<p>This Gearhart home has both a handsome exterior and interior, and takes full advantage of its oceanfront view. </p>

Once they set their mind to it, you wonder if there’s anything they’re not capable of. The Assistance League of the Columbia Pacific presents its fourth annual home tour, and it’s one you don’t want to miss.

Six unique homes, never before open to the public, provide an opportunity to enjoy not only the homes local eateries and one confectionary put the “icing on the Home Tour 2011 cake.” Food from the Astoria Coffee House and Bistro, Bridgewater Bistro, Bruce’s Candy Kitchen, Fulio’s Pastaria, Maggie’s on the Prom and Newmans at 988 will each occupy a residence and offer tasty morsels, and there’s a shopping bazaar full of treasures, too. This is a cover-all event with something for everyone.

Two of the homes on the tour are in Seaside’s Cove area, three in Gearhart and one in Surf Pines.

In Seaside, it’s the yin and the yang. Around a corner and into the woods, the “Lady of the Cove” rises three stories overseeing all: the ocean’s whitecaps, the forest, and on a clear day, a view of Washington. Allot plenty of time to tour this home. Besides the home, arts and crafts are everywhere.

On the Cove itself, a set of 1930s exterior shutters belies what waits inside. Like a high-end antique gallery, there’s a story matching most of the home’s interior furnishings. Be sure to ask about James Beard and the Fourth of July.

In Gearhart, old meets new. Everything about the newest of the three Gearhart homes (finished just three months ago) feels welcoming. Look up. An open floor plan rises to 18-foot ceilings. A local architect, builder and materials create livable lodge-like warmth with wood detailing throughout.

On the oceanfront, one of Gearhart’s original old beach houses, built in the early 1900s, has been carefully and lovingly restored. Its quality and craftsmanship make it the perfect match for its ocean view. Doris Day could appear on the staircase and not seem out of context.

The third Gearhart home is an example of creativity and careful planning blending into comfortable family beach living. A shingled exterior, warm wood interior and lots of local artwork all work together to form a “relax and stay a while” atmosphere.

In Surf Pines, a charming Dutch colonial welcomes with three units built around a center court, providing intimacy to the main house which opens to a grassy knoll overlooking the Pacific.

Six private homes, plus tasty food, plus great shopping! All proceeds benefit the 2012 Operation School Bell, the Assistance League program that provides clothing to more than 600 Clatsop County children. Come one, come all it’s a good event for a good cause.