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I’m out at Cannon Beach today, checking out the crowds and talking to local business owners about the reopening process. A few takeaways...
CROWDS: Lots of people out today. I’d say it’s probably pretty standard for a spring/summer weekday. The beach affords plenty of room to spread out, but there are still bottle necks at beach access points, sidewalks, public restrooms and inside businesses. Bring a mask.
RESTAURANTS: Most restaurants in town are open, with take out and/or distanced dining. Patio seating is a hot commodity. Some places require a mask to get a table.
I talked to one restaurant owner, John Sowa of Sweet Basil, who had to close up for good. His spot is well known for Cajun cuisine, but it’s small. There’s nowhere to spread people out. Take out wasn’t cutting it. After 14 years, it’s the end of the road.
HOTELS: Lodging is filling up fast out here. Owner of The Waves told me he’ll be at 90% capacity this weekend. Mostly folks from Portland and Seattle, he said, and a lot of families who are essentially doing quarantine on the coast.
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS: Oregon officials are still telling people to avoid non-essential travel — including day trips to the coast. Multnomah County isn’t even in Phase 1 yet, meaning folks in Portland shouldn’t be coming out here at all.
Local businesses in Cannon Beach are basically shrugging at that. What can they do? They really need the money. And they feel like they’re prepared for the crowds. Some locals are still freaked out about the virus, but the alternative is to watch their local economy die.
City officials still seem to be a little nervous. One told me the reopening plan was based on the idea that tourists would wear masks. But hardly any tourists are wearing masks. The local population skews older. They’re more vulnerable. Many are afraid.
I asked business owners if Portlanders are welcome in Cannon Beach right now. They all said yes. Even if they don’t feel completely safe, they feel like this reopening needs to happen. They’re just crossing their fingers that things will be OK. That the town can survive this.
