Saturday May 12, 2012 ~ Waldport’s Great Garage Sale

Plan your Mother’s Day weekend on the Central Oregon Coast…  book a Waldport vacation rental and enjoy this fun garage sale on Saturday… an annual event Mom is sure to enjoy Come visit Waldport and their surrounding neighbors! Scavenge their attics, basements and barns during this all day event! Spend the day “where the forest meets the sea” and take some treasures home with you! Over 70 locations will be available for shopping… look for bargains all around town… “upcyclers welcome!”

Maps will be available in the late afternoon on Friday May 11 at:

• The Alsea Bay Bridge Interpretive Center -  620 NW Spring Street & Hwy 101 (at the south end of the bridge milepost 155.9)
•  Pacific Office Solutions - 250 NW Hemlock (Hwy. 34)
•  Ray’s Food Place – 580 NE Broadway St
•  C & K Market – 110 SW Arrow St
•  Waldport Drug & Gift – Corner of Hwy 101

 To Visitors from Afar: 

They are going to do their best to provide a MAP by email the day before!  If you’d like to receive an email list of participants please visit “Oregon Coast” garage sales on craigslist.org and reply to the email, type the word MAP in the subject and provide your email address, and they will send you the details as soon as it is compiled so you can plan your day on the Central Oregon Coast!

Waldport’s Great Garage Sale is held annually on the Saturday before Mother’s Day and is sponsored by the Waldport Chamber of Commerce,  541-563-2133

~Thanks & fun AT THE BEACH!

Seaside Chamber of Commerce 1st Saturday Art Walk

Since July of 2005 local area galleries, shops and restaurants have hosted artists, authors and musicians the first Saturday of the month. Art in all forms is displayed inside locations- often you can meet the artist, see a work in progress, have a book signed or hear live music.

Artists range from those doing their first showings to nationally known and award winning. A wide variety of mediums are displayed: photography, watercolor, oils, acrylics, pottery, glass, textile, wearable art and more.

Participating locations often provide tasty treats and beverages.

The Seaside Art Walk takes place on the first Saturday of each month from 5-8 pm. Maps for the Walk are available at participating businesses, the Seaside Chamber and Seaside Visitors Bureau.

Featured Artist Saturday  May 5, 2012  5-7pm

Fairweather House and Garden present a solo exhibition from Wilson River Pottery

Andy and Tami Toth, long time artists, unveil new, passionate, selected works of pottery. Their artworks are full of color, wonderful glazes, and richness shows an outstanding skill of technique, learned over a lifetime. The NW artists have a long line of client testimonials.

For the Seaside Art Walk, Fairweather’s will concentrate on a themed display of fresh, cut flowers to coordinate with the Wilson River Pottery show.  The flowers will be offered as gifts for the Art Walk visitors with a drawing for several gift certificates that will be available from a fellow historic Gilbert District business.  A celebrity hostess from Italy will serve the delightful treats prepared by Sharon Krask, chef.

Wilson River Pottery began as a hobby for Andy Toth more than 30 years ago. Andy continued studying his craft at the Oregon School of Arts and Crafts in Portland Oregon.  He enhances his skills and refines his focus, guided by the artistic influences of the forested hills, blue waters and sandy shores of the Oregon Coast. Much of his pottery reflects the ever changing hues and silhouettes of the Pacific Northwest. 

Tami, Andy’s wife, joined the pottery team primarily as the shop helper, as time has moved on and with Andy’s patience, she has taken over the glazing of Wilson River Pottery. Constantly experimenting with the colors and textures that define their work. Tami also designs and throws many of her own pieces.

The husband and wife team create bowls of all shapes and sizes, teapot sets, pitchers, vases, butter dishes and much more. Their numerous coffee mugs range from dainty to daring. They also make complete place settings and do custom orders. Each individual piece is a one of a kind expression of the joy they find in creating it and they have shipped their pottery all over the United States.

Wilson River Pottery is not just beautiful, it is food, dishwasher and microwave safe.

*Wilson River Pottery has selected United Paws charity for the Art Walk event

9th Annual Birding & Blues Festival~ April 13 14 & 15,  2012

Get ready for another fun Birding and Blues Festival in Pacific City during their 9th annual Oregon Coast event. Reserve your favorite Pacific City vacation rental and join the fun! Where rhythms of nature meet rhythms of the blues…

Pacific City has some of Oregon’s most spectacular estuaries, rivers, bays and ocean shores. Be introduced to the abundant wildlife in Oregon’s Three Capes region Learn the secrets of the coast’s fascinating animals and where to see them up close! Then after sunset… relax, feast, tap your feet, dance and celebrate life

Friday, April 13
3:45pm‐5:00pm –Children’s Art Workshop – Mark & Kim Cavatorta – Part of the Community Open House (No fee but must register in advance by calling 503 965‐0088. Space is limited).
5:15pm‐6:15pm – Live Bird Demonstration: The Animal Ambassadors of Badger Run! – Liz Diver, Badger Run Wildlife Rehab – Part of the Community Open House (No fee or registration required).
7:00pm‐9:00pm – The Big Year! – Movie starring Jack Black, Steve Martin, Owen Wilson. Follow the adventures of two bird enthusiasts as they try to defeat the cocky, cutthroat world record holder in a year‐long, bird‐spotting competition.
5:00pm‐7:00pm – Rob Richter - Concert at Twist Wine Co.
8:30pm‐11:00pm – Purple Cats – Concert at the Oar House Bar & Grill

Saturday, April 14
8:30am‐9:45am – Laura Whittemore – Audubon Society of Portland – Birding Demystified: Beginning Birding Class
10:00am‐11:00am – Bill Proebsting – Professor of Horticulture at Oregon State University – Gardening for Birds: If  There Are Warblers, There is Hope
11:15am‐12:15pm – Eric Anderson – US Fish & Wildlife – The Life History, Habitat Selection, and Characteristics of the Dusky Canada Goose
12:15pm‐1:30pm – Lunch Break
1:30pm‐2:45pm – Featured Speaker Terry Steele – Nature Photographer – Birding: A Portal to Nature
3:00pm‐4:00pm – Ram Papish – Wildlife Artist and Field Biologist – Puffling: The Natural History of aTufted Puffin Chick
4:15pm‐5:15pm – Live Bird Demonstration: Why Don’t I Hate My Neighbors? – Liz Diver, Badger Run Wildlife Rehab
5:00pm‐7:00pm – Rob Richter – Concert at Twist Wine Co.
8:00pm‐9:00pm – The Sandy Saunders Bandy Curtis Band – Opening Concert
9:30pm‐11:00pm – The Strange Tones – Featured Concert

Sunday, April 15
9:00am‐10:00am – Roy Lowe – US Fish & Wildlife – Restoration of Bandon Marsh
10:15am‐11:30am – Troy Guy – Marine Fisheries Research Associate – Albatrosses of the North Pacific: Reducing Seabird Mortalities in Fisheries
11:45am‐12:45am – Julie Chick – Tillamook Estuaries Partnership – Tillamook County Water Trails

For a list of Field Trips and more information visit: www.BirdingandBlues.com 

Email info@birdingandblues.com or call 503-965-6247

~ Thanks and have fun AT THE BEACH!

If you are heading to Newport Oregon for Spring Break vacation this year.. here is a great article from www.BeachConnection.net featuring some fun things to see and do in the Newport area.. Enjoy!

Spring Break Highlights in Newport: Whales, Lighthouses, Special Events

(Newport, Oregon) – Spring Break on the central Oregon coast is a deluge of things to do and see in the natural world. The area hosts more Whale Watch Week vantage points than any other on the coast, the Hatfield Marine Science Center and Oregon Coast Aquarium put on quite a show, and the outdoors promises unending fun for all ages with crabbing, fishing, lighthouses and more.

Spring Whale Watch Week. From March 24 to 31, volunteers will be out in full force to help you spot whales meandering past. They will be at 26 high vantage points along the Oregon coast – but seven of those are in the Newport area. Just north of Newport, in the Depoe Bay area, there are Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint, Whale Watching Center at the Depoe Bay Sea Wall and Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint. Just outside of Newport are Cape Foulweather and the Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area. Within Newport are Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area and Don Davis City Park in Nye Beach. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

March 26. Fantastic Floaters. If you’ve ever wondered how tiny organisms get around in that massive ocean, the Hatfield Marine Science is helping you explore these mysterious wanderers. They will collect plankton using nets, examine them under a microscope and try to find out what they will become as adults. Learn how plankton adaptations help them sink or swim, then design and create your own plankton model to race against other families. Pre-registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. 1 – 3 p.m. Cost: $7.50 per person. Hatfield Marine Science Center. 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, Oregon. (541) 867-0233.

March 30. Estuary Investigations. Spend time exploring the different zones of the Yaquina Bay estuary and the unique organisms found there. You’ll discover awe-inspiring things about current research and use sampling equipment to collect animals and investigate their unique adaptations to life in the mud. Boots and raingear recommended. Pre-registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. 1 – 3 p.m. Cost: $7.50 per person. Hatfield Marine Science Center. 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, Oregon. (541) 867-0233.

March 31. SOLV Annual Spring Beach Cleanup on Oregon Coast. Oregonians from all over the state will be hitting the coastline to help scour the beaches of tons of litter and ocean debris. There are various meeting spots in Newport, including Agate Beach, Nye Beach and Beverly Beach. Register online. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. www.solv.org. 800-333-SOLV.

Oregon Coast Aquarium hosts a large variety of events for children, especially some of the younger ones. See their full schedule at www.aquarium.org. 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd. Newport, Oregon. 541-867-3474 x 5224.

Ongoing activities in Newport include two lighthouses which you can tour, the scenic wonders of Yaquina Head, and crabbing and fishing in both the Yaquina Bay and in the ocean via a variety of charter businesses.

~ Yaquina Bay Lighthouse ~

For more information, see www.discovernewport.com. 800-262-7844 – Media Contact: Lorna Davis, executive director Newport Chamber – 800-262-7844

Photo Credit ~Dezz~

Oregon Coast Spring Whale Watch Week is March 24-31.. the same week as Spring Break for several schools. What a great opportunity for kids (or anyone) to see these amazing Gray Whales as they pass along the Oregon Coast.. If you haven’t booked your Oregon Spring Break vacation rental yet.. now is the time!

The Home of the Whale Watching Spoken Here program is located on the Central Oregon Coast at the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay, Oregon. The Parks and Recreation Department park rangers are ready to answer questions and help you with your Whale Watching experience.

Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center:

Summer Season~ Memorial Day – Labor Day 10 am – 5 pm Daily

Discovery Season~ September – May10 am – 4 pm (Wednesday – Sunday)

Whale Watching Spoken Here Sites:

Volunteer Assisted during Spring & Winter Watch Weeks 10am – 1pm

Whale Watching sites are Volunteer assisted during the “spring and winter watch weeks”.. these friendly volunteers are ready and eager to help with migration questions and tips for sighting .. they are are on duty 10 am-1 pm.

There are about 400 gray whales that do not go as far north as Alaska to feed in the summer. They feed all along the coasts of Oregon, Washington and British Columbia and can be seen close to the shore from July through Mid-November.. so there are plenty of opportunities to spot your first gray whale

Here is a handy Whale Watching site locations map from the Oregon Parks & Recreation Dept: Whale Watching Center

For more information visit: www.WhaleSpoken.org

~Thanks & have fun AT THE BEACH!

Newport Seafood and Wine Festival, February 23 – 27 

NEWPORT, Oregon – Over 80 wineries, dozens of food booths and arts and crafts booths, along with almost 20,000 people: Newport’s Seafood and Wine Festival has got your number this year. If you haven’t reserved your lodging yet.. here is an easy way to see if a vacation rental might still be available.. go to our Newport vacation rental page, click on the blue Request Availability button (just above the listings) this will copy your request to all rentals on our Newport page!

The 35th Annual Newport Seafood and Wine Festival takes place February 23 to 26 this time around, having added a fourth night – Thursday, February 23. This special night is for pre-sale ticket holders only, and includes a commemorative glass, while this is an extra cost on the other three days. Entrance is by pre-sale tickets only on this special Thursday night.

This year’s theme is “Swingin’ on the Vine for the 35th Time” and the presenting sponsor is Chinook Winds Casino Resort.

The Newport Seafood and Wine Festival brings well over 17,000 people to town each year, with attendance records being broken in recent years. 2010 had 19,465 revelers show up to the festival.

Vendors

Over 150 vendors are taking part this year. Among the wineries are two from the Oregon coast: Flying Dutchman and Nehalem Bay Winery. Other vintners include 12 Ranch Wines, Abacela Wines, Abiqua Wind Vineyard, Adelsheim Winery, Hauer of the Dauen, Cliff Creek Cellars, Coleman Vineyard, Columbia Crest Winery, Willamette Valley Vineyards and Lone Oak Vineyards.

Food vendors include many coastal local delights. Some of those you’ll find this year include: Lovin Spoonful, Local Ocean, Oregon Oyster Farms, Nye Beach Sweets, Newport Café, Savory Café, Original Shrimp & Crab, Tres Classique Specialty Foods, Sadas Sushi Bar, Rogue Creamery, Crepe Neptune, Shrimply Delicious, Brevin’s Solid Gold Fudge, C&H Classic Smoked Fish and Canby Asparagus.

This massive event is in a tented venue located near the Rouge Ales Brewery at the South Beach Marina in Newport.

Tickets

Pre-sale tickets are still available. You can purchase tickets online at the Newport Chamber of Commerce website.  Special group rates are available as well.

Festival Information, Hours, Prices

Thursday, February 23 6 pm – 9 pm $15 (includes a commemorative wine glass this night only, tickets pre-sale only)
Friday, February 24 2 pm – 9 pm $12 ticket price
Saturday, February 25 10 am – 6 pm $17 ticket price
Sunday, February 26 10 am – 4 pm $7 ticket price

E-Tickets have a transaction fee not included in the above pricing, holders of E-Tickets are received through a special expedited entrance. Ticket prices do not include wine tasting. Food item prices range from $1 and up. Wine sampling starts at $1 and glasses of wine are available for menu price. Bottles and cases of wine are sold by wineries too for off premises consumption.

“We are thrilled that Chinook Winds is the presenting sponsor, and all of the support they have given this event, and ultimately our community,” said Lorna Davis, executive director of the Newport Chamber. “Many local non-profit organizations (20 plus) raise funds by providing services at the Festival. Without sponsors it would be a challenge for us to be able to structure the event to be inclusive of our non-profits. It’s a win-win situation for us and our non-profits, thanks to our presenting sponsor Chinook Winds and our many other sponsors.”

Commercial Wine Competition

Also a part of the festival is the Commercial Wine Competition, now in it’s 26th year. It has become one of the most prestigious medals a winery can attain. This year, there were 167 entries, of those 25 received Gold medals, 45 received Silver, and 29 received Bronze. The Best of Show was taken by Ponzi Vineyards 2008 Chardonnay, a Willamette Valley Reserve.

You must be 21 years or older to attend this event and must have valid ID (no exceptions).

This information is provided by the Newport Chamber of Commerce - FMI call 800-262-7844

~ Thanks & have fun AT THE BEACH!

Are you looking to take your Valentine to the beach this year? Well.. you don’t have to wait until Valentines Day to take advantage of this great romantic getaway deal..  The Inn at Cape Kiwanda in beautiful Pacific City Oregon is offering a Two Night Sweet Escape Package any day in February.. you can escape and enjoy this romantic getaway special now!

Celebrate Valentine’s Day every day in February~ Sweet Escape 2 Night Package ♥

The package includes two relaxing nights in an ocean view room with a stunning view of Haystack Rock and the Pacific Ocean, a bottle of Eola Hills Chardonnay or Pinot Noir wine, delectable truffles by Posh Sweets, “Ocean Ambiance” basket of spa products, $25 dining credit for the Pelican Pub & Brewery and a $10 Stimulus Espresso Cafe gift card. Haven’t you been dreaming of stealing away for a relaxing weekend at your favorite little beach town?

At the Inn at Cape Kiwanda, you can experience beautiful boutique hotel accommodations on the Oregon Coast.  No need to settle for anything else. They have worked hard to make certain the Inn has everything you’ll need for a comfortable, relaxed stay…

• Ocean-view balconies
• Flat-screen LCD televisions
• DVD player and complimentary library
• Pillow-top mattresses
• Leather sofas in single bed rooms
• Free wi-fi
• Gas fireplaces
• Aveda bath products
• Complimentary morning newspaper
• Complimentary bottled water

Visit the Inn at Cape Kiwanda to book now or call and speak to a reservation specialist at 888-965-7001

~Thanks & have fun AT THE BEACH ♥

Pacific Beach, Moclips, Aloha & Seabrook WA~ February 24, 25 & 26

The Chocolate Festival on the Beach was so popular in its fourth year event, that it’s reported visitors and vendors are making their travel plans far in advance for 2012… you haven’t booked your Pacific Beach lodging yet, hurry as the winter storm last year didn’t stop this fun event from surpassing expectations!

Enjoy three miles of chocolate! There are events taking place all the way from Seabrook to Moclips. They also have Two vendor buildings this year. You could say State Route 109 and Ocean Beach Rd./Main St. in Pacific Beach, Is Chocolate Central… then the chocolate ripples out from there.

The Chocolate on the Beach Festival has grown so much that it has become its own entity. Their mission is to unite the North Beach community and businesses by providing a charitable, fun and entertaining experience that would enhance tourism and economic growth through the diversity of chocolate.  A percentage of the proceeds will benefit the Museum of the North Beach’s Moclips Depot Rebuilding Project.

The Local Business community welcomes you to entertain your taste buds all weekend long, with special Chocolate Menus and Events!

~ Chocolate Bake Sale
~ Chocolate Vendors and Crafts
~ Chocolate and Wine
~ Chocolate Recipe Contest
~ Family Events and Much More!!
~ Admission is only $5 per adult, includes both Saturday & Sunday!

For more information visit Chocolate on the Beach Festival 2012~ Enjoy

Video by Kevdude111 – Oregon Coast Waves in Slow Motion

If you love to watch an Oregon Coast winter storm, now is the time to enjoy some fantastic discount rates when you stay in an Oregon Coast vacation rental. You can relax indoors and watch the pounding surf from a cozy ocean front getaway… then head to the beach at low tide after a storm to find treasures washed in… an ideal time to find agates or maybe even a rare glass float!

Winter at the beach is a great time for uncrowded shopping in unique specialty shops… its also a great time to stay in and just relax… there is no place like the beach during the quiet season to rest and renew.

Here are just a few examples of some great discounts offered on Oregon Coast lodging during the Fall and Winter Season:

Beachcombers NW Seasonal Specials  also see this page for Last Minute Deals and Availability

Oregon Beach Vacations Winter Booking Sale!  12/1/11 – 2/24/12 – Save 25% off the nightly rate. Restrictions Apply: Excluded Dates 12/18/11 – 1/3/12 and 2/24-26/12. All stays must be completed by 2/28/2012. Use Promo Code 1111 when you reserve online.

Oregon Shores Vacation Rentals Winter Special *Rent 2+ Get 1 FREE! If you rent 2 or more consecutive nights you will receive 1 additional consecutive night FREE. Your reservation arrival date must be after 10/15/2011 and your reservation departure date must be before 03/09/2012. *

~ Thanks & have fun AT THE BEACH!

Are your looking for pet friendly oceanfront lodging on the Washington Coast? Vacations by the Sea offers oceanfront dog friendly condos in Westport… a perfect choice for a Washington beach vacation for you and your dogs!

Vacations by the Sea believes dogs are part of your family… they know dogs love the beach and you don’t want to leave your friend at home… so  bring them along ! They have the most pet friendly units to choose from on the Washington Coast!  Their pet friendly units are very popular year round and frequently sell out on weekends so it is best to call early for the best selection.

They do charge a $30 pet fee per stay and there are a few common sense rules outlined the their pet policy.  By making a reservation and entering the condo you agree to all terms and conditioned outlined in the pet policy agreement. The rules are simple and straight forward – the basic tenet being that you are responsible for your dog at all times and if your dog creates a problem, you agree to take responsibility for it.  They offer convenient wash stations located throughout the property to hose off your dog before heading back up to the condo too!

Vacations by the Sea loves meeting well mannered dogs so bring them in during check-in for a special treat

*Photo & information provided by Vacations by the Sea Pet Friendly Condos, Westport WA

Thanks & have fun AT THE BEACH!