Oregon Coast Real Estate Blog - Living on the Oregon Coast » Visitor Favorites

What’s Fresh on The Oregon Coast?

Dean — Tue, 11 May 2010 00:11:45 +0000

Local Ocean Seafoods, operated by Laura Anderson is my favorite place for seafood both at the fish counter and as a meal in the restaurant. You may have caught a previous blog post on this site. If not here is an overview. This is a terrific location at which one can enjoy some of the benefits of living on the Oregon Coast. Laura is really tuned in to the local fishing industry and makes great use of her location across the street from Port Dock 5, home to Newport’s Commercial fishing fleet. As I’m sure you know, seafood is healthy, inexpensive and a delight to eat. Entrepreneurs like Laura are a familiar feature in our Coastal towns. Taking an idea and developing it into a viable business model results in a must visit location in Newport. Stop in on your next visit, you will be glad you did.

Name the Sea Lions

Dean — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:55:03 +0000

Two young female sea lions are nearing the end of their rehabilitation at the Oregon Coast Aquarium and are almost ready to join the penniped display where they will be well cared for and can interact with others of the species. Both of these youngsters were saved from a slow death in the ocean due to eye problems. One had cataracts and the other had an injury from an unknown source. Steps were taken to remedy the difficulties by the Aquarium Vet with help from the staff. Had the corrective measures not been taken, neither animal would have been able to hunt for food in the open ocean.

Now is the chance to participate in the recovery process by offering a name for each one. Simply email social@aquarium.org to put your best creative efforts to work. Who knows? You may be one of the two winners to receive a gift basket from the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

Next time you are on the Coast you can see these females in their new home, hopefully with names, and enjoy all the terrific exhibits rain or shine.

Favorite Places to Dine on The Oregon Coast

admin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:08:16 +0000

A top favorite of visitors and locals alike is Panache at 2nd and Coast Streets in Nye Beach Newport. This thoughtfully restored 1919 house is a visual treat – not to mention the “Northwest Cuisine with a Twist”. This delightful menu is created by Chef Tom and wife Linda and serves up local Northwest seafoods, poultry and meat including locally grown organic greens and vegetables. Yes, it does make a difference. This is the place to go for a true fine dining experience and superb service. The works of local artists are on display and local musicians add to the ambiance. I have been to Panache for both business and social gatherings and never ever have I come away disappointed. There is always something new and creative at Panache. Come on over to Newport and and enjoy the very best.

Go Fly a Kite! Seriously… at Lincoln City this Weekend

admin — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:25:02 +0000

The Fall Kite Festival returns this weekend, October 10th & 11th. This is Lincoln City’s “original” kite festival — it’s 31st to be exact! Come observe demonstrations by expert fliers, let the kids learn how to make their own kites, watch the Running of the Bols, and more. Activities are held at the D-River State Recreation Area – also known as the D-River Wayside.

Come join the fun October 10th & 11th

The Ariel Ballet of the Brown Pelican

Dean — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 02:46:28 +0000

One of the many exceptional experiences I enjoy as a Coastal resident is watching flights of brown pelicans fishing our inshore coastal waters. When perched on jetties or rocky headlands these birds seem most ungainly. Then a magic transformation occurs as they take to the air over surf and bays in search of bait fish. They fly in line with hardly a wing movement as they follow the air currents. As they spot a school of fish the leader of the line hovers at 50 to 100 feet for an instant then crash dives into the water to rise with a bill full of fish. The ballet seems almost choreographed with no wasted movement.

These beautiful birds were driven almost to extinction during the 1950’s and 1960’s as a result of the widespread use of DDT as a chemical pesticide. This caused the shells of eggs to be fragile and easily broken which prevented the chicks from developing and hatching. In addition mercury was washed into the marine food chain as a from of mining and manufacturing resulting in a double whammy for the ocean food chain. The brown pelican has been removed from the Endangered Species list thanks to the efforts of state and federal agencies, conservation organizations and private landowners and has returned to historic levels.

Now is a good time to visit the Coast and see this performance before the pelicans migrate South for the Winter.

WAG Comes to the Oregon Coast

Dean — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:07:19 +0000

Well, it’s not surprising that this out of use term “wag” doesn’t ring any bells. It really does not mean a loquacious person. In Newport this weekend, July 10,11 & 12 at the Newport Middle School is one of the most delightful experiences dog lovers could possibly imagine. www.wagagilitygroup.org (WAG) is sponsoring an agility event for our well loved four legged athletes. What fun to watch all breeds go through timed courses for all levels of competition. Hope to see to you there. If you need directions to the Coast please drop me an e-mail.

Devil’s Punch Bowl at Otter Rock State Park

Dean — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 16:30:21 +0000

One of the wonders of the Oregon Coast are our State Parks. How would you like to live within easy reach of this gorgeous natural landmark? Check out this spectacular Windermere listing in Otter Rock. Nearby is one of the prime tide pool sites on the Oregon Coast. The Otter Rock Marine Garden is not well know yet it is really a wonderful place to observe intertidal sea life.

Perks of Buying Oregon Coast Real Estate: Whale Watching!

Dean — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:07:38 +0000

Whale watching on the Oregon Coast is a popular and informative pastime. Twice a year a migration of Gra y whales passes by our shores en route from Summer feeding grounds in Arctic seas to breeding grounds off Baja California. The Southward migration peaks between Christmas and New Years while the Northern migration occurs in mid to late March. Organized whale watching sponsored by Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department trains volunteers to staff whale watching sites to share this amazing sight with visitors from all over the world. A pod of Gray whales usually lingers off our coast during migration and is easily viewed from the beach. This is just one of the benefits of living on the coast. A common topic of discussion amongst locals is the sharing of whale sightings. If you’re ready to make whale sightings a regular part of your life — then give me a call!

Yaquina Bay Bridge at Newport

Dean — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:53:13 +0000

Completed in 1936 as one of a series of coastal bridges designed by Conde McCullough, this beautiful bridge is one of the most photographed structures in the Country. Opening this bridge was a major step in linking the coastal communities along Highway 101 from Astoria in the North to Brookings in the South. Prior to construction, traffic across the Bay was by small boat or ferry. The South landing, now South Beach, was relatively level while the North landing was quite a challenge due to the narrow strip of flat land and the steep hill going North. A motorized cable system was operated to pull motor vehicles and wagons from the ferry landing to the top of the hill. The cable house was located at the present site of the Canyon Way Book Store and Restaurant, landmark for locals and visitors and locals since the early 1970’s.

Benefits to Living near the Oregon Coast Aquarium

Dean — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 03:10:15 +0000

As a charter member, I can’t remember a time that I haven’t been fascinated and enthralled by the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport. Each time I stop in (about once a month) I learn something new, find a new exhibit, or see and learn about a new creature. One of my favorite stops is Keiko’s old home. (Keiko was the orca that starred in the Free Willy movies and that was nursed back to health here before being released back to the wild). Keiko’s tank has been converted into Passages of the Deep—basically large acrylic tunnels that you can walk through – and on – allowing you to feel as one with the creatures of the ocean. As a retired builder I am always fascinated by how they constructed this exhibit. The sea otters are always fun as are the birds in the sea bird aviary. The touching (tide) pool has been a wonderful attraction for all my grand-kids from toddler to teenager. Near the touching pool are the most amazing displays of jelly fish. Special exhibits of all kinds of sea life are rotated through at least twice annually. Plan to spend at least half a day or more at the Aquarium.

For those of you who haven’t visited before, easy to follow directions can be found here: http://www.aquarium.org/visitDirections.asp?sid=1 .