Avenue of the Giants - Originally Published 2008

There is no excuse for the intrepid traveler to not pay a visit to The Avenue of the Giants.  The Avenue is a thirty-mile stretch of the last old growth redwoods in the world.  The fact that the 101 cuts right through it makes it unbelievably accessible.  It’s a living, breathing contradiction because it seems so remote, but at the same time it’s so simple to get to.

So, what exactly is there to see?  There are redwoods.  Lots and lots of redwoods.  In fact Humbolt Redwoods State Park butts right up against the Avenue.  If you like trees, this is the place for you.

However, I understand that there’s a rube inside of all of us that wants to do more than just look at an old tree.  Don’t worry.  The locals have provided plenty of roadside attractions to give you a reason step on the breaks and spend some money.

Drive through trees, walk through trees, houses made from trees, it’s all there. 

We approached the redwoods from the north.  I got really excited when I saw this thing.  We pulled over and took a few pictures.  However, I want to assure you that this is not the only drive through tree you will encounter on the 101.  I counted no less that three of them.  No regrets, though.  Our one-dollar admission went to support the local economy.

Prehistoric Gardens - Originally Published 2008

When I was a kid, we used to go on endless driving trips.  Somewhere out on the road, I would see a sign that would catch my attention.  For the next few hundred miles, that would be the thing that would keep me going.  The anticipation would build.  I would drive my parents nuts.  If memory serves, this is how we ended up stopping at Wall Drug in South Dakota.  The Prehistoric Gardens is the same type of business that would drive my little eight-year-old brain crazy.

The Prehistoric Gardens is the vision of E.V. Nelson.  He hand crafted the dinosaurs over a period of forty years and made them a fixture in a piece of an Oregon rain forest.

Unfortunately, Mr. Nelson’s creations are made out of cement.  Placing them in the middle of a rain forest means that the current staff has to fight an on going battle against decay as they keep them in good shape and as brightly colored as they were in the fifties. 

This is a great piece of roadside history that they’re just not making anymore.  Make sure to stop and visit the Prehistoric Gardens.

Sea Lion Caves - Originally Published 2008

The Sea Lion Caves is what traveling along one of America’s highways is all about.  Somewhere around the next bend is a little business that celebrates some miracle that visitors just can’t see anywhere else.  The caves are home to several hundred Steller Sea Lions and off a pretty remarkable vantage point without being exploitive.  

There are actually two spots to check out the sea lions.  The first is from the top of a cliff.  After a ride in an elevator, you arrive at the second, a spot deep inside the cliff itself.

The Sea Lion Caves makes for a perfect wide spot in the road.  All totaled, we spent maybe about an hour there.  We were back on the road and off to our next destination before we knew it.

Aquarium Village - Originally Published 2008

Whoever got the idea to open up Aquarium Village is a complete genius.  The entrance is maybe one hundred yards from The Oregon Coast Aquarium so it stands to catch uncounted numbers of overflow visitors, folks with pockets full of cash and looking to spend a few doubloons on t-shirts and coffee mugs.  In other words, it’s a complete tourist trap.

So what’s there?  A whole lot of shops that smell like mildew.  They seem to specialize in knives, antiques, candles, and pirate themed gear.  If you need any of the aforementioned items, this is the place for you.

Blue Heron - Originally Published 2008

Let’s say you decide to rocket ship through the Oregon Coast.  That would be a big mistake because it’s the type of place that really needs to be savored and enjoyed, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Your abbreviated trip will only allow you to stop at one cheese place.  I would recommend the Blue Heron.  Aside from Oregon-made Brie cheese, the place also has plenty of animals to pet.  Somehow, we always find the animals on a trip.