All content & photos: Copyright© 2008,
Jan Hight. All rights reserved.
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
1997 Jan's Journeys West Coast Roadtrip! Sat. afternoon 9/13/97 thru
Mon. morning 9/15/97 Sun. 9/14/97 The Stephanie Inn is a small, casually elegant hotel resting beside the
sea just outside of the pretty coastal village of Cannon Beach. Open since 1993, the Inn
is named for the daughter of the owners, and, in an unique touch, guestrooms are given the
names of women from Oregon’s history as well as prominent female friends of the
family. An integral part of the fabulous ocean view at the Inn is "Haystack"
(and the smaller "Needles")...ancient lava intrusions that are now a protected
marine garden with tide pools and a bird sanctuary.
A complimentary breakfast buffet is served to the Inn’s guests each morning in the dining room. The selections include several pastries, breads, fresh fruits, granola and yogurt, and entrees such as waffles and ham...plus juices, coffee and tea. We ran into many of our fresh acquaintances from last night’s guest social...and we must mention that our new Canadian friends (from gorgeous West Vancouver) are enjoying the Inn as much as we are...but pointed out that blackout drapes would be a welcomed touch!
So...we’re ready to watch another video, with the sounds of the
still-tumultuous surf in the background. If you’d like to experience this exceptional
destination, you may call the Stephanie Inn: 800-633-3466; e-mail: info@stephanie-inn.com,
or visit their website at http://www.stephanie-inn.com/.
>>Next Stop -- Tu Tu' Tun Lodge, Gold Beach, OR
Copyright © 1997 - 2008: Jan Hight
Published -- September 14, 1997 |
We’re on the northern Oregon coast; relaxing beside the fireplace in our
beautiful oceanside room at the Stephanie Inn; watching a storm blow in dramatically from
the frothing Pacific. What a glorious way to spend a Sunday afternoon!! 
Containing
only 46 rooms, the Stephanie Inn is able to provide personalized service to each guest;
and it’s immediately obvious that the staff is dedicated to making every visit a
memorable one. A massive rock fireplace is a focal point of the warmly inviting lobby.
After that charming greeting, guests check in seated at one of two comfortable
desks and are then
shown the facilities by an accommodating bellman. The Library, located on the main floor,
is a lovely spot to gaze at the rugged seashore from cozy chairs beside the wide windows
or in front of another attractive fireplace. The lobby also contains a gift boutique and a
refreshment area with constantly-available coffee, pastries, cookies and salt water taffy.
We’ve settled into a
delightful, wood-accented oceanview room with
fireplace, king-sized bed, corner Jacuzzi for two, wet bar, sitting area, and TV/VCR
(complimentary videos are available at the front desk). There’s a nightly turn-down
service with pillow-top chocolates, and a pass to the Cannon Beach Athletic Club is
included in the Inn’s guest amenities. 
The Library is the location of the Inn’s wine and hors d’oeuvres
gathering for guests. Local wines are served, along with a variety of cheeses, crackers,
veggies, dips etc. Last night we had a wonderful time meeting the other guests and talking
with them...the 1 ½ hour social seemed to fly by as we enjoyed the conversations. We then
had dinner in the Inn’s dining room, famous for its innovative presentation of
Pacific Northwest cuisine (dinner is not included in the room rate, and advance
reservations are usually a must). With 
exposed wood beams, views of
the Coastal Mountains from intimate tables, and yet another splendid river rock fireplace,
the room is a very romantic spot in which to relish the 4-course prix fixe dinner which is
served at two seatings nightly. The chef departed his kitchen long enough to describe the
evening’s menu and explain the preparation of each dish...what a pleasant touch! It
was most definitely a dining experience that shouldn’t be missed by anyone staying at
the Stephanie Inn (or in the area...since they do accept a limited number of
"outside" reservations based on availability).
We took the Inn’s shuttle into Cannon Beach today and meandered through
the galleries, boutiques and shops of this picturesque little seacoast town. When we
returned to our room at the Stephanie Inn, we immediately noticed that the seagulls were
retreating from the surf and lining 
themselves up, beaks into the wind, in a formation that seemed to
predict formidable weather. A couple of them even ventured onto our patio as if seeking
refuge. Sure enough, as we sat by our slider, an employee of the Inn came by collecting
the chairs and tables from the patios "to get them away from the glass". Those
seagulls know their weather...the wind and rain soon increased wildly into an intense
display! 
A
brief break was taken here: we just returned from tonight’s wine and munchies in the
Library. Again, we met the nicest people! It seems that the most interesting and friendly
types gravitate towards these very special small inns and B&Bs. That’s one of the
reasons we love discovering and sharing these hideaways through "Jan’s
Journeys"!! During the guest social we continued to watch the tempestuous weather
from the snug confines of the Library.
We just returned from another break...for dinner. We dined at The Wayfarer,
which is located at one of the properties held by the company that owns the Stephanie Inn.
The food was good and there were ocean and sunset views, but it didn't provide the atmosphere of the
Stephanie Inn’s dining room.
Back at our
snug room, it appears that the weather is easing now; even though the surf is still raging
loudly, the seagulls are returning one-by-one to the surfline!!
|
Member of the Internet Link Exchange
|
