Sophistication meets carnival fun in Seaside, Oregon

With summer vacationers gone but fine weather lingering, now is the perfect time to stroll Seaside’s beachfront and find something new to love.

The tacky-fun attractions (bumper cars, anyone?) are still here, but among the carnival games and saltwater taffy shops ― strung along Broadway Street from the Promenade to the Necanicum River ― are high-end boutiques and some memorable eateries too. And in the Historic Gilbert District, older buildings are finding new life housing shops and cafes.

SHOP:

B. Boutique. WHAT: A fashionista’s find, with designer clothing and surprising gifts. WHEN: Open daily. WHERE: 600 Broadway St.; 503/738-6882.

Cosa Bella. WHAT: Best and most eclectic of the home decor stores in the Historic Gilbert District. WHEN: Open daily. WHERE: 810 Broadway St.; 503/738-2026.

  

Mediterranean Bazaar. WHAT: Oriental rugs of diverse origins, plus lamps and other imports for the home, displayed in a roomy, airy space. WHEN: Open daily. WHERE: 1 N. Holladay Dr., in the Historic Gilbert District; 503/738-3737.

Seaside Antique Mall. WHAT: With more than 90 dealers, the Oregon coast’s largest antiques mall. WHEN: Open daily. WHERE: 726 Broadway St.; 503/717-9312.

EAT:

Kalypso. WHAT: The place to go in Seaside for a fancy meal. People-watch through big corner windows and enjoy fresh twists on seafood and more. WHEN: Dinner Wed-Mon. HOW MUCH: $$. WHERE: 619 Broadway St.; 503/738-6302.

Lil’ Bayou. WHAT: A little bit of New Orleans on the Necanicum River, from the crawfish enchiladas to the red beans and rice, with live music Saturday nights in the Magnolia Lounge. WHEN: Lunch and dinner daily. HOW MUCH: $$. WHERE: 20 N. Holladay Dr.; 503/717-0624. 

GO: The Promenade. WHAT: Seaside’s classic 1.6-mile paved path along the shore, perfect for a sunset stroll. WHERE: South and north of the turnaround at the west end of Broadway, a few blocks west of the district.

INFO: Seaside is on U.S. 101, about 75 miles northwest of Portland via U.S. 26. For lodging and other information, visit the Seaside Visitors Bureau at www.seasideor.com or call 888/306-2326.

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