Road Trip: Florence

Driving out to Florence for a springtime getaway is an Oregon tradition. As the days get longer, it's a chance to take in fresh ocean air, feel the cold sand on your feet and relax with only the sound of the ocean waves to keep you company. While you'll want to be sure to pack plenty of layers to be ready for any weather, this is a quintessential Oregon trip not to be missed.

From Eugene - Springfield, drive west on Highway 126. The drive is approximately 60 miles and you can take your time, stopping at wayside hikes to discover waterfalls, a historic covered bridge and roadside farm stands while you pass through the tiny towns of Noti, Walton and Mapleton.

When you arrive in Florence, head to Historic Old Town Florence. Bay Street will be waiting for you with rows of shops and restaurants on the Siuslaw riverfront. Check out the local movie theater for independent films, Hollywood hits and performing arts features. There are also many art galleries and antique stores to explore.  

Enjoy the local vibe in front of the Beachcomber Pub & Grill, order coconut prawns from the Bridgewater Zebra Bar or duck into 1285 Restobar to check out their back patio. Your best bet for outdoor seating with seasonal entertainment is the International C-Food Market with its spacious good-weather deck overlooking the docks.

Here are a few springtime highlights to put on your Florence must-do list:

• Three Rivers Casino Resort. For gaming, open restaurants and entertainment; Three Rivers Casino dishes up an exciting atmosphere. Play at slot machines, Keno, Bingo and table games. 

• Florence golf courses. Golfing on the Oregon Coast is legendary with destinations such as Bandon Dunes. Florence is also central to several excellent golf courses including Florence Golf Links and Ocean Dunes Golf Links adjacent to Three Rivers Casino. Both offer beautiful natural settings among the dunes and pine forests.

• Dune buggy rides. Cruise 500 ft mountains of shifting sand and roar across wide-open beaches on either "wild or mild" (your choice) dune buggy tours. Adventuring out into this other-worldly landscape is a thrill all by itself.

• Local beer. Jerry's Place brews its beer under the name "What'cha Brewing" and serves up pub food to go alongside lottery machines.

• Explore Historic Old Town Florence. Between taking selfies in front of the historic Siuslaw River Bridge and down on the docks, you'll want to also grab a hot chocolate or coffee at River Roasters or saltwater taffy from a candy vendor. Then wander down the street to the local barbershop, where Stillwagon Distillery pours tastes of over a dozen small-batch rums with flavors from mocha to pineapple. Head to Novelli's crab shack down on the docks for warm bowls of crab chowder or pick one of the many restaurants with some of the best clam chowders on the Oregon Coast.

Central and affordable places to stay in Florence include The Lighthouse Inn, which was ranked as the "Best Budget Hotel" by TripAdvisor. Its comfortable, family approach has extras including complimentary breakfast, board games and books; they'll also set you up with bike rentals. Travelers may also appreciate the Florence Roadhouse with its laundry facilities and game room. Private rooms are available.

You can extend your road trip experience by driving either direction along Highway 101, either south to the Oregon Dunes or north to the Sea Lion Caves and Heceta Head Lighthouse. During the spring, be on the lookout for Gray whales spouting and breaching along the shoreline.