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.

Oregon Coast Aquarium - Originally Published 2008

Oregon is doing a lot of things right.  As a result, it’s probably not the place for everyone.  During the trips through the state, I have been impressed by their emphasis on pride in all things local.  Oregon is not trying to be anything other than Oregon.  This same spirit is carried over in the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

The Pacific Northwest is home to a glass blowing movement spearheaded by artists such as Dale Chihuly.  In a display called Oddwater, the aquarium manages to successfully compliment unique looking fish along with locally created glass sculptures from The Edge Art Gallery in South Beach.

Even the critters that call the Coast Aquarium home are largely local to the Pacific Northwest.  Instead of committing resources to gather exotic creatures, the aquarium displays native species with pride.

If you plan on making the trip down the Oregon coast, make sure to stop here.It shouldn’t be missed.

Depoe Bay - Originally Published 2008

Aside from being the world’s smallest harbor and one of the locations used in One Flew Over The Cookoo’s nest, Depoe Bay is also the whale watching capital of the world.  Twice a year, grey whales stream past on their way to the warm waters of Mexico or the frigid north of Canada.

Sadly, there weren’t any whales to be seen the day we stopped there.  Our first grey whale sighting would have to wait a few days.  However, the volunteers at the whale-watching center are very passionate about their work and gave us plenty of great information about the animals.