Stories

On the Cover:

Banana Belt Brookings The weather in this South Coast town invites lounging, but the numerous recreational and cultural activities will keep you occupied for days. —Gail Oberst

Playwright in Paradise Celebrated playright William Luce has found inspiration in Depoe Bay. —Allen Cox

Kiss & Tell Everything you need to know about planning your wedding on the Oregon Coast. —Wendy Ardolino

Off the Beaten Path A new trail on the South Coast, the Rogue River Walk, was forged by the tenacious hands of volunteers. —Laurel Gerkman

Taking Care of Tide Pools The Haystack Rock Awareness Program educates the public about the delicate tide pool ecosystem at Cannon Beach. —Olga Haley

Other Features:

C’est Vert A new South Coast shop showcases local products with an eco-friendly flair. —Gail Oberst

Fish, Food, Fun Whiskey Creek Fish Hatchery, just north of Cape Lookout, offers an annual fishing day for people with disabilities. —Cheryl D. Wanner

Biz Kidz An innovative program helps kids design and market their own products. —Kate Giese

A Ride to Remember Take a desire to save the planet, add the kick you get from going really, really fast, and support the Newport Symphony at the same time. —W. W. Clyde Reid

Louis Simpson’s Legacy Three South Coast state parks were once the expansive estate of a lumber baron, but are now open for all to enjoy. —Carolyn Kohler

Almost Quiet on the Oregon Coast A young corporal made a name for himself as a peacemaker when he presided over the division of a beached whale during the Civil War.

Departments

Coast Lines

Coastal Happenings

On the cover

Boats at Brookings-Harbor,
by Larry Andreasen

Coast Lines

It’s been a cool summer this year! But we’re counting on September to bring us those clear, sunny days when the temperature climbs and we feel like we’re on the Mediterranean Sea. Well … almost. But no matter what, fall is always a great time to explore the Oregon Coast: The highway is uncluttered, the fog is gone, and that pesky north wind has fallen to a whisper.

Speaking of sunny days, you can find those most often in Brookings, known as the Banana Belt of the coast due to its plentiful sunshine and year-round temperate climate. Gail Oberst explores the town with a personal touch and gives us a multitude of reasons to head south to the heart of America’s Wild Rivers Coast.

Wendy Ardolino, who got married on the coast in May, shares the knowledge she gathered while planning her wedding. You’ll find numerous resources for hunting for venues, as well as a list of top spots for your ceremony, whether indoor or outdoor.

A story on the legacy of Louis Simpson will make you want to visit three beautiful state parks near Coos Bay, and a tale by W.W. Clyde Reid may inspire you to contribute to the Newport Symphony so you can take a ride in a Tesla Roadster with former “M*A*S*H” star David Ogden Stiers.

There are many wonderful events and festivals on the coast this fall, including Astoria’s Commercial Fishermen’s Festival, where you can learn how to fillet a fish, shuck an oyster, and mend a net while enjoying great food and live entertainment. Jazz enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them happy at Jazz at Newport, a three day festival with concerts, workshops, and panel discussions.

Florence offers two festivals sure to appeal: the annual Wine and Chocolate Gala, a fundraiser for the Florence Area Humane Society, and Chowder, Blues & Brews, where you can taste Oregon microbrews and dance to some great blues music. Coos Bay offers the Bay Area Fun Festival and Cruz the Coos, with more than 400 classic cars on display. And no matter where you are on the coast, you can participate in SOLV’s Fall Beach Cleanup and do your part to keep our beautiful coastline clean.

Enjoy the fall!

Rosemary Camozzi

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