As summer approaches, my mind does tend to drift to road trips.  There are lots of places to wander to in the Pacific Northwest, but, like many of us, I’m a fan of the Oregon Coast.  It is hard to beat a weekend camping at Oswald West State Park above one of the best coves on the coast (camping just for tents, thank you very much) or doing some sand-boarding on the dunes at Honeyman State Park further South.  Are you not the camping type?  Maybe rent a house with friends in Manzanita?  Superb beaches, cute town, and a great little bakery or two, all within walking distance.  No matter how you go about it, a drive down the Oregon Coast is a joy.  And I usually stop at a Mo’s for some chowder.  They have 8 locations up and down the coast – but I prefer Mo’s Annex in Newport (657 SW Bay, Newport, OR -  https://www.moschowder.com/mos-annex-menus/ ).  It is right on the docks, and you can watch the commercial fisherman come and go.  There are usually some Sea Lions making a riot of things, as well.  Mo’s Annex, sadly, doesn’t have a deep fat fryer (they do at the original Mo’s, across the street).  But, the chowder, steamed clams, and shrimp salad sandwich make me happy – as does the activity out the window.  And, like the Devil’s Punchbowl a bit up the Coast, it is well worth a visit. 

And a follow up note from Sarah Appling - "Oh Gerrit you have missed the true gem near Newport. Do not be fooled by Mo’s, take yourself to the South Beach Fish Market (https://southbeachfishmarket.com/ - 3640 S Coast Hwy, South Beach, OR 97366) and get a crab sandwich and a cup of chowder. You are welcome!" - Advice I plan on taking