Dominated by a massive river rock fireplace and glass picture windows facing patio, Prom, and ocean, common Gathering Room sports a dining room table-sized gaming table where guests can indulge in checkers and other board games on gray afternoons. Because, after all, you're in Pacific Northwest, known for rain, weather can be changeable. One day you're flying a kite on beach, and next you appreciate an Irish Coffee in front of fireplace.

While July and August are considered high season in Seaside, "I think we have our best weather in September and October," says Susan's associate, Vicky.

In days past there was an rustically elegant beach home, with weathered gray shingles and white trim, where SeaSide Inn rests now.

"The house was built in 1903 and had just gone into Historic Records," says Vicky, when an electrical fire completely destroyed it in 1987. Owners of house since seventies, Susan and her husband subsequently envisioned SeaSide Inn B&B.

As you help yourself to your first cup of coffee in morning, cheery hearts and ribboned floral bowers greet you on dining room sideboard. Included with your SeaSide stay is a full breakfast, designed to send you to beach in a vacation mood.

Breakfast is served at tables set in one end of Gathering Room, where Susan's sense of humor is reflected in brightly-colored stuffed sea creatures dangling from ceiling.

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Carolyn Proctor, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com

That evening, while dining in Main Salon, C. Columbus barks a honk and we are off across Lake Michigan to Traverse City. There is only one sitting at huge restaurant and I immediately make new friends with Sonnig, which in German means sunny. The blond, lithe German lass is a delightful rainbow of sunny smiles, and I later learn her name is but a nickname; everyone on board loves her fresh, energetic style. The food is fantastic in restaurant or Main Salon, and wine cellar is superb. The Maitre d’ continuously circles two sides of restaurant making sure all guests are well received and satiated. He arrives at my table, clicks his heels, bows, and smiles. All crew members speak excellent English. Any special diets require a three week advance notice before sailing. Dining is casual — only Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Dinners call for something more formal — a cocktail dress for ladies and jacket and tie for gentlemen.

C. Columbus also has Showtime/Lounge Bar for nightly entertainment by Allegro Band, and Palmgarten Bar off Sonnendeck (Sun Deck) on sixth deck is kept lively during day, as guests play games, listen to music, and are served drinks and casual dining. The Galleria is a cozy seating area.

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Kriss Hammond, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com