Christmas At Cannon Beach And Cousin Shirley’s Place

Bruce’s Candy Kitchen in Cannon Beach

I just came back home after being away for two nights and three days. The feeling of refreshment and renewal felt so good that it inspired me to write this story for you.

This year has been a challenging one as I am sure many of you can relate. In addition to the normal challenges of everyday life, my son went off to college, and I went through the turnstiles at various hospitals. We all will go through similar circumstances; the difference being the intensity and the duration.

Iconic Haystack Rock
Christmas revealed at Cannon Beach

Then there is Shirley’s Place. My cousin Shirley has a home at the beach—Cannon Beach. Shirley and Dick bought this home some 50 years ago. They were impressed to buy a place to stay while they went to the Christian conference center located in downtown. Good move. This home has been used by hundreds of family and acquaintances as a place to recharge and renew and at little or no charge to the people staying there. You see Shirley and Dick saw this as part of their ministry recognizing the importance of renewing the mind, body, and soul…in a word, “rest.” In this country we are driven to be busy and feel guilty when we are not. Thus, we have Shirley’s Place.

The view from Stephanie Inn

The reason I am writing this is because you the reader can get caught up in this busyness. The mind and body need a break, frankly, and we may not be aware of it. I sensed a difference immediately when I walked into her house, that feeling of “peace which transcends all understanding.”

This is a great time to visit the Oregon coastal towns and in particular Cannon Beach. You could eat at a different restaurant every night for days. The restaurants at Cannon are some of the best at the coast. This is not just a fish and chip town. You can have fine dining at the Stephanie Inn. Though you may not eat there I recommend touring the property, you won’t be disappointed. Throughout the downtown there is a plethora of dining options. One of the restaurants has outdoor dining with a gas fireplace in the middle of the table to keep folks warm. There is the iconic Bruce’s Candy Kitchen which has candy makers on site making fresh saltwater taffy, one of my favorites. Don’t forget the free samples.

Salt water taffy and more at Bruce’s

The downtown is decorated with Christmas lights, historic lamplighter lanterns. If you enjoy Christmas this will help you get in the mood to enjoy this special time of year. Remember to check out the Christmas Carol, musical play at the Coaster Theater.

You probably don’t have a cousin Shirley who has a place at the beach, but there are dozens of options to stay at this locale. One of the websites listed as the “top 10 cheapest hotels/motels to stay at in Cannon Beach.” If you want to go all out there is the luxury hotel referred to earlier, Stephanie Inn. This is top drawer place to stay if you really want to treat yourself. If you can afford it, why not? If you have a recreational vehicle, fifth wheel, or trailer, you have two options, RV Resort at Cannon Beach and Sea Ranch RV Park.

Historic: The Cannon Beach cannon

Then there is the beach itself with the landmark of Haystack Rock protruding 327 feet above the sea floor. This is the fourth largest sea stack in the world. The smaller rocks surrounding it are called needles and home to tide pools. When the tide is out you can spend hours looking at the sea stars which have a variety of colors. Then there is just walking on the beach, making a fire to roast marshmallows and hot dogs with everyone sitting around the fire. This helps to create memories and traditions in your family. After all, your family won’t remember how hard you worked and how many hours you put in your job or business unless, of course, it cheated them out of having time with the family.

In short, it is time to take a break because, frankly, you need it as we all do. The health benefits for both physical and mental well being are tremendous. You have worked hard this year so break away and make that trip to Cannon Beach even if it is just for the day, you won’t be disappointed.

This article is dedicated to my loving and most generous cousin Shirley. You simply are the best!

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