It’s that time of year again, friends. There are two types of people that exist on every February 14, Valentine’s Day – those who have dates, and those wishing they had them. For those of you who already have a date, congratulations are in order. For those of you who still have yet to make plans, my condolences. However, there is good news for both groups of romantic hopefuls: an intimate, delectable meal at Spark Restaurant and Catering. My personal tried and true favorite, Spark Restaurant, is a quaint, eclectic restaurant located in Newport’s ‘SoBro’ area (‘South Broadway’). The restaurant itself is not much bigger than a bakery, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in gusto! The menu is constantly evolving and changing, with fresh specials added daily by owner and innovative culinary artist Kim Comfort. Featured this year for Valentine’s Day is a 3-course meal chosen by the customer for $35. From appetizers like Carpaccio Rolls and Thai Shrimp Nachos to Filet Mignon and Grilled Sea Scallops for the main dish, there are fresh, versatile options for even the most discerning palette (not to mention some of the best plate presentations in town). Spark is everything enjoyable about a nice dinner out, without the hassle. With a BYOB alcohol policy, its both chic, cheap, and easy to pick up your favorite bottle of wine, your date, and let the Spark ignite. To find other great places during this Holiday, visit globalYP.net, a local online directory.

The winter in New England can get the best of us down: the blustery cold winds, flurries and sunshine fighting for control, and certainly less tourism and business than we are used to in the summer. It is no wonder, then, that many of our favorite summertime establishments close their doors and hibernate for the colder season. One local hotspot, however, keeps their doors open and their heaters blasting all year round, giving chilly patrons a place to catch their breath. Pour Judgement is located in Newport’s SoBro (South Broadway) district, and is small in size, but large in character. Brick walls, chalkboards, and original portrait/landscape paintings done by the owner himself line the walls. Offering most of the other amenities of similar bar/restaurants, it houses a pool table, full bar, 4 flatscreen TVs, and most of the time a diverse (and hefty) crowd. Speaking of diverse and hefty, the menu you are offered after sitting down looks far better than one might expect at a bar. From Tuna Nori Sushi Rolls, to Turkey Chili with House-Made Pita Chips, to delicious Surf and turf Combos, Pour Judgement is ready to feed an army. And with an $8.00 combination of a draft beer and a burger, an army can afford to eat and drink with the lovely staff of Pour Judgement. The fact that they make one of the best burgers in town is just the icing on the cake. Find out what your town has to offer by searching on globalYP.net, an online directory.

Hotel Viking is absolutely incredible! You are right on Bellevue Avenue in Newport and you pull up to this gorgeous brick building with all cast iron and the charm of a victorian mansion. You instantly feel pulled back to the 1800’s. Just the look of the building at first sight makes you feel very priveleged indeed. This is nothing compared to the inside! All of the decorations are rich in style and extremely well kept. You feel like you are inside of a palace! In traditional New England stlye, even the bar is stunning with it’s very tall built in cabinets and massive high ceilings. The nautical theme and the leather stools only add to the atmosphere. The rooms are just incredible! I think the hardest part of ever staying at Hotel Viking is that you will actually have to leave! If you are coming to Newport you really should consider doing it in complete style and comfort. Hotel Viking is the perfect place to truly experience all the glory and splendor of Newport. There is so much to do and see – from the beaches to the mansions, and even in the winter there are many events in Newport such as christmas tours of the mansions, theatre and playhouse events. It would take me all day to describe all the unique experiences Newport has to offer. This is an amazing town and an even more amazing hotel. Hotel Viking is a historic hotel with charm, elegance and includes all the amenities one would want! I highly recommend it! To find more great places in your area, visit globalYP.net, a local online directory. 

Still Water Framing Company at 1640 N Coast Highway in Newport, OR, offers fantastic quality picture framing and the prices cannot be beat. Don’t just run into your local big box store and grab a mass-produced frame made overseas. Make your family treasures stand out! You choose the mat color and style, frame style and color. Protect and beautify art prints or originals, photos, diplomas, drawings, newspaper clippings, and even art objects and “found objects.” Still Water Framing can mount almost anything in custom-made shadow boxes. This includes objects such as military medals, personal belongings, pet items, and various small collectibles. Can you imagine it? Still Water Framing can creatively present it in a stunning frame. They offer hundreds of mat colors and various textures. Different grades of glass are available, including the very high-quality museum grade glass. It has practically no glare or reflection – you must see it to believe it. Yes, museum grade costs more, but the prices at Still Water Framing are the lowest around. Hundreds of frame samples are available, or you may specify wood native to the Pacific Northwest. Weathered “old barn wood” and very old cedar are also often available. The owner has many years of experience as a wood-worker and expert finish carpenter. The shop has framed everything from children’s artwork to historical pieces of art. Still Water Framing does excellent, clean work – the owner is a true craftsman. Give Still Water Framing a call! Give globalYP.net, online yellow pages, a visit.

Chinaway Restaurant is a very nice family restaurant with a unique atmosphere. Not only does it have all of your favorites, but a few dishes you can’t find anywhere else. I have eaten there since I was a child and I won’t go anywhere else for Chinese food. Since I have become an adult, it’s even better because they have a full bar located in their lounge, which is off to the side of the dining room. Chinaway is a very clean and organized restaurant. The wait staff is very friendly and because I’ve eaten there so much the cooks have even given me a nickname. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who loves Chinese food as much as I do, but even if you don’t Chinaway also has a good sized American menu that includes steaks which are to die for. They also have gift cards and coupons for holiday savings. Last week I was able to feed both my friend and I for around fifteen dollars because of a coupon. If you like Chinese food, you should definitely give Chinaway Restaurant a shot. If you like finding businesses quickly and easily give globalYP.net, online yellow pages, a shot.

I recently moved to the Pacific Northwest, along the lovely and wild Oregon Coast. In the town of Newport, Oregon I was delighted to find a complete and fantastic “natural foods store.” Oceana Natural Foods is just a stone’s throw from US Highway 101 and Highway 20. I’ve been a Whole Foods shopper since the chain was founded, so I know a little about organic food offerings and how much is out there. Oceana is a small store, but very effective. Back in 1977, some folks founded Oceana as a “Natural Food Cooperative,” and it’s been going strong ever since. It’s a cozy, tidy store that features organic produce only. Really. You will not find “conventional” lettuce, onions, squash, or apples in the store! One of my favorite features is the Oceana salad bar. But it’s more than salads and soups. On weekdays there’s a selection of “hot lunch” dishes too! They also offer baked goods like cookies and pastries, and coffee (including decaf) is always available. While you’re having that cup of coffee, bring your laptop into the store and tune in to the free WiFi! Oceana has a great selection of herbs, spices, teas, nuts, dried fruits, flour, rice, beans, and locally produced items. Now this is the truth: their goat cheese is priced lower than anyone else in town. Yes, cheaper than the “conventional” and chain groceries. They have a great selection of frozen local meats, such as free range lamb, beef, chicken, pork, and bison. Of course you’ll find tofu, olives, soy milk, and natural body care items, plus vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies too. When you’re running up the Pacific Coast, be sure and visit Oceana! When you’re running out of patience looking through the phone book, be sure and visit globalYP.net, a searchable online directory.

After spending a day in Newport, OR on the beaches and in the stores, the best way to end the day is with a delicious dinner. Newport has fast food available, but eating at fast food restaurants is something done in your hometown, rather than when visiting elsewhere. In order to ensure the full Oregon coast experience, seafood is what’s for dinner. Most tourists will tend to go for larger chain restaurants such as Mo’s Restaurant. While they do offer clam chowder and other traditional foods, more adventurous seafood seekers should continue elsewhere. Located on the historic bay front just down from Mo’s, Sada’s Sushi Bar is tucked between a Wax Works museum and a Ripley’s Believe It Or Not at 250 SW Bay Blvd. A simple banner stating the name of the restaurant hangs above the front door. Don’t let the modest entrance fool you, for Sada’s offers a wide range of mouth watering rolls and Japanese cuisine. This is not a salt shaker tossing, soy sauce volcano restaurant. This restaurant simply serves delicious Japanese dishes in a friendly, enjoyable atmosphere. It’s a casual affair at Sada’s, so children can enjoy watching the fish tank before eating alongside the adults. In all honesty, reminiscing about the adventures of the day over Miso soup, Nigiri sushi and a cold Sapporo is a little slice of heaven that all visitors to Newport should experience. For more places you should experience, visit globalYP.net, yellow pages online.