Covering
180 miles of Oregon coast travel: Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita,
Nehalem, Wheeler, Rockaway, Garibaldi, Tillamook, Oceanside, Pacific City,
Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Waldport, Yachats & Florence.
05/10/08
Central Oregon Coast Town Plans More Explosive
Holiday
(Newport,
Oregon) - In late 2007, Newport began celebrating its 125th anniversary,
and the final chapter of the celebration will happen at the town’s
Fourth of July fireworks display.
And it plans to make this one a real blow-up.
“We’re still in the year of the anniversary,”
said Newport Mayor Bill Bain. “Though our Fourth of July fireworks
display is always spectacular, we wanted to add something special to conclude
our anniversary celebration.”
The result is a massive flurry of 125 explosions at the
end of the fireworks display. The finale will quite literally honor the
town’s 125 years.
“It’s a lot like a 125-gun salute,” Bain
said.
This year the fourth falls on a Friday, allowing many
opportunities for a full three-day weekend. The various neighborhoods
and districts of Newport – the downtown Deco District, Bayfront,
Nye Beach and South Beach - will be in full celebration mode all weekend
long.
Newport’s
Fourth of July celebration always has some interesting aspects that other
local celebrations don’t. Every year, tens of thousands of tourists
and residents gather to witness what may be the most dynamic display of
fireworks in Oregon. The surrounding hills of Yaquina Bay create an unusual
effect where the sound is bounced back and forth, tripling or quadrupling
the explosion noises from the mortars.
Dozens of boats dot the bay, and some occasionally shoot
off their own flares high into the air. This creates quite the surreal
sight if you’re driving over the Yaquina Bay Bridge and see fireworks
hovering at the same elevation as you.
Chief Rick Crook, with Newport’s fire department,
heads up the crew that shoots off the big display each year. “We
don’t like a black sky,” he quips.
500 rounds,
many about six inches or three inches, fire off for about 20 minutes,
leaving viewers slack-jawed.
Crook says they reach heights of about 400 feet, often higher than the
bridge.
The surrounding hills, the extensive bay front, South Beach
and even some of the beaches near the jetties provide a large array of
viewing spots. Additionally, there is about three miles along the north
and south riverbanks of the Yaquina River where you can see the fireworks.
All of this adds up to a variety of vantage points that may indeed be
the largest Oregon has to offer.
Other events coincide with the weekend’s aerial festivities
as well.
The
Newport Symphony Orchestra gives a free 4th of July Concert at the Newport.
High School. 4 p.m.
Also on July 4, Oregon Coast Aquarium holds its Sea Otter
Encounter for ages eight and up. Learn about the sea otter’s many
adaptations and the challenges these adaptations pose for their caretakers.
Prepare icy sea otter treats and meet a mammalogist to learn about animal
care and feeding as you watch sea otters up close. 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. $30
members, $35 nonmembers. Please make reservations in advance by calling
541-867-3474 Ext. 2313. Oregon Coast Aquarium. 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd.
Newport, Oregon. 541-867-3474. www.aquarium.org
The Nye Beach Clambake takes place on Saturday, July 5,
where the entire beachfront district holds a seafood barbecue and a fair
with live music, food booths, arts and crafts and a celebration of the
neighborhood’s history.
For more information on Newport’s fireworks
and Fourth of July activities, call the Newport Chamber of Commerce at
800-262-7844. www.newportchamber.org
A1
Beach Rentals, Lincoln City. Perfect for large family
vacations all the way down to a getaway lodging for two - with
over 25 vacation rental homes to choose from. A breathtaking collection
of craftsman or traditional beachfront homes, or oceanview houses
– from one to seven bedrooms. In various areas of Lincoln
City and overlooking the beach, with some in Depoe Bay. All kinds
of amenities are available, like hot tubs, decks, BBQ, rock fireplaces,
beamed ceilings and more. Some are new, some are historic charmers.
Lincoln City, Oregon. 1-(503)-232-5984. www.a1beachrentals.com.
|
Tradewinds
Motel,
Rockaway Beach. All rooms are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s
and in-room phones w/ data ports. Oceanfronts have queen bed, a
double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and private deck.
Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed for a two-person
romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. Elaborate
oceanfront Jacuzzi suite has two bedrooms, kitchen, double hide-a-bed,
fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For family
reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect
to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms pet friendly.
523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938.
www.tradewinds-motel.com |
|
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Inn
at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south
end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by
the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach
strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering
gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms.
Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly.
Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine
and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At
Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.atcannonbeach.com. |
The
Ocean Lodge. There will not be another property built
like this in Cannon Beach in our lifetimes. Rare, premiere ocean
front location; handsome, dramatic architecture and tasteful, fun
(nostalgic) beach interiors. Overlooks Haystack Rock. 100 percent
smoke free. Imaginative special occasion packages. Massive wood
burning lobby fireplace. Library w/ fireplace, stocked with impressive
book collection. Pet and family friendly. Lavish continental buffet
breakfast. In-room fireplaces, mini-kitchens. Jacuzzi tubs in select
rooms. DVD players, complimentary movies. Morning paper. Warm cookies.
888-777-4047. 503-436-2241. 2864 Pacific Street. Cannon Beach, Oregon.
www.theoceanlodge.com |
D
Sands Condominium Motel, Lincoln City. Free, fresh baked
cookie upon check-in is just the start. All rooms beachfront and
up against Lincoln City's most famous stretch of beach: the D River.
Each room comes as a suite or mini-suite, and has a kitchen and
balcony or patio. Some w/ gas fireplaces, while all have a DVD Players;
movies to rent come with free popcorn. Heated indoor pool, a spa,
and this fabulous beach is lit at night. Rooms sleep from two, four
to six - including a deluxe fireplace suite. Gift certificates orspecial
occasion packages. www.dsandsmotel.com.
171 S.W. Highway 101. 800-527-3925. |
Arch
Cape Property Services.
Dozens of homes in that dreamy,
rugged stretch between Cannon Beach and Manzanita known as Arch
Cape. Oceanfront and ocean view , or just a short walk from the
sea.
All homes are immaculate and smoke free; some pet friendly (with
a fee). Some with broadband, indoor or outdoor hot tubs, fireplaces,
decks, and fire pits or barbecues. Call about tempting winter specials
that go until March (not valid holidays, however). www.archcaperentals.com
866-436-1607. |
Lincoln
City Vacation Homes
Something for everyone: smaller homes
with a view to a large house that sleeps 15. All are either oceanfront
or just a few steps away – all with a low bank access and
fantastic views. Most are in the Nelscott area; one is close to
the casino. You’ll find a variety of goodies: fireplaces,
multiple bedrooms, dishwashers, Jacuzzis, washer/dryers, hot tubs,
cable TV, VCR, barbecues; there’s a loft in one, and another
sprawling home has two apartments. Pets allowed in some homes
– ask first. Each comes with complete kitchens. Most have
seventh night free. Prices range from winter $85 to summer $230
per night. www.getaway2thecoast.com.
541-994-8778.
|
Inn
At Spanish Head, Lincoln City. Lincoln City’s only resort
hotel built right on the beach with all oceanfront rooms - nestled
against a rugged cliffside overlooking a soft, sandy beach. Dine
in penthouse restaurant and bar, for casual meal or candlelight
dinner. An array of seafood specialties, juicy steaks and other
Northwest favorites, including decadent Sunday buffet. Rooms range
from bedrooms to studios to 1-bedroom suites with microwaves and
refrigerators to full kitchens. Also, wi-fi, spa, saunas, exercise
room and year-round heated swimming pool. Kids will love the game
room and easy beach access. Full-service conference/meeting rooms
for that inspirational retreat; extensive wedding possibilities.
4009 SW Highway 101, Lincoln City. 1-800-452-8127 or 541-996-2161.
www.spanishhead.com |
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Coast Best of Awards for the Year And the winners
are: best of Oregon coast restaurants, lodgings, science, odd events
in nature and stunning moments for 2007
Watching
Transformations of Oregon Coast Beaches Seasons change
and so do beaches, revealing different sides and a variety of eye-popping
sights
Staggeringly
Cool Ideas for Oregon Coast Romance Be it the season
of Valentine's or be it any time of the year, Oregon's coastline has
essentially cornered the market for cuddle-inducing possibilities and
gushy activities for the hand-holding set
Day
or Night Mysteries and Merriment on Oregon Coast It's
more than just nightlife that comes to life, but the beaches offer major
opportunities
Oregon
Coast Travel Site Goes Wireless Provides Lodging Reports
- Oregon Coast Beach Connection now has mobile lodging and dining listings,
along with weekly lodging availability reports
CONTACT
/ ADVERTISE ON BEACH CONNECTION
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ASTORIA
Where the Columbia meets the Pacific,
Land of Lewis & Clark and loads of atmosphere & history |
SEASIDE
The Promenade, Tillamook Head, family
fun & broad, sandy beaches
|
CANNON
BEACH
A mysterious lighthouse, upscale
yet earthy, a huge monolith, fine eateries & an art mecca
|
NEHALEM
BAY
Manzanita's beaches, Nehalem and
Wheeler's quirky beauty; laid back Rockaway
|
TILLAMOOK BAY
Garibaldi, Barview, Bay City, Tillamook
& an oceanfront ghost town
|
THREE
CAPES LOOP
The hidden secret of the coast: Cape
Meares, a lighthouse, Oceanside, Netarts and Pacific City
|
|
DEPOE
BAY
A spouting horn downtown, freaky hidden
cliffs and whales, whales, whales |
NEWPORT
Time-tripping Nye Beach, a bustling
bayfront, marine science-central and two lighthouses |
|
YACHATS
Constantly dramatic wave action, a mix of the rugged &
upscale |
|
FLORENCE
A lighthouse, ancient bayfront and miles and miles of fluffy
dunes |
|
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