On Oregon's
northern coast, the tiny town of
Wheeler sits at the edge of a pristine
bay that cloisters all sorts of
wonders, which stay even more secret
because they often get passed over by
the major tourist publications. A mere
few blocks long, if you blink you may
miss this diminutive gem, where
antique shops seem to be the number
one industry (there are four such
shops, yet only two lodgings and two
restaurants). All of this looks out
over the Nehalem Bay, where mysterious
Neahkahnie Mountain hovers in the
distance, looming over the immaculate
beaches of Manzanita, some four miles
away.
Another spot from which to get a
stunning view of the bay sits at the
center point of Wheeler: the Old
Wheeler Hotel. At the corner of
Highway 101 and what is called
"Artisans Row," Old Wheeler has five
cozy and luxurious rooms, all of which
have windows to the
always-unforgettable bay.
Beauty and romance resonates and
oozes from this place, with soothing,
Tuscan-inspired color schemes,
hardwood floors and a classical décor
that's warm, inviting and imparts
luxury.
The best of modern conveniences -
and a few surprises - await you. The
common room serves up breakfast in the
morning, and comes with a microwave
and high-speed Internet access. Walk
down chandeliered and candlelit
hallways to the "piano lobby," decked
out in a lush, warm pepper-red,
stuffed with oversized comfy couches
and containing a nifty hammock-like
seat. There's also a vintage Wurlitzer
piano.
Each room has a vibrant charm to it
that's the result of a myriad of nice
little details - from the bedspreads
and the art on the walls, to the light
fixtures and the stuffed animal you
may find on your bed. Some rooms have
a Jacuzzi and some have a claw foot
bathtub.
There's also a masseuse in
residence.
On top it all, enjoy free popcorn
and movies - thanks to owner Winston
Laszlo's history with the film
industry. His father was a
screenwriter in Los Angeles, so
Winston grew up with the world of
movies all around him.
A quick stop for coffee on an
extended motorhome vacation resulted
in a major life pathways change for
this family of Coloradoans, and for an
old building in Wheeler. Winston and
wife Maranne Doyle-Laszlo visited here
in 1998, and were charmed to the bone.
Within months, they had acquired the
building - back then a dilapidated
eyesore that typified the downturn of
this town at the time. After a year
and a half of restoration, it became
the flagship of the turnaround this
burgh began experiencing around 2000,
and which has continued ever since.
While Wheeler is still not a major
destination on the coast - and
regulars are thankful for that - it is
coming into its own. It has a funky,
slightly off-kilter vibe that is
delightful and addictive. The somewhat
infamous "Artisans Row" contains new
age shop Gypsy Fire Spirit Gallery and
the legendary cuisine of Treasure
Café, as well as a few other gems. On
this tiny side street, local
characters gather to chat and mingle
with the tourists, making everyone
feel at home. Sometimes, oddball
impromptu art events pop up, like the
time Winston kick-started a barbecue
by projecting movies on the wall
across the street from the Old Wheeler
Hotel.
The bay is known for its fishing,
boating and lounging opportunities,
and sunsets on these placid waters are
famous for being consistently
dazzling. The beach is a short drive
away - and the town is just far enough
inland to be blessed with somewhat
warmer temperatures and sunnier skies
than the surrounding beach towns.
Rates at the Old Wheeler Hotel for
double occupancy range from $75 to
$110. On weekends, two night-stays
usually required. All rooms are
non-smoking. Hwy 101 and Rorvick.
www.oldwheelerhotel.com.
877-653-4683.
More on the Nehalem Bay can be
found at www.beachconnection.net/vtour_nbay.htm.
