The Prodigal Son of Pendleton, Oregon

Pendleton, Oregon isn't known for many things. In fact, unless you know where it is you probably would drive right past it without a second glance. Perhaps, on your trip across Oregon and into Idaho you've stopped to use the restroom at a roadside gas station or McDonalds. You'd have no reason to drive into the downtown area, to take a detour... until now.

It was just as much of a surprise to me as anyone else to find a brewery, a restaurant of such high quality in a small town of 16,000 people, but there it was: The Prodigal Son Brewery. Large glass windows bracing the street front, pic-nic styled tables out on the sidewalk, and a huge open area inside. These outdoor tables were perfect for us since we had our dogs and could not leave them in the car in the mid-summer heat. They even had a water dish out there for our four legged fur babies. What more could we ask for? A good menu? Yep. They have one!

There really is something for everyone here, including vegetarian options that are more than just a salad - I'm talking a portobello mushroom burger, people! There was so much to choose from it made it hard to pick just one thing, but in the end we survived the pressure and ordered our respective meals.

Sitting outside was great, but the inside was even better! The wide open dining hall was coupled with a bar deeper in. Cool lighting hangs from the high ceiling and the environment as a whole just felt welcoming. A long wait for your table? Send the kids to the playroom while you enjoy reading in the mini library... or.... sit down for a table game of PacMan!

It took a little while for our food to come out, but it was definitely worth the wait!

Overall, I highly recommend swinging through downtown Pendleton if you're driving through or in the area. You won't be disappointed!

Review: Clearwater Restaurant

It was by complete happenstance that we stumbled upon this beautiful restaurant when we were on the hunt for dinner. We hadn't planned to dine here, but I'm so glad we did. The atmosphere was warm and clean, the food amazing!

We were greeted by the hostess with a smile and she offered us our pick of table of which we chose a window. 

Blankets were available for those brave enough to sit out on the back patio overlooking the water on chilly evenings such as this one. The dining room we were in boasted a fireplace and bar.

The view from our table was unbelievable.

Our waiter was prompt and helpful in explaining the specials and specific items listed on the menu. The menu was extensive and offered plenty of choices for wine and cocktails. Adrienne went with something a little fruity that looked beautiful. She swears it tasted as wonderful as it looked.

The trick about such an amazing menu is that it's nearly impossible to pick just one thing so instead of compromising we each chose a few items off of the appetizers menu and ate family style.

We ordered a garden salad each and shared steamed clams, dungeness crab mac and cheese, and duck confit sliders. Everything was delicious and hit the spot. I will definitely eat here again!

Come prepared to spend a little money. Check out the menu below to see if it'll fit your budget, but believe me, for a nice night out or a romantic date night I highly recommend this restaurant. You won't be disappointed.

Final Rating

Menu 

Review: Sylvia Beach Hotel

I had heard stories about the Sylvia Beach Hotel since I was fairly young. A fabled bed and breakfast that decorated its rooms according to famous authors and books. I had heard about it for so long and it held such a permanent place in my memory that when I started planning my road trip I knew it had to be one of the stops. The only problem was I didn't know if the hotel actually existed or if it was just my child's memory tricking me. After a quick bit of research I found it! And it was everything I ever hoped it could be!

The Sylvia Beach Hotel is a bed and breakfast located on the beach in Newport, Oregon. It is a large building filled with all things literature and an absolute destination spot for any bookworm. When my partner in crime, Adrienne, and I walked into the lobby we came into an environment that felt comfortable and hushed, almost like a library. We were immediately greeted by a very helpful and spirited woman at the counter who checked us into our room and gave us directions - "third floor, to your right. Don't mind the cat, that's Shelley." We eagerly took our bags up the two flights of steep stairs and located the door which belonged to us: Jane Austen.

Bags dropped, we set about exploring the hotel! Not only are the rooms themed to fit your reading tastes, but they also have a reading room (equipped with fireplace) overlooking the ocean, a puzzle room, library, and gift shop in the lobby.

Shelley

The rooms are truly inspired by some great writers. A few of the doors were open since their occupants had yet to check in so we peeked into a few and fell in love with each of them!

J.K. Rowling

Potterheads rejoice! This room is made for you, watch out for Moaning Myrtle in the bathroom, though!

Jane Austen

Our room was absolutely lovely and peaceful with a great view looking out into the ocean. We left the window cracked so we could listen to the waves crash against the beach while we slept. This is the perfect space for anyone looking to sit down and journal.

Dr. Seuss

This one is perfect for kids or the kid at heart! Great attention to detail!

Amy Tan

This beautiful room is fit for two with lots of room to wander around.

Lincoln Steffens

Bright and sunny, this one!

Ken Kesey

Need room for a large group? Check out this room!

Colette

This room is my second favorite. Just beautiful, romantic, and room for a group if you feel like splitting. Comes with a fireplace, queen, and twin bed. It has its own patio overlooking the ocean!

Mark Twain

My absolute favorite room that I will definitely be booking in the future with plans to stay at least a week. With a queen sized bed overlooking the ocean, a clawfoot tub, fireplace, writing desk, and private patio I don't think anyone would want to leave this room! I can see myself writing my next novel here, can't you?

We spent the evening exploring and dining out around Newport since we only had one night to enjoy here, but there is an amazing restaurant on the bottom floor of the hotel which provides dinner by reservation. They say to plan on spending a few hours at dinner since the tables are sat communally allowing visitors to mingle. 

It was a calm, windless night so we walked the beach and enjoyed the setting sun without having to worry about a hotel curfew. The front door is open 24 hours a day and the front counter manned. When we finally did return we found other patrons resting in the reading room, warming by the fire with books in hand while others tried solving a puzzle in the room over. It felt like home, comforting and communal. It made me heartsick that we had to leave so soon.

We did eat breakfast there the next morning and were wonderfully surprised by the variations of fruit, granola, pastries, and juice as well as the hot breakfast option.

The view from our breakfast table.

This hotel is a refuge for any literary nut who is looking for a place to sit quietly and devour a few good books or start writing one! I can't recommend this hotel highly enough.

Highlights

• Fast access to the beach and local shopping
• Easy parking on the side as well as in a level parking lot
• No curfew
• Beautiful, clean rooms
• Quiet reading room and library
• Delicious food in the restaurant
• Very well priced for the season, location, and quality
• A literary haven
• Easy to find

Be Aware

• Steep stair cases (bottom floor rooms are available)
• Cat (if you have allergies)
• Plan to spend a few nights to truly be able to appreciate it fully.

Yep, not much to point out that might scare anyone off. The place was wonderful and I absolutely plan on heading back on vacation, perhaps during my spring break, where I can fully dedicate myself to reading, writing, and resting. Beyond walking on the beach, I won't have a need to leave the hotel!

Final Rating