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Highlights
of the Southern Oregon Coast
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Visitors
can stop and smell the roses at the botanical gardens at Shore Acres
State Park near Charleston.
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Photo
courtesy of The
World
Palm
trees grow near the entrance to the botanical gardens at Shore
Acres State park. The variety of flora, secluded beach and
picnic areas make Shore Acres an appleaing attraction to visitors
year-round.
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The
park long has been a favorite destination for locals and visitors.
In the summer, the roses are spectacular in the formal English garden
and thousands of flowering and exotic plants can be seen in the
Japanese gardens.
Once
the private property of Louis Simpson, son of Coos Bay lumber and
shipping baron Asa Simpson, the park also boasts spectacular views
of the coastline.
Louis
Simpson and his wife, Cassie, made Shore Acres their home for many
years. Their beautiful mansion was destroyed by fire in 1921. Another
fire razed the estate in 1936. The state of Oregon initially purchased
the grounds for a state park in 1942, acquiring additional sections
in 1956 and 1980.
To
reach Shore Acres, turn off U.S. Highway 101 on Newmark or Commercial
avenues in Coos Bay and go to Empire. Turn left on Cape Arago Highway
and follow it through Charleston and past Sunset Bay State Park.
Shore Acres is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. A required $3 day-use
fee is available at the park's entrance. The park is handicapped
accessible.
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