Glass Float Giveaway Begins on Central Oregon Coast

Glass found in Agate Beach (courtesy Starfish Point)

(Newport, Oregon) – Beginning November, Newport becomes a winter wonderland for tourists - again.

Their next trip to the Oregon coast could be one of a kind, just like the original commemorative glass floats given away by Newport merchants this winter. No stormy beachcombing or wave dodging is required to find one of these 200 luminous artisan collectibles, blown by Pyromania Glass Studios.

The rules for the sixth Glass Treasures giveaway are simple. Between Nov. 1, 2006, and Jan. 31, 2007, visit one of the businesses listed at www.newportchamber.org, or on a map available from the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce (800-262-7844). Fill out an entry form and return it to the float display at the business; enter at any – or all – of the merchants. Weekly drawings will be held throughout the winter, with the remainder of the floats given away Jan. 31, when each business will select two names from its entry pool. Winners will be notified by mail.

The floats are now in production at Pyromania Glass Studios, Newport’s original source for the vibrant keepsakes that have become synonymous with the Oregon coast. Visitors can watch the Schmitz family — Dennis and Patricia, and their daughter Andrea — in action from the gallery of their Aquarium Village studio in Newport’s South Beach neighborhood. The ancient art of glass blowing is alive and well, just a stone’s throw from the Oregon Coast Aquarium and other family attractions.

Fun with sea lions on the bayfront

The Glass Treasures promotion is designed to introduce Northwest travelers to the busy “value season” in Newport. In this cozy central coast destination, families explore two historic lighthouses, exhibits at OSU’s Hatfield Marine Science Center and the Oregon Coast Aquarium, the sights and sounds of the vibrant Bayfront, the arts of Nye Beach, and the shopping throughout Newport, all while enjoying the best lodging rates of the year.

For more information on visiting Newport during the “value season,” head to www.newportchamber.org, or call 800-262-7844.

More on Newport, Oregon and glass float balls:

For decades, Japanese glass floats were a big find on Oregon’s coastline, having drifted thousands of miles after fishing boats lost these smooth, crystalline balls, used to keep their nets afloat. It was a tradition among coastal visitors to scour the beaches for them, and many locals still adorn their cabins or porches with them. They practically disappeared in the 80’s, and are extremely rare finds these days.

Now, a new glass float tradition is rising on the coast, with a few artisan glass ball blowing shops showing up in the last couple of decades and creating beautiful, ingenious works of art. They come in a myriad of colors and unique designs, and are now considered one of the more treasured finds on the coast – even if you can just buy them.

Here, you’ll find the ancient Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, only used for three years back in the 1880’s and open for tours. Then there’s the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, sitting atop a majestic basalt headland, towering into the sky and blinking its signature flash still to this day.

Other family attractions include the awe-inspiring Oregon Coast Aquarium (including its 360-degree view of the ocean from inside a glass-like tunnel), and the famed Hatfield Marine Science Center with its cutting-edge scientific research and displays for all ages.

Blu Cork Wine Bar

There’s a legendary wine bar in the charming Nye Beach District called Blu Cork, regular wine tasting at Nye Beach Gallery, a heavily supported art scene, and the streets of that neighborhood are made up to look somewhere between America at the turn of the century and Old Europe.

The district is becoming famous for its many fine cuisine choices, such as the stellar, Mediterranean-themed fine dining at April’s at Nye Beach, the unique, stunning Thai cuisine of Thai Talay, and the family-style gourmet of Café Stephanie. Or shop until you drop at a dozen distinctive sellers of various interesting ideas for yourself or for gifts, such as the surprises at Illingworth's Gifts or the global fare at Jovi.

In the meantime, you’ll want to explore the pristine beaches of Newport – most of which are up against Nye Beach. You may still run across a real Japanese glass float that has been wandering the oceans for decades.

For a detailed virtual tour of Newport and Nye Beach, see https://www.beachconnection.net/vtour_newport.htm.

DIVE INTO LUXURY, HISTORY AT THE TIDES

THE TIDES BY THE SEA, Seaside. For over 80 years, The Tides has been a favorite of Seaside visitors. History meets modern luxury here. 51 oceanfront condos, individually owned and decorated. Find suites for couples, small apartments with fireplaces and kitchenettes, one or two bedroom family units with fireplaces, kitchens and dining rooms. There are wonderful oceanview cottages that sleep anywhere from two to eight people, with two bedrooms, some with lofts, fireplaces and kitchens.
Meanwhile, the heated outdoor pool, enormous grounds with picnic tables and location at the quiet southern end of Seaside make for some memorable means of play and repose. 2316 Beach Drive. 800-548-2846. www.thetidesbythesea.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 our entire property for 20-26. All units close to beach, river and Broadway St.
Suites are designed for two adults; vacation rental units for families. All units have kitchen and many have fireplace, deck and jetted tub. Enjoy comfy robes & slippers, luxury bath amenities, quality linens and more. See us on The Travel Channel's "Great Escapes" show in August 2006. 741 S. Downing St., Seaside. 800-738-6691. www.SeasideSuites.com