Yachats Oregon Writer Rick Schultze

The taxes have been filed, and for those with kids, the last leg of the school year is in full swing, so people are gearing up for their summer getaways. In Yachats where I live summertime is tourist season or as I like to call it “visitor time” and things change around here from the dreary, drizzly days of rain and mist to sunshine and people enjoying the Oregon coast. Sure, some of the locals voice their complaints about the increase in traffic, the longer than normal time it takes to get into a restaurant, but without the influx of people some of the businesses here would perish. In fact the phrase of “if I can just make it to the tourist season I’ll be okay” rings true in many cases. It’s a situation not unlike ones the ski resorts in the snow country face. It’s beautiful, tranquil, and relaxing when it’s off season, but once the snow flies in the mountains and here on the coast, when summer vacation season starts, it’s a different ballgame. Many of the business owners here use this time to take that quick vacation or complete needed repairs before the visitors arrive. All the resorts, restaurants, bakery and coffee shops, gift shops, markets, bars and motels hire more help. The influx of workers means the all available rentals get rented and the local economy gets a shot in the arm in addition to the economic stimulus the visitors bring.

This year will be a very interesting look at just how the sluggish economy and price of fuel affects this part of the coast. Some recent studies have indicated that perhaps since the cost of fuel is so high that vacationers will be staying closer to their home rather than taking the long trips cross country or to neighboring states that offer popular and well known vacation destinations.

That makes sense to me. A tip the beach and a longer stay in a cozy cabin or resort or motel and not having to spend a lot more on fuel by taking advantage of all the opportunities the beach has to offer seems like the way to go. Yachats for example, has a lot of things to offer in the way of entertainment and sightseeing and short trips to Florence, Waldport and Newport are great ways to see different costal communities in action. While a large part of the country may be creeping along towards summer I’m getting the feeling that this summer is going to be good for the coast. Today it’s quiet and I’m enjoying that but I know it’s just the calm before the storm!

When vacation time rolls around I hope you get to enjoy it and have some fun on the beautiful central Oregon coast!

To reach Rick Schultze email:yarick@pioneer.net