A beach town grows up

With summer vacationers gone but fine weather lingering, now is the perfect time to stroll Seaside's beachfront and find something new to love.

The tacky-fun attractions (bumper cars, anyone?) are still here, but among the carnival games and saltwater taffy shops ― strung along Broadway Street from the Promenade to the Necanicum River ― are high-end boutiques and some memorable eateries too. And in the Historic Gilbert District, older buildings are finding new life housing shops and cafes.

SHOP:

B. Boutique. WHAT: A fashionista's find, with designer clothing and surprising gifts. WHEN: Open daily. WHERE: 600 Broadway St.; 503/738-6882.

Cosa Bella. WHAT: Best and most eclectic of the home decor stores in the Historic Gilbert District. WHEN: Open daily. WHERE: 810 Broadway St.; 503/738-2026.

Mediterranean Bazaar. WHAT: Oriental rugs of diverse origins, plus lamps and other imports for the home, displayed in a roomy, airy space. WHEN: Open daily. WHERE: 1 N. Holladay Dr., in the Historic Gilbert District; 503/738-3737.

Seaside Antique Mall. WHAT: With more than 90 dealers, the Oregon coast's largest antiques mall. WHEN: Open daily. WHERE: 726 Broadway St.; 503/717-9312.

EAT:

Kalypso. WHAT: The place to go in Seaside for a fancy meal. People-watch through big corner windows and enjoy fresh twists on seafood and more. WHEN: Dinner Wed-Mon. HOW MUCH: $$. WHERE: 619 Broadway St.; 503/738-6302.

Lil' Bayou. WHAT: A little bit of New Orleans on the Necanicum River, from the crawfish enchiladas to the red beans and rice, with live music Saturday nights in the Magnolia Lounge. WHEN: Lunch and dinner daily. HOW MUCH: $$. WHERE: 20 N. Holladay Dr.; 503/717-0624.

GO: The Promenade. WHAT: Seaside's classic 1.6-mile paved path along the shore, perfect for a sunset stroll. WHERE: South and north of the turnaround at the west end of Broadway, a few blocks west of the district.

INFO: Seaside is on U.S. 101, about 75 miles northwest of Portland via U.S. 26. For lodging and other information, visit the Seaside Visitors Bureau at www.seasideor.com or call 888/306-2326.