An Interview Along The Oregon Coast With The Tolovana Inn’s Doug Nealeigh

When I talk to local school kids about weather along the coast they always know Haystack Rock.

And you can see it in this shot from the Tolovana Inn along the waterfront in Cannon Beach, Oregon.

Since this is a huge weekend for people to visit the coast I asked the Tolovana Inn’s Doug Nealeigh some questions about what’s happening there. This is the latest in my ongoing series of Friday interviews.

#1 - I’ve seen studies that show the number one destination for people in the Willamette Valley and Southwest Washington is the Oregon Coast. What is it about the place that makes it so special?  The Oregon Coast is truly unique.  And of course, I’m partial to the North Oregon Coast and Cannon Beach.  Its rugged beauty features so many scenic areas. Ecola State Park, Indian Beach, and the Tillamook Head Trail to the north and Neah-Kah-Nie Mountain to the south provides beaches, trails, and views unlike any other along the Coast.  Cannon Beach has a quaint village atmosphere that showcases unique shops and galleries in addition to a variety of restaurants that really compliment our community.     

#2 – I’ve heard you have a big Sand Sculpting Competition each year in Cannon Beach–when is it and who are these people who can build these creations, anyway?
Sand Castle Day is held in June, this year on the 18^th.  This is a must see event.  People will be blown away by the artistic abilities and creations using only sand and water.  There are several categories established for participants. The Masters Teams begin building at 7:00 AM followed by other divisions that begin at 8:00.  The sculptors have to move fast to allow for completion and judging before the incoming tide washes away these amazing works of art. 

#3 – Can you see the competition from the Tolovana Inn?
The competition takes place just north of Tolovana Inn so our guests easily walk there.  The Tolovana Park Wayside is the access point but you really need to be on the beach, up close, to view the sand sculptures. 

#4 – I know our news viewers love seeing your live (and beachfront!) HD Camera and weather station during our weather-casts on KOIN Local 6. But I get questions about the Tolovana Inn. Is it a hotel? Condos you can rent or buy? What’s the scoop?
Tolovana Inn is a Resort Condominium.  Each of the 96 units are privately owned.  93 participate in a nightly rental program so the property is operated like a hotel.  All the units feature fireplaces, full kitchens, private balconies, and being condo’s, they’re well equipped and spacious in size.  We are just completing a major renovation so most of the units now feature all the comforts of home and more, i.e., flat panel televisions, granite counter tops, vanities, and showers, and new furnishings.  Amenities include a fitness center, indoor salt water pool, spa, and sauna, an on-site masseuse and our ocean front location is a real attraction. 

#5 – What are you favorite three months of the year for weather along the coast – and why?
Believe it or not ( and this year probably not!), February can be a great month on the coast.  The town is quiet, we offer great lodging specials, you’ll feel like you have the town to yourself, and the weather can be amazing that time of year.  If by some rare chance a storm kicks up, it adds a whole new experience to your beach getaway.  June is another great month.  Nice weather is more frequent, the local gardens are coming alive with fantastic color, there’s excitement about the upcoming season on the faces of everyone, and the summer crowds still haven’t taken over the community.  My favorite month has to be September.  The weather is fantastic along the coast, the crowds begin to subside, and it seems the locals and tourists simply find time to kick back, relax, take in the amazing sunsets, and reflect back on great summer memories and anticipate the changes of a new season.