Rascal's Roadshow: September 2025

Rascal’s Roadshow

🚂Coastal Adventures & Small-Town Charm 🚂

A great way to explore new places is by grabbing a local train and seeing the sights at a slower pace. Whenever I can, I book us on a good old-fashioned train ride. It’s a wonderful way for poor Todd to finally see the area without being stuck behind the wheel.

For this leg of our journey, I booked a round-trip ride on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad’s Spring Splendor Excursion. Funny thing—we had to drive ten minutes north to Rockaway Beach to catch the train... the same train that chugs right past the RV park where we were staying! 😆

The day before, Rascal and I walked the quarter-mile from our campsite to the tracks. The steam locomotive puffs its way up to the charming town of Wheeler, where there's a 45-minute layover.

When we boarded, Todd picked a table and sat facing the rear of the train. I gently suggested we switch seats since going backward might make him sick. He assured me he’d be fine... He made it about 100 yards before admitting he needed to switch! 🤢😂

Side note: Todd gets motion sickness and I’m afraid of heights. So, amusement parks? Not our strong suit! He does the coasters; I stick to anything that stays on the ground and spins. But we like to ride together—so he nearly pukes, and I nearly cry. That’s true love! 💕🎢🤮

For your own train ride click here: 👉 Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad Website

🥪 A (not so quick) Bite in Wheeler 🥪

I figured we’d grab a bite to eat once we got to Wheeler and even mapped out our stop at The Roost, just a block up from the train station.

We were second in line, and the lady behind the counter suggested we order something cold or we might miss the train back. She wasn’t kidding! 😬

We ordered cold sandwiches and pastries—it took 20 minutes to get our food, leaving us only 20 minutes to enjoy Wheeler! I have no idea what happened to the line of folks behind us, but hopefully they made it back onboard too.

We ate our lunch at a picnic table near the water—great view, tasty food, and perfect weather. ☀️🌊

Pro tip: The Roost is adorable and delicious, with a chill vibe and lovely patio, but don’t go if you’re on a time crunch. I’d absolutely go again—just not with a 45 minute layover! 🕒🍴

I never did get to visit the antique store I had scoped out across the street... But overall, the round-trip ride was beautiful, and the train crew was super friendly. It was definitely one of the bumpier trains we’ve ridden, but thankfully, Todd’s stomach survived. 🙌🚂

🛶 Kayaking Tillamook Bay 🚣

Another highlight was launching our kayaks right from the Garibaldi Marina, just a few yards from our campsite. 💦🚣‍♀️

We love paddling through marinas and checking out all the different boats and their creative names. The water was calm, and the day was peaceful.

During our travels through Washington and Oregon, we’ve seen so many bald eagles, and this day was no exception—two more sightings! 🦅🦅

Bald eagles are the national symbol of the USA, and it’s easy to see why—majestic, powerful, and beautiful. Once endangered, they’ve made an inspiring comeback thanks to conservation efforts. ❤️

If you want to see the sights from a different perspective, get on the water!

⚓ Cape Meares Lighthouse ⚓

Whenever we explore a new area, we love taking scenic drives through local neighborhoods, old-town USA, and anything off the beaten path. While cruising around Garibaldi, we stumbled upon the Three Capes Scenic Loop, which led us to the Cape Meares Lighthouse. 🛣️🌲

I must have missed it on Google when searching for places to visit, but it was a gem. The drive offered coastal views, tall trees, and charming homes. There’s a parking lot with nearby restrooms (we were very glad we used them before hiking!). 🚻

Do you see it? Because I didn't until it was too late!
If you don't see it be sure to check out the extra
photos at the end of the blog!

The looped walking trail through Sitka spruce and along the cliffs is well-paved, educational, and scenic. It includes signs about the area's history and wildlife.

⚠️ Be aware: the path includes a slightly steep incline that’s wheelchair accessible—as long as the brakes work going down and you’ve got a strong helper or a motor for the way back up! 💪🧑‍🦼

It was breezy and cold, but we bundled up. Along the trail, we caught a glimpse of the top of the lighthouse, which motivated us to continue—even though going back to the lot would be going up...and “UP” is my least favorite direction to walk! 😅

At just 38 feet tall, the Cape Meares Lighthouse is Oregon’s shortest—but thanks to its powerful red and clear Fresnel lenses, its light could be seen by mariners 21 miles out to sea! 🌊💡

Unfortunately, the gift shop and lighthouse were closed during our visit, but typically they’re open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., no reservations needed. Learn more here: 🌐 www.friendsofcapemeareslighthouse.com

🍽️ Local Eats We Loved 💗

We always try to support local restaurants rather than chains—give us mom-and-pop joints or quirky diners any day! 🥰 I’m a huge fan of Google reviews, but I always make sure to check the most recent ones.

🍩 The Fern Cafe 🍩

Classic comfort food, friendly service, spacious seating, and quirky décor—including cabinets filled with fun salt and pepper shakers! 🧂😄

I had a veggie sandwich on rye and a cup of chili—yum! Todd had a fish sandwich with pepper jack and waffle fries. 🍞🐟🧀

There were tempting cases of baked goodies we somehow resisted… but if you go, try them and let me know what we missed! 🧁🍪

Find them on Facebook:
👉 The Fern Café Facebook

🍴 Bay City Kitchen – A “Hidden” Gem 🍴

Driving through Bay City, Oregon, we stumbled upon this tiny husband-and-wife-run spot, and wow—what a treat! 🥰

Kathy runs the front and is sweet as can be, while Derek works his magic in the kitchen.

I had the Housemade Lasagna: thyme-roasted porcini mushrooms, braised fava greens, fresh egg pasta, goat cheese, mozzarella, provolone, and a Marsala mushroom cream sauce. (Hold the pine nuts for me.) 🤤🌿🍄

It was spectacular! I wish I could remember what Todd had—but I did take a photo! 😅

From the Grab-n-Go freezer Todd nabbed a frozen (lobster?) lasagna to go and loved it when he finally ate it weeks later.

Check them out here:
👉 Bay City Kitchen Website

🐾 Wrapping It Up 🐾

From trains to kayaks to lighthouses and lasagna, this leg of Rascal’s Roadshow was full of charm, scenery, and surprises. Whether it's a ride on a steam train or a quiet paddle across the bay, we’re always looking for the joy in the journey—and the food along the way! 🚐💨❤️

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