On most sunny days, the Biscuit Building in Gold Beach would compete with Jet Boats, Trees of Mystery and other Wild Rivers Coast attractions for our attention.  But on this day, with gusting winds howling and torrential rains drenching, it became an obvious choice for our children and Jessica, my 12 year old granddaughter, visiting from San Diego.

The spectrum of pleasures unfolding here within, both surprised and exceeded our expectations!

We entered mid-morning, promptly scattering in different directions, agreeing to meet downstairs at the coffee house later, for nourishment and discussion.

Computers with internet access, audio books & music, artwork everywhere, and a chess tournament in the offing, are all attention getters!

Profuse new publications, as well as thousands upon thousands of used books, are thoughtfully organized throughout two spacious floors.  The upstairs, "Rare Book Room", should not be missed.  Rare leather-bound first editions and signed sports memorabilia, are among the diversity of items for viewing or purchase.  Artwork is plentiful, and not confined to the gallery section.  Rather, art in a wide variety of media, seems enjoyably presented anywhere and everywhere. 

Computers with internet access to catch up on e-mails from home, then settling deep into a leather lounge chair with a CD to preview, earphones, and the latest Harry Potter book she has been wanting, were first on Jessica's list.

Thousands upon thousands of volumes.  The largest collection of books on the Oregon Coast!

My wife Diane, the civil war history buff, immediately made her way to the second floor, to search through used books on the subject.  Ted Watkins, the owner, has finds and treasures carefully hidden in plain view.  If you have a question about a book, any book, owner Ted is usually around.  Be prepared for anything from a straightforward knowledgeable answer, to an interesting, thoroughly entertaining, and frequently humorous, discussion on the subject.

My son and daughter, Angie & Greg, could be found meandering through the store, taking in the various art forms.  They were especially intrigued by the large panoramic photography collection, and the real, yes real, whale skeleton on display. 

They thought it, and its short tutorial, worthy of the Smithsonian Museum. 

Myself, I preferred the coffee house serving up specialty coffees, fresh out of the oven pastries, and a wide selection of newspapers most folks would not expect to find in a town of 2500.  My selections; hot cappuccino, with whipped cream of course, a cranberry scone, and the New York Times.

Several hours, bowls of clam chowder, fresh bagels, and carrot cake later, with packages of art, CD's, books, an audiotape for the ride home, and memories of it all stowed, we agreed to return that evening to the Biscuit Building's "Rare Book Room", for a local artist's musical presentation.