Bandon/North Bend, Oregon and Guerneville, CA

A very quick two state trip for a personal family business affair to two small rural towns. I hopped onto a United flight with a layover in San Francisco International Airport to Bandon State Airport in Oregon. After seeing who was on the small jet plane, Bandon looks like a popular golf getaway for the tech bros coming from the Bay Area. The airport operates only one flight and is only open during the boarding and deplaning of the SF flight. It seems most folks drive to this area? It is one of the smallest airports I’ve ever visited where the TSA agent to passenger ratio was 1:10. Luckily, everything is compact so you can get in line for your rental car next to the baggage belt. Enterprise operates out of here but the main location is in town. A couple of employees come only for a few hours. The return was easy as the porter was waiting to drive back the vehicle to the main location. The cars are parked inside the small airport parking lot. We had a flight delay on the return so I opted to wait until the last minute to walk to the desk to return the car much to the annoyance of the porter.

SFO continues to be in construction hell and the walks between terminals to catch your flight is cumbersome as well as trying to get to the offsite parking structure. The drive to Guerneville was pleasant in a personal vehicle, I had met my group at SFO so they had parked their vehicle at the airport.

Lodging

In Bandon, there are not many chain hotels to choose from but was able to find a condo through Marriott Villas and Homes, Beach Loop #1. My second time using the short-term rental site, the Bandon condo was cheaper (and a little bit run down) from the local inns. I was traveling in a group of four needing three separate bedrooms. They definitely didn’t provide much in toiletries so come prepared. Since we were only there for two nights, it was doable. Although the weather was brisk and drizzly, the ocean views were fantastic and the short walk along the coastline from the condo was nice.

In Guerneville, checked into the Stavrand. A recent addition into the Hilton brand, it is quite charming and the history is interesting. They operate like a bed and breakfast but on a higher end scale. I don’t know if I would spend the money again but the Stavrand sits right outside the Armstrong Redwoods National Forest so it was an easy choice for this trip. All guests are given continental breakfast entrees and you can do some add-ons. The menu is simple so don’t expect extravagant options. The hotel is a bit hard to figure out upon first arrival. The buildings doesnt create a natural entrance so just park and walk on the pathway to a building with double doors.

Activities

Boardwalk at Bandon-By-The-Sea - Located at 390 1st Street NW, Bandon, OR 97411, the indoor market hall has an eclectic collection of gourmet food shops, butcher/deli, and coffee shop. There is also more debris art in the interior. It was also nice to visit and check out local businesses.

Washed Ashore Gallery & Volunteer Workshop - Being along the coast, it is very creative to turn debris into art pieces. I thought all of the pieces were cool to look at and sad to see how much trash is still in the sea.

Second Street Gallery - I picked up a metal art piece in this gallery. There were alot of nice items inside and I was tempted to buy several items but I don't have the space for such things. It is a nice place to peruse and window shop. 

Dining

Bandon

Face Rock Creamery - If you love dairy, this is your kind of place. The cheeses available are all tasty and there is a small cafe inside and they also sell Umpqua ice cream. From the cafe, my group ordered pretzels, sandwiches, and ice cream. Being at the Creamery, you can also pick up odd ends of cheeses for bulk rate. I was hoping the block of cheese would make it home but alas, I had a dairy chipmunk in the group and never got it. The ice cream prices are so good! Generous sized scoops for $1.50! I haven't seen these kinds of prices since the 90s....

Bandon Rain - a cidery, I enjoyed the prickle pear cider. They are also across from Face Rock Creamery. They are only open on the weekends (including Fridays and Mondays) but they are not open middle of the week. It clearly markets itself to tourists who come through town on the weekends.

Bandon Fish Market - One of my in-laws go to spots, I enjoyed a platter of fish and chips.

Wayne's Weenies - Before getting on our boat, made a pit stop for coffee.

Bandon Coffee Cafe - One of my in-laws go to spots, I enjoyed the breakfast options and coffee from this cafe. It is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Although you will hear the locals gripe when they have to wait in line to order about the tourism.

Coastal Mist - an artisanal chocolate boutique, I enjoyed the few truffles ordered at this lovely cafe. They also have an assortment of beverages as well. It makes for a nice pit stop as you wander the local downtown area.

Pastries & Pizza - located at 490 US 101, Bandon, OR 97411, this pizza and doughnut shop is an interesting mix of goods.

Guerneville

Road Trip - now under new ownership and new name (Three Cultures Kitchen). The current owners worked under the Road Trip owner Crista Luedtke for 14 years. The new menu I cannot comment but I assume they maintained a similar themed menu. When it was Road Trip, I enjoyed my meal and hope the current owners do well.

Nimble & Finns - Specialty ice creamery with seasonal flavors. There are also ice cream sandwiches and coffee available. I enjoyed the quality of ice cream.

San Francisco

Gao Viet Kitchen & Bar - The viral waygu beef pho got me interested in visiting Gao. It consistently rates well in the bay area so I wanted to see what a fancy Vietnamese restaurant was all about. I didn't opt for the fancy pho but I did enjoy the dishes ordered. Compared to the original "fancy" Vietnamese restaurant (Slanted Door) in SF, this is a much better version. Also, now that inflation has surpassed my 90s mentality, Slanted Door doesn't seem so expensive anymore.

b. patisserie - My favorite kouign amann maker. How can I go through SF without stopping! Never disappoints.