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Oregon Coast Fourth Celebrations: Newport Goes Boom on Independence Day |
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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, Wadport, Yachats & Florence.
06/11/07
Secrets of the Season |
Oregon Coast Fourth Celebrations: Newport Goes Boom on Independence Day
(Newport,
Oregon) – Most places in Oregon claim to have the biggest firework
display on the Fourth of July. But even if Newport doesn’t have
the most rockets going boom in the air, it has the largest celebration
from more divergent angles. There’s not only the rockets’
red, green blue, yellow and purple glare, but the Oregon Coast Aquarium
has its Sea Lion Encounter that day, while Marine Discovery Tours offers
a particularly enticing cruise on the bay.
The
centerpiece is of course the massive fireworks display that is shot off
from South Beach. Every year, tens of thousands of tourists and residents
gather along miles and miles of vantage points to witness what is certainly
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 bridge and see fireworks hovering at the same elevation as you.
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| Fireworks often shoot higher than the bridge in Newport |
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.
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. |
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 tons of viewing spots. But add to that about three miles of places along the north and south riverbanks of the Yaquina River where you can see the fireworks and you have some of the largest variety of vantage points in Oregon.
On the Yaquina Bay, Marine Discovery Tours is offering its special 4th of July Cruise, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. They’re hosting a party aboard their spacious Discovery cruise ship or the 27-foot speed boat Oregon Rocket. The holiday package includes:
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| Newport's bay is filled with other boats during the display, which creates some interesting moments |
- Deluxe, three-hour narrated Harbor & River cruise
- Look for sea life, pull crab pots and drive with the Captain
- Red, White and Blueberry Shortcake with coffee & tea
- Grand Finale is the best seats in the bay for the fireworks
STARFISH
POINT Newport - Offers only the finest in luxury condominium
lodging. Every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the
beach. |
- Beer, Wine and soft drinks available for purchase
Cost is $52. Reservations required. 541-265-6200.
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| Fireworks will be very visible from the park housing the Yaquina Bay lighthouse |
At the Oregon Coast Aquarium, it’s the Sea Lion Encounter. Guests will learn more about seals and sea Lions and have the pleasure of a gentle kiss from one of their friendlier sea lions. Must be 8 years of age to participate. Members $40, Non-Members $45 per person. 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Oregon Coast Aquarium. 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd. Newport, Oregon. 541-867-3474. www.aquarium.org
The Nye Beach district of Newport will hold its annual historic clambake on Saturday, July 7 – often held in conjunction with Independence Day events. The festival will include food vendors, seafood, crafts, live music and historic walking tours.
For more information on Newport’s celebration, call the Newport Chamber of Commerce at 800-262-7844.
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. |
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. |
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. |
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 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 |
 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 |
DIVE
INTO LUXURY, HISTORY AT THE TIDES THE TIDES BY THE SEA, Seaside. For over 80 years a favorite of Seaside visitors. 51 oceanfront condos, individually owned and decorated. Suites for couples, small apartments with fireplaces and kitchenettes, one or two bed family units with fireplaces, kitchens and dining rooms. Oceanview cottages sleep anywhere from two to eight, w/ two bedrooms, some with lofts, fireplaces and kitchens. Heated outdoor pool, enormous grounds w/ picnic tables - all at quiet southern end of Seaside. 2316 Beach Drive. 800-548-2846. www.thetidesbythesea.com. |
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SECTIONS |
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| oregon coast weather | |||||||||||||
| oregon coast mileage chart & map | |||||||||||||
| day trips, suggested itineraries | |||||||||||||
| Oregon Coast Lodging Specials | |||||||||||||
| Search BeachConnection.net's 1,000 pages | |||||||||||||
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| Oregon Coast Pictures | |||||||||||||
| Atypical Things to Do | |||||||||||||
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| Seaside, Oregon Lodging | |||||||||||||
| Cannon Beach, Oregon Lodging | |||||||||||||
| Lincoln City Lodging | |||||||||||||
| Depoe Bay Lodging | |||||||||||||
| Cannon Beach Complete Guide | |||||||||||||
| Lincoln City Complete Guide | |||||||||||||
| Seaside, Oregon Complete Guide | |||||||||||||
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