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Oregon Coast Picks of the Week: Weather, Song, Romance and Food

Sunrise/moon photos by Tiffany Boothe, Seaside Aquarium

(Oregon Coast) - Need a reason to get away to the coast – and get away from the cold valley? The Oregon coast will provide just this. The coast will be your ticket away from the deep freeze, along with a really nice day predicted for Friday.

It’s one of those weird things about the coast a lot of people don’t know about: it’s not all storms and gloom in January. There’s usually about seven days of sunny days scattered throughout the month, and Friday will be one of them. True, Friday’s high will be in the mid 40’s – still kind of chilly. But it will be warmer than the I-5 corridor and towns like Portland or Eugene.

Saturday will probably have showers, but the Portland area may be having snow about this time. The Oregon coast will remain somewhat warm, with the lows going no lower than the 40’s.

Not to mention these clear skies of this week mean some extraordinary sights when it comes to the moon. First, the skies are much clearer on the coast, which provide incredible stargazing opportunities.

The nearly full moon will make for some ethereal moments on the beach. While it will probably obliterate most of the stars, it will cause the beach to look like snow. To catch the moonlight reflecting on the water will be especially entrancing. At certain angles, it can twinkle rather brightly in the waves. Altogether, this makes for some unbelievably romantic times at the coast – conducive to what could well be among the most memorable of such moments. Yow.

More unbelievable sights will show themselves at sunrise. Tiffany Boothe of Seaside Aquarium caught this jaw-dropping moonset in the west.

“The last three mornings the moon has been full and setting over the ocean just before, during, and after sunrise,” Boothe said. “Absolutely amazing.”

There are some other events you should check out – actually well worth driving out to the coast for by themselves. Plus, there’s a tip on a fabulous group of vacation rentals you’ll want to sample, should you head to the central coast.

Pilar French performed at the Nehalem Bay Winery during the summer

Saturday: Pilar French performs at Goose Hollow, Seaside. Portland's Pilar French is one of those surprising talents who can mow you over with intelligent, passionate songwriting, as well as give you a groove to shake it to. She's a varied musician, and not just because she plays guitar and bass, depending on the situation. One minute she's loungy, smoky and silky. The next she's belting out a bluesy tune that’s slightly askew. Another moment finds her in a funk vein, and then she's somewhat ethereal and most definitely intimate and intense.

Pilar calls it twisted funk and blues, but there's more to it than that. This veteran insider of many local bands and styles may spend much time with the backbeat and the danceability, but Pilar has an arty, introspective side as well. She can be reminiscent of Marlene Dietrich singing Cole Porter, or maybe Nicolette Larson, Steely Dan, Maria Muldaur or Dave Matthews with touches of soul, and the occasional shot of more esoteric artists like Sarah McLaughlin. Free. 7 p.m. The Goose Hollow is located at 220 Ave U in Seaside. 503.717.1940.

Weird sights come out on the beach at night, like this scene where a chunk of driftwood looks like a nocturnal alien

Saturday: Learn to Make Hawaiian-Style Luaus at Home, Lincoln City. It’s more than a cooking class as Chef Mike Downing of Quimby’s in Newport will hold his third class at the Pacific Coast Center for Culinary Arts on January 26 at 4 p.m. The class will focus on creating a Hawaiian Style Luau from your very own home kitchen.

Having grown up in Hawaii, Chef Downing has learned (and created) some sure-fire techniques to get you well versed in preparing an authentic Luau right at home. After the curriculum portion of this class, Chef Downing will treat guests to a mini luau using the “fruits of the day’s labor.” Menu includes Ahi Poke, Oven Kalua Pork, Chicken Luau, Lomi Salmon, Mike's Mac Salad, Lau Lau's, Poi and Haupia. The cost for this class is $45, which includes tastings.

A list of classes offered at the Pacific Coast Center for Culinary Arts can be found at www.oregoncoast.org. To register for a class, call Katera Woodbridge at 800-452-2151 or 541-996-2119.

Gorgeous scenes like this await if you stay in Lincoln City

Cool Place to Stay: Oregon Beach House Rentals on the central coast. If you’re looking for interesting places to stay in Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport and places in between, this is it. They’ve got 20 gorgeous homes that sleep up to 18 guests, plus side-by-side homes to double that. Some are even pet friendly.

There is everything from cottages to massive homes: some new oceanfront and some renovated historic beach houses. You’ll find wonders all over the central Oregon coast, from the hidden Road's End neighborhood, scenic Otter Rock, Boiler Bay, Newport’s Nye Beach to a variety of homes along the seven miles of Lincoln City’s pristine sands.

Homes come with a long list of features: barbecues, large decks, antique furnishings, wood stoves, gas fireplaces, hardwood floors, Jacuzzis and hot tubs. Most also provide music, books and movies. Depending on the home, you may find air hockey, lofts, a hammock, in-floor radiant heat, custom kitchens, video games, game rooms and arcades. All are fully stocked with linens, bedding, towels, dishes and cookware.

There are custom condo units that are just a few steps to the sand and have full access to an indoor pool and sauna. Every home greets you with a welcome beach bucket of snacks and goodies. 888-755-7783. www.cottagesbythebeach.com.

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.

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