The Coos Bay – North Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau Calling for Clam Chowder Recipes for Chowder Bounty

09/03/2010

Last week, we announced our exciting new campaign launching in the Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston area October 1: Chowder Bounty.

The campaign will offer visitors $50 in dining gift certificates when they stay for two nights or more in participating lodging properties. There will also be opportunities for people to vote for their favorite chowder and interact with each other through the Oregon’s Adventure Coast Facebook page.

Make a Good Chowder? Tell the World About It!  Share Your Recipe!

The Coos Bay – North Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) is also asking for area chefs; professionals and amateurs to submit their favorite clam chowder recipes to be featured on a new website, www.ChowderBounty.com.

The new Chowder Bounty campaign is the VCB’s latest effort to increase overnight stays and will include the new website, chowder themed logo, print collateral, and both online and traditional advertising to promote overnight stays in the Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston area.

According to Katherine Hoppe, director of the VCB, value based vacations and packages have become increasingly popular with travelers. “We’re already a very affordable vacation destination compared to other coastal cities, we want to capitalize on that by packaging one of our best offerings, our chowder.”

“We know that recipes tend to be a highly trafficked area on websites and we think it will add a fun component to the site. We’d love for our community to participate and share their favorite original recipes,” said Hoppe. Recipes can be submitted via email to info@OregonsAdventureCoast.com or by mail to 50 Central Ave, Coos Bay, OR 97420.

The website launched August 23 to coincide with the annual statewide Oregon Bounty promotion which celebrates the state’s culinary abundance through unique travel experiences. Travel Oregon collaborates extensively with local communities, industry associations, government agencies and private business, and is proud to grow the Oregon Bounty promotion as a key campaign in the state’s $7.7 billion tourism industry, helping Oregon to be recognized as a not-to-be-missed culinary and travel destination. A play off of that, Chowder Bounty will run from October 1, 2010 to March 1, 2011.

Dean Runyan & Associates reports that visitors spent $163 million dollars in Coos County in 2009, with over $45 million spent on food & beverage. The VCB is hoping to increase those numbers with their Chowder Bounty campaign.

By AmyD | Posted in Food | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Reasons to Visit the Southern Oregon Coast this Month

09/01/2010

We can think of countless reasons to visit the Coos Bay/North Bend and Charleston  area this month: friendly faces, beautiful weather, gorgeous beaches, scenery, great deals on hotels and more.

September brings us many exciting events here on the Oregon Coast…here are just a few of the event highlights this month:

7th Annual Mill-luck Salmon Celebration September 4-5 at The Mill Casino Hotel. A celebration of Native American and Coquille Tribal culture on Oregon’s Coos Bay. Native American concert with Joanne Shenandoah, dancing, drumming, traditional Salmon bake, canoe races, demonstrations, vendor booths, educational displays and more. Call 541-756-8800 for more information

11th Annual Coos Basin Amateur Salmon Derby September 11-12. Tickets are $20 per person (under 13 are free) and available for purchase at local boat ramp on the day of the event. All proceeds go towards fish enhancement/education projects in Coos, Tenmile, and Eel Lake Basins. For more information contact Valerie or Armand at 541-759-2709.

Cranberry Festival & Street Rod Show September 11-12 in Old Town Bandon. Annual celebration of the cranberry industry in Bandon, Oregon.  Visitors will enjoy a parade, artists, music,  food and more!  Call Bandon Visitor Center for more information at 541-347-9616
25th Annual Cruz the Coos September 17-19 Sunset Beach, the Mill Casino Hotel, Downtown Coos Bay, and Shore Acres State Park.  More than 400 classic cars can be seen at this fun filled 3 day event. Friday night beach party, Saturday registration and poker run at the Mill Casino Hotel, Saturday night Cruz the Coos through downtown Coos Bay, and a Sunday show and shine at Shore Acres State Park. This three day event is one of the popular events of the Bay Area Fun Festival.   For more information, call Darrell King of Sunset Classic Chevys at 541-888-3863.

Bay Area Fun Festival 2010 September 17-19 Downtown Coos Bay, Various locations.  A festival of fun for families! Live Entertainment, the famous Cruz the Coos, the Prefontaine Memorial Run, parade and so much more! Variety of vendors, arts and crafts and lots of different kinds of food. Beer & wine garden. Most activities in downtown Coos Bay unless otherwise noted. (Central & Hwy 101)For more information call the Visitor Centers at 541-269-0215.

31st Annual Prefontaine Memorial Run September 18. A 10,000 meter road race honoring one of America’s Greatest Distance Runners. For more information contact the Prefontaine memorial Committee. Bob Huggin: 541-269-1103. Cost: $19 or $22 late entrance fee. Register on line at www.PrefontaineRun.com

National Estuaries Day Celebration September 25 10am-3pm. Join South Slough and other local organizations to learn about estuaries and what you can do to protect them. Information booths, children’s activities and guest speakers (free). For more information call the slough at 541-888-5558

Shore Acres Dahlia Day September 25 Shore Acres State Park. Dahlia display and experts from the Southern Oregon Dahlia Society in the Garden House/Pavilion, refreshments. Hosted by Friends of Shore Acres, 11am-4pm. Call 541-888-3732

But that is not all!  Please visit the Oregon’s Adventure Coast Events Page and our Facebook Page to learn more about the many events happening in our area throughout this month and during the year.

By AmyD | Posted in Events | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Introducing…….Chowder Bounty!

08/24/2010

Many of you have heard about Travel Oregon’s exciting new campaign: Wanderfeast launched this week to promote all of the wonderful tastes  of Oregon.  This Fall, Oregon’s Adventure Coast will be hosting our own campaign…..Allow us to introduce to you: Chowder Bounty.

What is Chowder Bounty?  So pleased you asked!

WHAT  is Chowder Bounty? Chowder Bounty is a campaign that will be launched this Fall to attract visitors and promote overnight stays in the Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston area.  The campaign will offer visitors $50 in dining gift certificates when they stay for two nights or more in participating lodging properties. There will also be opportunities for people to vote for their favorite chowder and interact with each other through the Oregon’s Adventure Coast Facebook page.  See Participating Restaurants.

WHO is promoting this?  This campaign is being launched and managed by the Coos Bay – North Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau.

WHY are we doing this? Because we believe that we have the best Chowder in the country right here on the Oregon Coast. According to Katherine Hoppe, director of the VCB, value based vacations and packages have become increasingly popular with travelers. “We’re already a very affordable vacation destination compared to other coastal cities, we want to capitalize on that by packaging one of our best offerings, our chowder.”

WHEN is Chowder Bounty? Visitors will be able to take advantage of this opportunity from October 1, 2010 – March 1, 2011

WHERE is Chowder Bounty? Hotels and other lodging facilities in Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston, Oregon. To see our list of participating hotels visit our Chowder Bounty Website.

HOW Can we help and support this? Send us your best Clam Chowder recipe for us to post on our Chowder Bounty site. Help us tell the world that the Oregon Coast indeed has the best chowder… Tell your friends, tell your family, blog about it, share it on Facebook and Twitter.

By AmyD | Posted in Events, Food, South Oregon Coast Buzz | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

The Oregon Coast Shipwrecks Exposed: The Sujameco on Horsfall Beach

04/12/2010
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Visitors to Horsfall Beach were treated to an extraordinary view this week of the remains of the steamship Sujameco that ran aground in March of 1929 in heavy fog.  High seas and low tides each winter help to expose portions of the shipwreck; but conditions this year have exposed the shipwreck from bow to stern- allowing visitors to catch the best views in years.

If you are visiting the Southern Oregon Coast this week- be sure to go by and see this piece of history for yourself!  To get there from North Bend: proceed north 1.5 miles to Transpacific Lane. Turn left and proceed 1 mile, turning right across railroad tracks. Travel 100 feet, turning right on Horsfall Beach Road. Proceed 3 miles to the Horsfall Beach Campground & Day Use Area.  The site of the Shipwreck is right by the last parking lot.

The Sujameco ran aground in 1929....Photo from the Coos County Historical Museum

View of the Sujameco Shipwreck now....Image Credit: KVAL- CBS 13

Here is a bit of history about the wreck.  To learn more about this and our other famous shipwrecks visit the Coos County Historical Museum

From The Wreck of the Sujameco story by Ann Koppy

…Submarine Boat Corporation of Newark, New Jersey designed and constructed the Sujameco for their fleet in 1920, but she was under charter to Transmarine Line, New York when she stranded. The 324′ Sujameco had left Newark in January. She was bound from San Francisco to Coos Bay in ballast with a crew of 32 men and officers…..

Captain John F. Carlson reported his position as fifty miles north of Cape Arago. Nevertheless, the U.S. Compass Station, a direction finder facility, reckoned he was close to the shoreline and advised him to change course. By then, the vessel was already in shallow water and couldn’t turn. She ran headfirst into the breakers and stayed in that position for eighteen hours. Waves then turned her broadside; she came to rest on the sandy beach, her bow pointing south. Captain Carlson later claimed he had steamed past the bar in thick fog, turned around, and was maneuvering south at full speed when the ship went aground….

The saga dragged on for several weeks…Most of the crew remained aboard for the duration, homesick and weary…..Finally, Lloyds of London, the underwriter, took over. The insurer had spent about $150,000 before selling the wreckage to Pacific Salvage Company in May.

The firm removed the engine, boilers, and everything else of value and left the hull to time and tide.

Much of the remainder was cut up for scrap metal during World War II to aid the war effort. Today, the site is easily accessible from the parking lot at Horsfall Beach in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. A short walk over the dune leads directly to this lonely, mute reminder of the hazards of coastal shipping.

By AmyD | Posted in Coos Bay, Local Features, South Oregon Coast Buzz | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (3)

Time to Hit the Amazing Oregon Coast Sand Dunes…

03/24/2010
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The weather is getting warmer and this means it is time to hit the dunes!  The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area extends for 40 miles along the Oregon Coast (including Coos Bay) and I can tell you from personal experience, these dunes are like no others in the world.

Just had to share these shots taken of our sand dunes, atv’ing, sandboarding to remind us how AWESOME this is.  Photos credit:  Bill Grami/Coos Bay – North Bend VCB

Catching some air at our Sandboarding Park at Box Car in North Bend.

Catching some air at our Sandboarding Park at Box Car in North Bend.

Catching some air like the pros!

By AmyD | Posted in Local Features | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Win Tickets to Friday’s Southcoast Clambake Jazz Festival Shows!

03/09/2010
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Pssst!  Want to win free passes to the  Friday March 12 Southcoast Clambake Jazz Festival performances?  Who doesn’t?

You probably already know of a little social networking site called “Facebook”- right?  All you have to do join the Oregon’s Adventure Coast Facebook Page and post a brief comment on our “wall” describing what you most love about the festival and/or why you deserve free passes Friday’s performances Southcoast Clambake Jazz Festival.

Rules:

  • You must be a “fan” of the Oregon’s Adventure Coast Facebook page to participate.
  • Your post must state what you most love about the festival and/or why you deserve free passes Friday’s performances Southcoast Clambake Jazz Festival.
  • Posts must be made to the Oregon’s Adventure Coast Facebook wall anytime between now and Thursday, March 11 at 12pm PST.
  • Rude or vulgar comments will automatically be dismissed and disqualified for the drawing.

That’s it!  That is all you have to do to be entered to win 2 passes for Friday night.  No forms, no email lists, no junk mail. We will randomly select a fan who posts a comment on our page between now and Thursday (at 12pm EST).  The winner will be announced Thursday afternoon on this blog and on the Facebook page and will be contacted via Facebook (so be sure to check back!).

By AmyD | Posted in Events | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comment (1)

Music, Whale Watching, Nature & More! Reasons to Visit Oregon’s Adventure Coast in March

03/08/2010
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I don’t know about you- but I could not be happier Spring has come to Coos Bay/North Bend/Charleston….and the events calendar is packed with loads of activity (indoors and outdoors)- not to mention local lodging and discount specials!
To tell you the truth, visitors are frequently surprised by mild temps and a pleasant climate when they visit the Southern Oregon coast in springtime.  The idea there is a constant pattern of non stop cold rain is a myth- March is a beautiful time to be here; and here are just a few highlights to share; please visit Oregon’s Adventure Coast site to get a complete list of events for March, April and beyond.

Music!

Southcoast Clambake Jazz Festival March 12 thru 14, 2010
This annual festival fills our coast with the lively sounds of Swing, Jazz and American Standards such as Dixieland, Big Band, Jump & Jive, Rock & Roll, Zydeco, Blues and Doo-wop.
Event Details: Mar 12, 2010 thru Mar 14, 2010
Friday Noon – Midnight, Saturday 9am – Midnight, Sunday 9am – 6pm. All event 3 day pass $65.

Whale Watching!

Spring Watch Week, March 20 – 27
Visitors flock to the Oregon Coast this month to catch a glimpse of the gray whales traveling between Mexico and The Bering Sea. Although most continue north, around 200 stay along the Oregon Coast to feed can still be spotted until late May. Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston visitors and residents can experience this amazing event each during Spring Watch Week, March 20 – 27 from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Call 541-888-3732 or visit www.ShoreAcres.net or www.WhaleSpoken.org

Tall Ships!

The Hawaiian Chieftain and its crew will visit Coos Bay during it’s  ’Hands-on History for Youth” tour of the West Coast March 19-24.  This magnificent ship is a replica of a typical European merchant trader of the turn of the 19th century.   The ship will open for tours and Adventure Sails featuring a living history experience with demon of tall ship handling, sea shanty singing, and maritime storytelling. A ticket is required for all passengers (including babies).

Nature & Education

The South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (South Slough NERR) is a 4,800 acre natural area located in the Coos estuary on the south coast of Oregon and has planned educational and fun events throughout the spring for the entire family.  You will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for our rich natural resource while enjoying the scenic open water channels, tidal and freshwater wetlands, riparian areas, and forested uplands.
And, while you are at it- Pitch in for the  SOLV Great Oregon Beach Cleanup on March 20!
By AmyD | Posted in Events, Local Features | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Volunteers Needed to Keep Oregon Beaches Beautiful

02/26/2010
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Join SOLV on March 20 from 10am-1pm for the Great Oregon Beach Cleanup

Each month, we like to spotlight a business or organization that makes North Bend, Coos Bay and Charleston a better community.  I felt like this would be the right time to express our gratitude to the volunteers and staff of  SOLV, a non-profit organization based in Oregon that brings together volunteers to implement improvement projects throughout the state.  SOLV is the acronym for Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism and the organization focuses primarily on litter cleanup, tree planting, and invasive removal projects.

We are especially grateful for the outstanding work they do to preserve the natural beauty of the Oregon Coast and to protect our precious marine life.  SOLV was founded in 1969 by Governor Tom McCall and other community leaders.   The first all-volunteer beach cleanup in the nation was held in Oregon in 1984.  Since then,the group has removed millions of pounds of trash and debris littered along our coastline.

Volunteers gather twice each year along the Oregon coast from the Washington to California borders to clean up and protect our beaches.  On Saturday March 20th, Oregonians are again encouraged to continue this tradition that benefits citizens and wildlife alike.

Please join SOLV Volunteers on March 20, 2010 from 9am – 1pm to clear the Oregon Coast of debris on one of our local beaches:

3/20/2010 Bastendorff Beach Park 2010 Spring Cleanup
Time: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Charleston: Bastendorff Beach Park
Coordinator: Robin Sears  541-297-7089  robin.sears@state.or.us
Site Address: Bastendorff Beach Rd.
Directions: Take Cape Arago Highway South of Coos Bay to Bastendorff Beach Park
3/20/2010- Horsfall Beach 2010 Spring Cleanup 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
North Bend: Horsfall Beach
Coordinator: Robin Sears  541-297-7089  robin.sears@state.or.ua

For more details- visit the SOLV Website.

By AmyD | Posted in Charleston, Coos Bay, Environment, Environmental News, Oregon Coast Fishing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Spring Whale Watch Week Coming to Shore Acres State Park: March 20 – 27, 2010

02/24/2010
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Twice each year- thousands of visitors come to Oregon Coast with the hopes of catching a rare glimpse of the Gray whales migrating off our coast.  Anyone who has been lucky enough to spot one can tell you what a marvelous site it is.  These mysterious creatures migrate past the Oregon coast twice a year: just around the winter holiday season (southbound migration) and towards the end of March (northbound migration) though they can still be spotted until late May.

The Whale Watching Spoken Here® program staffs trained volunteers at 26 great whale-watching on the Oregon coast during the peak migration weeks to help visitors spot the migrating whales and learn more about them.  The program’s main objectives are to help visitors see and learn about the whales and other marine life along our coast.

Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston visitors and residents can experience this amazing event at each day at Shore Acres Park during Spring Watch Week, March 20 – 27 from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

The Whale Watching Spoken Here program also accepts new volunteers each year to be placed at great whale watching sites during Watch Weeks so they can teach others while watching the whales too. If you love whales, consider volunteering for this outstanding organization!

Call 541-888-3732 or visit www.ShoreAcres.net or www.WhaleSpoken.org

By AmyD | Posted in Charleston, Coos Bay, Environment, Events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comment (1)

Tickets Are Now On Sale for the May 28 Country Rat Pack Concert

02/20/2010
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Country superstars Tracy Byrd, Tracy Lawrence &  Richie McDonald  will be bringing the Country Rat Pack Tour to the Oregon Coast on Friday, May 28 at The Mill Casino Hotel and RV Park in Coos Bay.

Double-platinum recording artist Tracy Byrd is one of country music’s best-loved artists, achieving gold status on five straight albums. Byrd’s smash hits include “Lifestyles of the Not So Rich and Famous,” “I’m from the Country,” “The Keeper of the Stars” and the remarkable “Watermelon Crawl.” Multiple Grammy winner and double-platinum recording artist Tracy Lawrence has produced numerous  #1 hits including “If The World had a Front Porch,” “Time Marches On,” “Can’t Break It To My Heart” and “Texas Tornado.” And, for more than a dozen years, Richie McDonald was the voice and most recognizable face for the platinum-selling country group, Lonestar. As lead singer for the CMA and ACM Award-winning group, Richie’s soaring vocals propelled such classics as “Amazed,” “No News” and “I’m Already There.”

Tickets for the performances are on sale now in the Ko-Kwel Gift Shop, you can get more information by calling 800.953.4800.  This concert is for those 21 or older.

By AmyD | Posted in Events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)