The Great 48: Florence, Oregon

This really depends on how much driving you’d like to do. If you fly into Portland, you’ll have roughly three hours to drive; flying to Eugene will save you nearly two hours in the car. Either way, the roads aren’t difficult and the drive, once you leave I-5, eventually meets up with the Siuslaw River to guide you the rest of the way into Florence. It’s a nice look at the inspiration for Ken Kesey’s Sometimes a Great Notion.

When you visit the Oregon Coast, you’re going to end up at Mo’s Restaurant, why not go now. Originally opened more than 70 years ago in Newport, Oregon Mo’s has since grown to feature nine unique locations. It’s cool to think that at Mo’s you’ll be dining in the shadows of past presidents, senators, movie stars, and wellknown musicians. No matter what you order, add a cup of chowder.

Regardless of the airport you arrive at, Diamond Woods is a short drive off the beaten path. You’ll find an excellent, family-owned golf course that feels like a resort. The two nines have distinctly different layouts, offering a variety of challenges. Best of all, there are plenty of locals to help round out your foursome. It’s a great way to get warmed up for a weekend of golf.

Sure, there are plenty of hotels to choose from in Florence, including the Three Rivers Casino. But, for truly unique accomodations, you need to head to VRBO and book a stay at either The Tides or The Dunes, two spectacular condos that rest above the heart of Old Town. You can read more about these two options below.

Before there was Bandon Dunes, there was Florence Golf Links. The original coastal golf course that drew attention from around the world is still an excellent layout and challenge for golfers of all abilities. The final three holes, routed around a lake, are a fantastic test of golf. When you’re done, the clubhouse has excellent food and drink waiting for you.

This is a course that’s undergoing a lot of change. In recent years, the course was purchased by the Three Rivers Casino, giving it an influx of money for improvements. It’s an interesting course with a mix of long and short holes. If you choose the correct tees, you’ll get to play every club in your bag.

There’s a great reason for finishing your day at Ocean Dunes: you’re just steps away from a fantastic casino. A variety of food and drink options will satisfy everyone in your group. When you’re done, you have your choice of table games, slots, poker, and more.

If you have time, it’s worth the trip out to Heceta Head to see this historic lighthouse. It’s truly a work of art.

This two-bedroom condo is centrally located in the heart of Old Town Florence. Walking down a short flight of stairs puts you in the middle of several great restaurants and bars. The condo itself is outfitted better than most hotels in town, giving you and your companions room to spread out and relax after a day of golf. The deck, in any weather, is a great place for BBQ and beers.

Just like its sibling, The Dunes is a two bedroom, two bath condo with excellent amenities and a gorgeous view of the Siuslaw River. In addition to being within walking distance to great eateries, both condos are surrounded by art galleries and shops of all kinds. It’s truly a cultural experience when you stay in either condo.