The Heceta Head Lighthouse Keeper’s House just 11 miles north of Florence on the Oregon Coast is one of the prettiest homes around for any era. It is certainly a cut above what most keeper’s homes were. Every year at this time, a Victorian Christmas Open House is held here.

On December 10, 11 & 17 and 18, the doors of the Queen Ann style Lighthouse Keeper’s House are open to the public from 4-7 pm. The house is majestically decorated in Victorian style with fresh garlands, colorful Christmas lights, and festive holiday decor. Each evening local musicians play holiday favorites. More locals provide warm drinks and sweets. Santa Claus will be on hand each evening handing out candy canes.

Restoration of the Heceta Head Lighthouse was recently completed and it is beautiful. For this 21st Annual Victorian Christmas Open House, the lighthouse tower is also open to visitors. This is one of very few times during the year that the tower is open at night.

As with most historic buildings and grounds, funds are needed to restore and maintain. Admission is free but donations are always welcome. You can enter the holiday raffle to win a free night’s stay at this Bed & Breakfast or one of many great prizes from local artists and businesses. The Lighthouse Gift Shop will be open and full of special lighthouse gifts for Christmas shopping.

There is a fee of $5.00 to park but admission to the Keeper’s House is free. A shuttle runs from the state park below up to the house. You can take the beautiful beach walk up but be sure to have warm rain gear and a flashlight for the hike.

If you are going to be on or near the Oregon Coast during the next couple of weeks, don’t miss this holiday event. The light from the Lighthouse revolving at night is a spectacular sight! Drop in and say “Hi” to us at Umpqua River Haven, pull in for the night or weekend. We are just a short drive from the Lighthouse.

I’ve been to Pearl Harbor. It is one of the quietest experiences you will ever have. Waiting to enter the theater to watch the movie, people visit but not in loud voices or with any laughter. Once seated in front of the large movie screen, no one speaks. If you have never seen this movie or even if you have, it will have a profound effect on you and everyone sitting there. The main film footage was taken December 7, 1941, from the deck of the USS Solace, anchored nearby, by Army Doctor Eric Haakenson. You will see this footage. If you are an American, it will make you cry. It has that effect on everyone. When it is over, you can hear a pin drop and you can hear that pin for the next hour.

Leaving the theater, boarding the transport to the Memorial, that pin is sounding as, still, no one speaks. Climbing onto the Memorial and the entire time you are there, no one speaks. Reading the names of those lost on this ship and knowing she and her crew are resting just below you is an indescribable experience. Awesome, sad, reverent. There really were no words as tears slid down.

And you will know why we stand for the National Anthem and salute our flag and thank our military for being there for us, for protecting and defending our Constitution and Freedoms. Be sure and thank one this holiday season.

Marblehead, Ohio is considered a village with a population just under 1,000. Located at the point of Marblehead Peninsula which divides Sandusky Bay from Lake Erie, Marblehead was incorporated in 1891.

Marblehead was formed during the second glacial ice age and is made of solid limestone. During the 1800s, many stone quarries were dug but today there is just one remaining quarry. That is the LaFarge Quarry which sits smack in the middle of town. Just about every day the Lake Erie freighters dock to on load the limestone. Past industries included fishing, fruit groves and farming but today’s biggest industry outside of limestone is tourism.

The biggest and most famous attraction here is the historic Marblehead Lighthouse. Sited near the busiest Coast Guard station on the Great Lakes is the oldest, continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Marblehead was the first lighthouse on the Great Lakes to have a female Lighthouse Keeper. This spot is also one of the most scenic places in Northern Ohio. Everyone who visits here has their camera out snapping away.

The historic lighthouse keeper’s house has been preserved and serves as a maritime museum and gift shop.

The views of Lake Erie here are spectacular.

A sign provides information about Lake Erie.

Reluctantly leaving the lighthouse and heading west, you’ll discover the charm of the Village of Marblehead.

One of the more beautiful historic buildings is the still active Holy Assumption Orthodox Church on the main street going through town.

Across the street with views of the lake is the village cemetery.

There are many historic, restored and very charming homes in Marblehead but these are on the main street. Some of them are big Ohio State fans. Go Bucks!

Some of these historic homes serve as businesses.

This historic school building is now the Red Fern Inn and Rocky Point Winery

Restored historic homes sit side-by-side with similar structures that are actually businesses along this busy, seasonal thoroughfare.

Even some of the business buildings are historic and restored.

This is a favorite stop near the west end of the village. Not only do they serve a variety of great ice cream treats, but they have one of the best burgers anywhere. We highly recommend Dairy Dock!

On the west side of the village is the water tower. It probably has great views of the lake if one were to climb up top.

Marblehead is a summer haven for all of Ohio with a variety of summer housing from quaint, older cottages to more modern condominiums. Marblehead is also known for the summer resort area of Lakeside. Lakeside Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was originated in 1873 by clergy of the Methodist Church and remains a church-affiliated vacation resort. Lakeside has the longest running, continuous Chautauqua Community with its 140-year history. Chautauqua combines religious, educational, spiritual, cultural arts and recreation for a varied experience. All are welcome to visit any and all events. Lakeside has its own symphony orchestra, a beautiful, historic hotel, shops and restaurants. Many of the homes are historic and restored. And, of course, a great beach area for swimming, sunning and more. You can learn more about Lakeside on their website: http://www.lakesideohio.com

If you are looking for a “Great Lake Place” to vacation or retreat in the summer on the Shores of Lake Erie, Marblehead can’t be beat! And you’ll love the proximity to the lighthouse gem of the Great Lakes!

Newport, Oregon is one of our favorite places to visit and has been blogged about here before. There is much to see and do in Newport, including vast areas of beach to explore. At Christmas time, Newport’s Yaquina Bay becomes a spectacular light display during the first weekend in December. The bay, with the largest fishing fleet on the Oregon Coast, turns into a Holiday light event unlike any other.

Dozens of boats decorated with lights, fireworks, various themes and even live music will travel around the bay between 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm on Saturday, December 3. This remarkable armada will navigate around the bay from the Coast Guard Station to the Embarcadero Resort and back throughout this time frame.

There are several ways to enjoy this fun and beautiful holiday light display. You can watch from a variety of outside piers and places and several restaurants around the bay. You can enter your own decorated boat and float along with the others. Or, you can buy a ticket and ride on one of the decorated boats. Riding includes hot cocoa and cookies. All proceeds are donated to the annual Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital Foundation’s Festival of Trees event.

A variety of boats will be participating in this 23^rd Annual Lighted Boat Parade including charter boats, fishing boats, Coast Guard search & rescue vessels, sailboats and sea kayaks. In addition, with their research vessels returning for the winter, the NOAA Pacific Fleet will participate with brilliance!

Unique designs and lighting techniques will contribute to the competition for a variety of prizes donated by the local community neighbors and businesses. The Oregon Coast Bank is providing the grand prize of a hunting rifle.

If you are on or near the Oregon Coast, don’t miss this one-night holiday event. Come visit us at Umpqua River Haven and travel the short 60 miles to Newport for this unique and dazzling light display.