Located at milepost 97 on Oregon’s famed Highway 101, Neskowin Village is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of place. There’s one way in and one way out. Not a streetlight in sight. This is why I love it.
Dear Neskowin,
You had me at “Go Slow” and “Welcome to Turtle Town.”
As I made my way through your narrow streets filled with colorful cottages and saw more of these hand-painted signs, I fell deeper in love. You’re punny and artistic, Neskowin. Humble and historic. Quirky to the core. A calming antidote when life gets too chaotic. The signs don’t just remind me to drive slowly; they also offer life advice. Sometimes we just need to drift along. Your personality is perfect. Don’t ever change to be like those touristy towns along the coast.
I can always count on you, Neskowin, for your serenity and scenery. I long for the sound of the crashing waves to quiet my mind as I fall asleep. I want to wake up and feel your soft sand between my toes as I practice yoga poses. Your smooth beach is always pristine — perfect for an energetic morning run or a romantic moonlight stroll. Either way, I never get tired of the views you offer of Proposal Rock and Cascade Head on the south end and Pacific City’s Haystack Rock to the north.
Like me, you’re moody and mystical. Your fog moves in a slow, seductive dance, revealing only what it wants. It makes the pine trees on the hillside seem greener, the stumps in the ghost forest darker. But I know that the sun will always return. When it does your azure sky appears even brighter, your sea stars more vibrant.
And the way you smell? So. Good. Your tree-lined streets provide woodsy base notes and fresh floral scents enhanced by the rain. The aroma of salty sea spray keeps things light, relaxing my mind with every inhale.
I constantly count down the days until I can be with you again, Neskowin. I crave the food offered at Hawk Creek Cafe and Beach Club Bistro when I’m not there. Salmon pasta. Woodfired pizza. Fresh fish and chips. Everything marionberry.
I am forever yours.
Want to stay in Neskowin Village? You won’t find any chain hotels here, but there are lots of charming vacation rentals to choose from. Check out The Breakers Beach Houses. Breakers #10 pictured below is my personal fave!
