 |
 |
Oregon Coast Picks of the Week: Rock, Fossils and Truffles |
|---|
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.
02/05/08
Secrets of the Season |
Oregon Coast Picks of the Week: Rock, Fossils and Truffles
 |
| Lots lies in Yachats this weekend, where dramatic ocean vistas dominate |
(Oregon Coast) - It's a varied week in this first weekend of February, as the coast gears up for the inevitable surprises of nearly spring-like temperatures (yes, there’s a run of it every February) and the flood of romancers expected for the following weekend right after Valentine’s Day.
It's a mixed and wondrous bag of food, rock 'n' roll, strange fossil finds and some stunning places to stay on the central coast that will spark the imagination. Here's what BeachConnection.net suggests for the week.
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. |
The Trouble with Truffles: Make them on the coast
 |
| After a long day of sweating over truffle-making, you may want to hit glorious Lincoln City beaches like this one |
Learn to make truffles in Lincoln City on Saturday, February 9 with Chef Matt Bennett, the Executive Chef & Owner of Sybaris Bistro in Albany. He’ll be the guest chef at the Pacific Coast Center for Culinary Arts in February to teach an Oregon Truffle class.
During this two-hour demonstration and tasting class, Chef Bennett will teach students about the exotic world of truffles, which are the world’s most expensive natural food.
The class menu includes Truffled leek and potato soup, chicken with black truffles and white truffle pasta and Valrhona chocolate-black truffle ice cream. If you’ve ever been curious why truffles typically fetch about $250 per pound at the market, here’s your chance to be enlightened.
The class will be held from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. Class costs $50 per person with many tastings included.
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, contact Katera Woodbridge at 800-452-2151 or 541-996-2119.
 |
| Scallop fossil embedded in rock on the north Oregon coast |
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. |
Dig Deep Into Oregon Coast Fossils
The Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport will go underground on February 9 with Fossil Fest – a collection of events for collectors of fossils and those interested in dino-age objects.
Bring in your fossils for expert identification by Dr. William Orr of University of Oregon and “Oregon Fossil Guy” Guy DiTorrice.
At 11 a.m. DiTorrice is a part of program "Searching for Fossils from American's Two West Coasts".
 |
| You could say Guy DiTorrice "digs" his work as a beach fossil finder, but then we'd have to smack you for that awful pun. Seriously folks, he rocks. |
At 11:30 a.m., it’s "Discovering Beach Fossils From America's Two West Coasts." This is a multi-media presentation featuring beach fossils from Oregon's Pacific Coast and the Gulf Coast of Florida. Newport fossil enthusiast Guy DiTorrice presents an entertaining and educational program with a focus on comparing and contrasting readily available and legally collectible specimens.
At
1:30 p.m., it’s “Quality of the non-mammal vertebrates in
Oregon's fossil record.” Oregon's superb fossils of mammals often
outshine the less common birds, reptiles, fish and amphibians. However,
in spite of that fact, some spectacular finds of all of the latter forms
have come to light in the past few years. New varieties of large Mesozoic
marine reptiles have turned up in Eastern Oregon, while fossil fish as
a swordfish, birds including eggs, frogs and salamanders have been extracted
from Tertiary and Pleistocene intervals of western Oregon.
Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 Marine Science Dr., Newport, Oregon. 10 a.m. Admission by suggested donation. 541-867-0100. http://hmsc.oregonstate.edu
 |
| Eugene's John Shipe also rocks - but in a rocker kind of way. |
Serious Rock All Weekend in Yachats
The town known as the “gem of the Oregon coast” has quite the live music gem all its own: the Landmark Lounge. And it proves it this weekend with two of Oregon’s biggest talents: John Shipe on Friday and Phamous Phaces on Saturday.
On Friday, Eugene alt rocker John Shipe shows up with his unique brand of arty folk.
|
Shipe has a 200-plus original song repertoire, a decade of touring, radio airplay, and nine recording projects - 27 Shipe tunes have played on 100 independent and commercial radio stations, without the support of a major record label. He does bands and he does solo. He does the duo thing, and he periodically has reunions with his old touring band The Renagade Saints. For this gig the plan is to do a trio, but you really never know until he rolls into town and takes off his shoes. Free. 9 p.m.
 |
| The Landmark in Yachats is also known for incredible Italian food and lovely views |
On Saturday, dig into Phamous Phaces, a longtime jingly, jangly rock tradition in Oregon whose music transcends generations and decades, fusing influences of The Beatles, Oasis, Vertical Horizon and numerous others into a massive and broad pastiche that is timeless yet strangely always hip – kind of like a musical vampire (without the sucking, of course).
They began from different rock bands in Eugene and Salem. The group then started playing together in 1993, writing songs, making CDs and getting along in the local club scene. The brand of music was Beatlesque with the emphasis on the rocking power pop side, leading to a stint in Europe in 1998, then an appearance at the second annual International Pop Overthrow (IPO) festival in Los Angeles. At this festival, there were over 100 bands from around the world playing pop music. Phamous Phaces found a warm and accepting audience there and proceeded to play the third IPO in 1999, leading to several more trips to another trip to Europe. In 2005 in Liverpool, England, the Phaces played an impressive four shows at The Cavern Pub. One of its original members, Roger McConnell, is back at the stand. Free. 9 p.m.
The Landmark is on Highway 101 in Yachats, Oregon. (541) 547-5459.
 |
| Homes so cool they hurt, at Ocean Odyssey Vacation Rentals |
|
Cool Place to Stay of the Week: Ocean Odyssey Vacation Rentals.
With an office in Yachats, you’ll find dozens of wildly wonderful vacation rental homes not just in town, but in Waldport, around Newport and in that rugged, striking area between Yachats and Florence, where massive meadows look out over big cliffs, which in turn hover over some of the most dramatic and untouched beaches of all the Oregon coast. Those in Yachats also have incredible views: many are located right on the 804 Trail, where constant wave action creates the largest wide screen sort of entertainment you could ever imagine.
Also
quite distinctive are the types of homes you find at Ocean Odyssey. They
really have some unique architecture in their catalog. One looks like
a wave. Others are large mansions that look at home in Washington, D.C.,
or cuddly little A-frames that are sure to charm.
Find new homes and those with historic character, with amenities such as wi-fi, fireplaces, hot tubs, large decks, barbecues, fire pits, and large yards. Some truly unique features are provided in some cases. Their homes sleep from four to 26. Some stunning architectural wonders here. The award-winning website features online booking and floor plans that allow you to plan details of your vacation. Many pet friendly homes. 261 N. Hwy 101 (in Yachats Village Market). 800-800-1915. www.ocean-odyssey.com
 |
 |
 |
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. |
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 |
 |
 |
 |
 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 |
Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside
Unique Luxury Accommodations in Seaside. 1BR Suites,
1BR & 2BR Duplex Units and 3BR Houses, units for 2-8 people.
Rent entire property for 20-26. Close to beach, river and Broadway
St. |
RELATED STORIES
Click here for video of Dec. storm aftermath
Oregon 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
Structures Found on Oregon Beach May Be 80,000 Years Old - They are the remnants of a forest apparently 80,000 years old, found at Hug Point
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
|
Oregon coast mileage chart & map Day trips, suggested itineraries Search for Oregon Coast Subjects, Articles Oregon Coast Complete Guides every beach access, attraction |
|||||||||||||
OR
TAKE THE VIRTUAL TOUR |
|||||||||||||
|
For weekly updated info on lodgings and accomodation reviews, see the Travel News section