Over 1000 people attend each year for the great food and unique atmosphere (thanks to the “Wild Women of Charleston”). Attendees feast on fresh Dungeness crab dinners, whole or half crabs at market price with beans, salad, bread and beverage.

Charleston Merchants Association’s 27th Annual Crab Feed
Date: Saturday February 11, 2012
Time: 11am-3pm
Location: Old Charleston School Charleston, OR 97420
Directions: Follow signs on Hwy. 101 to Charleston. Go across the bridge in Charleston & head uphill toward the State Parks, then turn left on Seven Devils Rd. and look for signs.
(541) 269-0215

If you want to make a day of it- we recommend checking out the Charleston Harbor- a bustling marina serving charter boat operators, sports fishermen, crabbers and recreational boaters. The harbor offers wonderful views & a variety of shops/restaurants.

You could also treat yourself to a wine and chocolate tasting at Charleytown Market which is located right by the bridge. This is a really great shop that specializes in all things Oregon coast. Browsing through there is always a treat and with wine and chocolate you really can’t go wrong.

If the weather is rainy, head over to Shore Acres State Park and watch from the safety of the storm watching hut, you’ll get amazing photo ops of the famous crashing waves and you’ll never again question why anyone would go storm watching. If it’s a clear day, check out Cape Arago State Park.  Its located at the end of the loop of Cape Arago Hwy and there’s a small trail head that leads down to the beach. There’s hardly ever anyone there and you’ll be blown away by the beauty as you walk down the trail.

Cajun Oysters: Hilltop House Restaurant & Lounge

This place serves some of our favorite seafood dishes, and the sauce that goes on their fresh local oysters  is out of this world. Its all we can do not to lick our plates, luckily they provided enough homemade bread to slop it all up! As an added bonus, you get a  fantastic view of the Haynes Inlet and the sand dunes.

93405 Willsey Lane, North Bend
Cuisine: Pacific Northwest, Steakhouse, Seafood
541-756-4160 Hours: Open for dinner Wed – Sun.
hilltophouserestaurant.com

Grilled Cajun Oysters or Grilled Garlic/Butter Oysters at the Coach House

Simple basic, and heaven. The Coach House is off the beaten path but the locals know, the grilled anything here is amazing. A local’s favorite tucked around the bay in the Eastside area. Mesquite BBQ, steaks, ribs, seafood and pasta. BBQ Oysters and chowder made the old fashioned way. Outside dining and catering available.

604 6th Avenue, Coos Bay
541-267-5116

Fried Oyster Sandwich at Fisherman’s Grotto

This recommendation came from from an avid oyster lover via Facebook who loves this pan fried sandwich.  We’re told this is the best she’s had in this county (and that is a big endorsement from a self proclaimed picky oyster lover!). Full line of seafood, fish & Chips, clam chowder and deli sandwiches. Groups welcome, lots of parking. Covered patio open during summer. Open daily. Summer hours 8am-9pm, winter hours 11am-7pm. East End of Charleston Bridge.

91149 Cape Arago Hwy, Charleston
541-888-3251
www.fishermansgrottoinc.com

Pan Fried Oysters at High Tide Cafe

Lightly breaded and perfectly cooked. Makes for a great appetizer. Breakfast served until noon, lunches and dinners. Awesome Chowder! Fresh seafood dishes, a variety of sandwiches and salads. Beer and wine available. Wed-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-8pm.

91124 Cape Arago Hwy, Charleston
541-888-3664
www.hightidecafellc.com

Oysters Rockefeller at Blue Heron Bistro

Katherine Hoppe, director of The Coos Bay – North Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau says this is the first meal she had when she moved to Coos Bay 6 years ago and never forgot it: “This baked yummy goodness was the perfect celebratory dinner to my new community!”

Coos Bay’s downtown restaurant serving German specialties and amazing seafood and of course a secret recipe chowder. 18 Microbrews and imported beers on draft. Outdoor patio open in the summer.  Hours: Open daily, 11am-5pm. Extended Summer Hours

100 W. Commercial Ave, Coos Bay
541-267-3933
www.blueheronbistro.com

Oyster Burger at Miller’s at the Cove Sports Bar & Grill (in Charleston)

This recommendation also came from an oyster fan via Facebook who says their Oyster Burger is “awesome”. This spot offers great daily specials, seafood and is child friendly until 9pm.

Oyster Cove Plaza
63346 Boat Basin Road
Charleston, Oregon 97420
(541) 808-2404
millersatthecove.com

Raw Oysters – you gotta go to Claussen’s or Chuck’s Seafood Market!

Not a restaurant, but they do serve their oysters raw and you can eat them there and buy plenty to take home with you.

Chuck’s Seafoods, Inc (serving Qualmann Oysters)
91135 Boat Basin Drive, Charleston
(541) 888-5525 • www.chucksseafood.com

Claussen’s Oysters
66234 N Bay Rd North Bend, OR 97459
(541) 756-3600
www.silverpointoysters.com

The Clambake Jazz Festival is well known throughout the region for it’s Big Band, Zydeco, Blues, Gospel, Oldies, Rock & Roll and Swing sounds- and yes, there is dancing!

A lot of people ask us “What is a clambake” and “Are there baked clams”? A “clambake” is a jam session- not a food festival (though we have plenty of those coming up). That doesn’t mean that you can’t get good seafood while you are here! Check our site for great seafood restaurants all over the area.

The 2012 theme is “More than Just Jazz” and features the sounds of some of our favorite musicians including Soulpie, Gator Beat, Stompy Jones, Coup d’Bop, Peter Krebs Trio, Sister Swing, Young Bucs, Evolution Jazz Band /Youth Bands, The Stolen Sweets, Tom Rigney & Flambeau, It’s About Time, Big Band High Street Band and Big Skies Big Band.

We recommend that you book your reservations early by visiting our lodging section.

The 2012 venues are:
The Mill Casino – Salmon Room East-West Family Site until 10 pm
The Spruce-Cedar Room Family Site until 10 pm
The Hazel-Willow-Beargrass Room, Family Site until 10 pm
The Red Lion
(All are Non-smoking venues)

Tickets to the January 20, 2012 Clambake Jazz Festival Preview are just $10 and on sale now at KoKwel Gifts inside The Mill Casino and can be purchased by visiting www.clambakejazz.org/events.

Tickets/badges to the March 9-11, 2012 Festival are available at www.clambakejazz.org/badges or by calling the Mill Casino to purchase tickets at 800.953.4800. See Festival website for band schedules and more info: www.clambakejazz.org

Here on Oregon’s Adventure Coast, we happen to think we have some of the best clam chowder you’ll find anywhere. In fact, we’re so confidant we’re putting our money where our mouth is.

Book our Chowder Bounty Lodging Specials at a participating hotel and we’ll give you a Dining Gift Certificate for TWO FREE CUPS OF CHOWDER* to sample some of our best. View Chowder Bounty Lodging Rates.

And just to say thank you, here’s a collection of some of our favorite chowder recipes for you to try out yourself!

Participating Restaurants:

Back Alley Pub & Grill @ North Bend Lanes (bowling alley) ($-$$)

Popular spot for salads, sandwiches & homemade soups. Just for Chowder Bounty we’re bringing back Mom’s Chowder! Beer, wine & microbrew available and full bar. Located in modern bowling center with cosmic bowling!

Coach House ($$-$$$)

A local’s favorite tucked around the bay in the Eastside area. Mesquite BBQ, steaks, ribs, seafood and pasta. BBQ Oysters and chowder made the old fashioned way. Outside dining and catering available.

High Tide Café  ($$-$$$)

Awesome secret-recipe award winning Chowder! Fresh seafood dishes, a variety of sandwiches and salads. Warm coastal feel with fireplace and bay view. Breakfast served until 2pm, lunches and dinners. Beer, wine & cocktails available.

Hilltop House Restaurant & Lounge 
($$$)

Tasty local seafood, steaks, nightly specials, and serving both Manhattan and New England style chowder! Nostalgic setting overlooking the bay.

Miller’s at the Cove 
($$)

Charleston’s newest sports pub, family friendly til 9pm. Warm, fun atmosphere specializing in fish tacos, hand battered fish ‘n chips, and brothy chowder made from scratch and honed to perfection by our own customers.

Outdoor-In ($-$$)

A family friendly experience best described as “eatertainment”. Extensive menu featuring pizza, burgers, specialty sandwiches and the #1 voted Clam Chowder on the South Coast. 2000 sq ft playground & arcade area make for a great place to meet friends and family.

Plank House @ The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park ($$$)

Overlooking the peaceful, shimmering waters of Coos Bay. Try one of the Early Bird dinner specials from 4-6pm daily! Always great seafood, steaks and chowder made to perfection.

Shark Bites 
($$)

Seafood Café attached to Waxer’s surfshop. Great coastal ambience, amazing fish tacos and offering a gluten-free chowder that you have to taste to believe!

“We look forward to offering our customers the convenience of nonstop flights to some of the most stunning coastline in the Pacific United States, including some of the best golf anywhere in the world at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort,” said Rob McKinney, President–SeaPort Airlines. “The northbound service will also provide residents along the Southwest Oregon Coast an opportunity to experience all that our hometown of Portland has to offer or make connections throughout the Pacific Northwest.”

Flights will be available for purchase after 12pm today on www.SeaPortAirlines.com, and in all major GDSs and online travel sites as the week progress. The current flight schedule between North Bend/Coos Bay and Portland is as follows:

Fares for Portland to North Bend/Coos Bay will start as low as $89* in each direction. To kick-off the new service, SeaPort is offering an introductory fare of $59* each way. The introductory fare will be available for purchase until January 15, 2012 for travel from January 15 through February 29, 2012. Seats are limited and other restrictions may apply. See www.SeaPortAirlines.com for details. Additionally, between January 15 and March 15, 2012, all members of SeaPort’s FlyerFlex™ loyalty program will earn double credit on flights between North Bend/Coos Bay and Portland.

Customers traveling to and from North Bend/Coos Bay will enjoy the comfort and convenience of SeaPort’s private terminal at Portland International Airport that offers comfortable seating, complimentary coffee, tea, hot cider, and world-famous Voodoo Doughnuts that are all removed from the crowds and long-lines of the main terminal. Complimentary shuttle service is provided between SeaPort’s terminal and the main airline terminal for those customers connecting with other flights or wishing to use light rail service to and from downtown Portland.

SeaPort is also launching a contest on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ pages with chances to win round trip tickets on the new service.

About SeaPort Airlines
Portland, Oregon-based SeaPort Airlines, Inc. operates daily scheduled flights in Oregon, Washington, Arkansas, Kansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Texas, and Alaska. Reservations can be made by calling 888-573-2767, at www.SeaPortAirlines.com, or through all major GDS systems. Follow SeaPort on Facebook, Twitter, and via their blog the SeaPort RePort.

1.  Whale Watch Week (Dec 26-Jan 1)

Visit trained “Whale Watching Spoken Here” volunteers at Shore Acres State Park from 10am to 1pm to learn more about migrating Gray whales. Call 541-888-3732
www.WhaleSpoken.org

2. 2011 Shore Acres Festival of Lights (nightly through Dec 31)

This is one of our favorite local holiday traditions and is open to the public from 4-9:30 PM each night (including Dec 24 & 25) until December 31, 2011. Visit www.shoreacres.net

3.  Chowder Bounty (through March 1, 2012)

Book our Chowder Bounty Lodging Specials at a participating hotel and we will give you a Dining Gift Certificate for TWO FREE CUPS OF CHOWDER to sample some of our best from participating restaurants. (1 Night Minimum Stay)
www.chowderbounty.com

4. New Years Eve Parties

There is no shortage of New Years Eve  in North Bend/Coos Bay. Here are a few events happening that evening:

• North Bend Lanes New Year’s Eve Party (6:30pm-12:30am)

  Two NYE’s Party: Monte Carlo Color Pin bowling at 6:30pm and 80’s music in the bar starting at 9:30pm. Includes food, adult beverages, bowling shoes and a chance to win $500! Cost is $29 but Facebook friends get in for $25! Special cosmic bowling for all ages from 10pm – 12:30pm ($15). www.northbendlanes.com

• Swingin’ New Year’s Eve Party at The Mill Casino Hotel (events all weekend)

  Random prize giveaways, Dance party in the Salmon Room starting at 9pm (tickets on sale at KoKwel Gifts), with midnight champagne toast and balloon drop or get down with live music in Warehouse 101. The Saw Blade will be offering a $19.95 New Year’s Eve all you can eat buffet from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 31, followed by a $17.95 New Year’s Day brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday www.themillcasino.com

• Oregon Coast Culinary Institute New Year’s Eve Venetian Masquerade Ball (8:30pm – 1am)

  Attendees should come dressed in their finest wear and don their favorite mask if they like! Upon arrival, guests will be entertained with gourmet food, champagne toast, dancing, no-host bar, silent auction, and countdown to midnight with a roaring fire inside a giant ice tower. Party goers will be surrounded by ice sculptures from Master Carver Chris Foltz. Tickets are $30 advance or $35 at the door. Call 541-888-7189 for reservations. www.occi.net

5. Polar Bear Plunge Jan 1, 2012 9am- SHARP!

Sunset Bay State Park, Cape Arago Hwy

Join us as we celebrate this annual tradition with our local Polar Bears for a New Year’s dive in to the ocean. The only rule is that you must completely immerse yourself. Spend 1-5 minutes in our waters and you’re sure to start your new year off right! Everyone is welcome!

Just one taste and you will see why we’re prouder of our chowder! The following recipe is a great dish to serve at upcoming holiday gatherings:

Clam Chowder with Fresh Corn & Jalapeno

By Jardin Kazaar of the Black Market Gourmet

4 Cups minced clams (may use canned)
2 Cups fresh shucked corn
1 stalk of celery (minced)
1 medium onion (diced)
2 qt. Chicken stock (or canned clam juice)
1 Jalapeno (finely diced)
4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (diced)
¼ C butter & ¼ C olive oil
2 Cups heavy cream
2 heaping Tbs. Flour for the roux
Salt / pepper to taste

In a large pot, sweat the celery, onions, potatoes, and Jalapeno in oil and butter on medium heat. When the potatoes are tender, add the flour and keep stirring while adding liquid stock. Add corn and clams, continue stirring while watching for stock to thicken. Last add the cream and adjust seasoning with salt and / or pepper.

For more recipes from Chef Jardin Kazaar, watch his 5 Minute Gourmet series on KCBY CBS 11. Visit our Chowder Bounty Recipe Page to view and download more  recipes!

The Coos Bay – North Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau wants visitors to discover our hidden treasures and taste the world’s best Clam Chowder.   Book our Chowder Bounty Lodging Specials between now and March 1 at a participating hotel and give you a Dining Gift Certificate for TWO FREE CUPS OF CHOWDER to sample some of our best from participating restaurants. (1 Night Minimum Stay)

If you are considering hosting your event on Oregon’s Adventure Coast contact the Coos Bay – North Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau at 1-800-824-8486 or 541.269.0215 (local). We will answer your questions and work with you, one-on-one, to define needs and find unique and creative venues, as well as provide itineraries for social outings. We know that you need to meet specific logistical items to have a successful event, such as rooms, meeting space, catering, access and support services and to that end, rest assured that we can help!

Most of the whales will be about 5 miles out, but some can be seen as close as 1-2 miles off shore.  Trained volunteers will be available at 26 Whale Watching Spoken Here sites Dec. 26-Jan.1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (including Shore Acres State Park) to teach visitors more about migrating gray whales.

Whale Watching Spoken Here® is currently the largest whale watching organization in the world. For more than 30 years hundreds of trained volunteers have helped visitors watch whales at 26 sites in three states along the Pacific Northwest coast.

Helpful Links:

Whale Watching Sites
Shore Acres State Park
Whale Watching Tips

2011-2012 Whale Watching Weeks
Winter: Dec. 26, 2011-Jan 1, 2012
Spring: March 24-March 31, 2012

Photo Credit: @Friends of Shore Acres

The brightest and most beautiful place on the West Coast shines as brightly as ever in 2011.

Shore Acres State Park off Cape Arago Hwy will celebrate their 25th annual Holiday Lights display! This has become one of our favorite local holiday traditions, and has captured the attention of media and visitors from all over the country.

This festive display debuts on Thursday, November 25th (Thanksgiving) and is open to the public from 4-9:30 PM each night (including Dec 24 & 25) until December 31, 2011.

Hard to believe that 25 years ago, a group came together and decided to “string a few lights” to help celebrate the holiday.   Who knew back in 1987, this would bloom into one of the most anticipated holiday events on the Oregon Coast!

Where else can you see over 300,000 Lights (almost all L.E.D.) in the shape of sea animals, birds, flowers, ships and more? This magical display is made possible by Friends of Shore Acres, an estimated 1500 volunteers, the park staff and the financial support of local businesses, the community and the visitors who attend each season.

The Holiday Lights at Shore Acres was featured on Travel Oregon’s Grant’s Getaways:

Shore Acres State Park is famous for its beautiful 7 acre botanical gardens Japanese lily pond, and Garden House- and the holiday light display is nothing less than stunning. Visitors can also enjoy a walk-thru display, see the Garden House and enjoy hot cider, punch, coffee and cookies with friends.

For more information and directions visit www.shoreacres.net or call Shore Acres for more information 541-888-3732