JACOBSEN SALT CO. PUTTING NETARTS BAY ON THE MAP

Here's something you may not know that I think is pretty cool and interesting! Right here in our own backyard the cold and pristine waters of Netarts Bay are being turned into salt that is being described by those with discriminating palates as having "beautiful taste, texture and appearance."  The proprietor of this new salt operation, Ben Jacobsen of Jacobsen Salt Co. has the mission of creating the best finishing salt America has to offer. And, from what I can gather he believes Netarts Bay has water capable of doing just that.  According to their website 94 restaurants (+/-) across the United States are currently using his salts in their creations, which may be a good indicator that he is in fact correct!

 This blog post started after a guy walked into Rob Trost Real Estate in Netarts yesterday with one question:  Do you know where I can buy that Netarts Bay salt?  He said he just saw it on AM Northwest!  We told him it was called Jacobsen Salt and directed him to The Schooner Bar & Grill around the corner on Netarts Bay. Immediately after he left we pulled up AM Northwest online and found a link to what he was talking about.  Take a peek at the footage in the link below!  I thought it was a fun segment. The hosts were so excited about the taste it made me want to run out and get some to try myself! 
Here is a link to the show:
http://www.katu.com/amnw/segments/FEAST-Portland-223674071.html

Something I also just became aware of while perusing their website is that Jacobsen Salt Co. is holding a Fall Dinner Series right at their Salt production facility on Netarts Bay!  Each dinner will feature a different chef and a four course meal, also wine or cocktail pairings and dessert all with the backdrop of glorious Netarts Bay.  Prior to each dinner, wine and appetizers are served as guests are given a tour of the facility and grounds to showcase the salt harvesting process. They are even offering round trip transportation from the Portland area (for an additional fee) if you don't live in and around Netarts.  The grand opening event took place September 7, but future dates include September 18, October 5 and October 19.  Dinner prices range from $135-$175.

Visit their blog for details: 
http://jacobsensalt.com/blog/

Perhaps they will someday have short kayak tours launching right from their bay front bank after dinner!  Now that would be a wonderful way to finish off the evening, considering their ideal location toward the South end of the bay -- especially in the Fall!  What do you think Ben?  I hear Kayak Tillamook puts on a great tour.  They'll even bring the kayaks!  Something to think about I'd say!

When you have a chance definitely check out their website.  There's a ton of great reading material and product to discover!
http://jacobsensalt.com/

Great job Jacobsen Salt Co.!  We are having a great time watching your success and love that Netarts Bay is so important to your creation.

See you at the beach!
~Wendy
www.iWantABeachHome.com

GREAT THINGS TO DO....EVEN WHEN IT RAINS!

We had friends and family in town last week, which was a good reminder of all things great to do within just a few minutes of home!  When I asked them how they spent their days here's what they said:

1 - Went to the Cape Meares Lighthouse (the shortest lighthouse in the world) and the Octopus Tree.

2 - Hiked down the stairs to Short Beach between the lighthouse and Oceanside.  Hunted for agates.

3 - Crossed the creek at Short Beach and got their shoes wet.

4 - Ate at the newest restaurant in Oceanside -- The Blue Agate Cafe.  LOVED the food.

5 - Walked on the beach in Oceanside at low tide x 3...rain or shine =)

6 - Stopped in to Lex's Cool Stuff on Crab Avenue in Netarts.  Touched and tried on all kinds of things.  Purchased a fantastically decorated witch hat, a pair of velvet pumps that look like they've never been worn and turquoise snake-ish skin looking boots.   I have actually never been into the store.  I'm feeling a blog post coming on about her cool stuff in the future =)

7 - Headed into Tillamook: Destination: La Tea Da for a light fair and tea.  They couldn't say enough about this place.  All very good things, including plans to return in the future.

8 - Returned to Netarts for "Happy Hour" and appetizers on the bay with family and friends.

9 - Drove back into Tillamook for First Friday at the Blue Heron.  September's Event: Grape stomping!  It sounded like they had a great time enjoying wine, food, music, the works!  Lucy and Ethel even made an appearance and apparently fell out of their bucket onto the concrete!  Ouch!  That's gonna hurt in the morning!

10 - Made appointments at Chez Belle Salon in Tillamook for manicures and pedicures.

11 - Had an amazing seafood feed back at the house -- Fresh caught local salmon and fresh Willapa Bay clams cooked in white wine and garlic.

12 - Went to the Tillamook Farmer's Market Saturday morning.  Ate breakfast at the La Mexicana Cart.  Returned with fantastic fresh veggies and flowers.

13 - Picked up fresh oysters from Pacific Oyster in Bay City for their farewell Oyster BBQ.

14 - Spent an afternoon on the deck at the Schooner enjoying wine and a spectacular view of Netarts Bay!

15 -  Headed into Tillamook for lunch at La Mexicana.

16 - Returned to the beach in Oceanside, but went through the tunnel this time and checked out some tide pools.  Waded in to the tide pools to get pictures of starfish...got their shoes wet again!

17 - Ate breakfast at Roseanna's in Oceanside.  Enjoyed fantastic food and watched the fog lift revealing the magnificent Three Arch Rocks.

Not to bad for a four night stay, especially considering it rained two of those four days!  I loved hearing of their adventures each day and enjoying seafood feasts each night.  Really there is so much to do here and truly just not enough time!  Thank you, Teri, Carolyn and Donna for coming to Netarts for a visit.  It was a ton of fun and we can't wait until you come back!

See you on the beach!

~Wendy