re-establishing itself as a tourist destination, with vast beautiful sandy beaches, and some of the most delightful bluffs laden with Douglas Fir, it is recapturing it's former glory as a premier Northwest destination.

http://www.pacificbeachwa.com/index.htm

The town has two grocery stores, a post office, gas station and two coffee shops as well as a number of stores which sell a multitude of things. The second coffee shop doubles as the local kite shop, a home improvement store,the Wacky Warehouse,where you can usually find the owner playing the piano, as well as a couple of antique stores and a home decoration store.

The cottage is located ½ a mile north of the heart of Pacific Beach in a tranquil setting that looks west towards the ocean a quarter of a mile away. The sound of the ocean can be heard as the power of the pacific crashes onto the beach below the bluff.

The beach can be reached by either going south through the town (0.6 mile) or to the north down a beach access (0.3 mile). You can either walk or drive to either access point, the advantage of the northerly access point is that it provides access to drive your vehicle onto year round. The southerly access provides the advantage of taking you through the town where you can enjoy the local shops and restaurants. We love to grab a coffee before heading to the beach for a long stroll.