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Natural New Year |
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12/30/2012 6:10:00 PM |
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 It’s that hopeful time of year again – out pop the to-do lists and the unfettered optimism. The New Year tends to bring a sense of renewal and hopefully close examination of what paths we want to take for the future. At the top of my to-do list for the New Year are a couple of unavoidable clichés that have become formula by the mere fact that they are both important and instrumental to health, happiness, and sanity. Those two resolutions being: a) get more exercise and b) get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. These two goals have the ability to tango and create a nice healthy symmetry. As an added bonus, I am lucky to live on the Oregon Coast where the dazzling outdoors serve as the perfect soundtrack to an invigorating workout.
As a buffer of support for all outdoor cross-trainers, the Seaside Chamber of Commerce offers the stellar and healthful interactive outdoor activity guide, SeasideNaturally.com. A veritable gold mine of outdoor excursions around Seaside (including hiking, biking, kayaking, and even birding) Seaside Naturally delivers vigorous expeditions on foot, on water, and on wheels. Combining state of the art GPS and mapping, Seaside Naturally also provides media and video to give you a first-person look at the jaunts you’ll be undertaking. To add to the site’s user friendly character, activity tables illustrate stages of intensity and provide for all levels of experience from beginners to seasoned veterans.
Lately I’ve been reading more and more about the health benefits of exercising outdoors: clean air, improved mental health, and more calories burned compared to indoor equivalents. According to Science Daily, studies prove that “exercising in natural environments was associated with greater feelings of revitalization, increased energy and positive engagement, together with decreases in tension, confusion, anger and depression.”
New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be defined by difficulty and self-denial. Instead they can be defined by rediscovery of enjoyment, health, and a deeper connection with our natural world. Do you have any tips for healthy New Year’s resolutions? Share them with us and comment below! See you in Seaside!
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Wrapping a bow around Seaside |
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12/23/2012 |
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 Eight months ago this week we launched this Seaside Sunday photo project as a new way of sharing #SeasideOR with you: the resident, the visitor and the fan of all things Seaside. Maybe you’ve never been here or maybe it’s been a while since your last trip to the coast. It’s even possible you get to experience Seaside just like us, every day of the year.
This project started off as a simple way of highlighting an image we captured during the previous seven days. We seek out a cool moment and share it with you, simple as that. More or less, it’s our photo of the week.
In July, we evolved the project to take you behind the scenes of the photo we share in the form of this blog. It’s a way of going a little deeper with the images as we give you the intricate details you may need to try and experience something similar.
As we enter into Christmas week and just a week away from a brand new year, sharing a festive holiday image of a famous Seaside Light Post wrapped with a bow seemed more than appropriate. It not only represents the season, but it gave a little new meaning to this project. We hope you’ve enjoyed our images, the photos we believe are small gifts. Gifts captured thanks to living in this great area and small community of Seaside Oregon.
Have an image you’d like to share or like us to try and capture? Comment below or send your photo to info@seasideor.com. See you in Seaside!
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Enjoying the breaks in weather |
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12/16/2012 7:27:32 PM |
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It didn’t take me long to realize the weather forecast can be deceiving along Oregon’s North Coast. Prior to moving here (and with family already residing in the area), I would often check the seven-day forecast for Seaside and see a steady stream of clouds and rain. I’d often shake my head and wonder how one could handle that much rain.
Yes, it rains, and at times it comes in large amounts. But what I failed to realize is that the Oregon Coast also has fantastic breaks in the weather that produce amazing light and beautiful settings amongst the scattered clouds. We are a very fortunate bunch in the Pacific Northwest. And this past Friday morning, as I took this picture along Neawanna Creek, I was reminded of those breaks yet again.
A sunrise and a sunset are beautiful almost anywhere you see them, but I’ve never witnessed a more diverse array of dawn and dusk than what I’ve seen during the past two and a half years I’ve lived in Oregon. Our lush-green environment, coupled with morning and evening clouds are quite often the perfect background to an amazing sunrise or sunset. And so when I talk about visiting our area, I’d be remiss if I didn’t speak highly of the stormy season. The storms themselves are an impressive force of nature, but a two to three-night stay can leave you witness to a one-of-a-kind sunrise or sunset that will produce a memory you won’t soon forget.
In fact, here’s a challenge for you. Whether you do it in Seaside, somewhere else in Oregon or another state entirely, make it a point to see the sun come up and go down once per season. I’m fairly certain you’ll create several wow moments for you and those you share the setting with. See you in Seaside!
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Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in Seaside |
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12/9/2012 12:05:54 PM |
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 I took a walk over to the Seaside Convention Center on Friday to join the local community at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Service. The 71st anniversary of the December 7, 1941 attack, the town was out in force and was fortunate to have local veteran Bill Thomas preside over the ceremony. Bill was a 20 year old seaman on the U.S.S. Medusa in Pearl Harbor on the fateful day of the attack.
At 10:55am we stood on the First Avenue Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge. The Coast Guard chopper roared overhead as Bill cast a floral wreath into the river. During the salute, the current caught the wreath and gently escorted it out to sea while the chopper faded in the distance. It was a quiet moment out there on the bridge and a solemn acknowledgment of the tremendous sacrifices of our armed forces and an important tribute to the legacy of the nearly 2,400 American Service members and 68 civilians who lost their lives. It’s a small and intimate community here in Seaside, but in that still moment observing the ceremony, it was a fitting reminder of the rich and honored history that binds us all together.
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Find your muse at the Seaside Art Walk |
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12/2/2012 7:10:35 PM |
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 Considering the beauty and culture of the North Coast, one can understand why it has a knack for uniting itself with the arts. A magnet for visual artists, authors, and poets, the North Coast has acted as an inspirational retreat as well as a permanent outpost for local creative invention. It’s easy to see why: Seaside and the Oregon Coast are those special places where untamed nature mingles with the general populace. It’s an outstanding place to find your muse.
As a showcase for this creative spirit, Seaside has been host to the Chamber of Commerce’s First Saturday Art Walk since 2005 where artists, authors, and musicians from the north coast and the greater northwest converge to feature their work. Held on the first Saturday of each month at local galleries, shops, and restaurants, the Art Walk draws specialists in a wide range of mediums. Still lacking exercise to make up for the Thanksgiving splurge, I walked around downtown Seaside to experience the Art Walk for myself and met a variety of fascinating artists. At the Gilbert District Gallery, I met Rosalind Freer who emigrated from England to the North Coast in 1978. After years of teaching art and with experience in commercial fields of design and manufacture, she listened to the call of her inner muse and delved into her own artistic pursuits full-time. Now extremely prolific in her output, she produces haunting landscapes and portraiture that combine watercolor, photography, and print design.
At the Tilted Art gallery, featured artist Chris Booth explained his method of cannibalizing all of his materials from owned and found objects to create three dimensional framed pieces. He drew my attention to a layered landscape, “You see this piece? The trunks of the trees are made from tiered wine corks and the leaves are cut directly from a lamp I owned.” There is no way I would have guessed, as the materials united perfectly to give the desired effect.
I saw many other exhibitions (punctuated by wine, good conversation, refreshments, and live music) and decided the First Saturday Art Walk was a wonderful opportunity to get out in the brisk December air, meet featured artists and find out what makes them tick. I have to say, I ended the night with an inspiration to find my own muse.
Editor’s note: The Seaside Art Walk takes place the first Saturday of each month. You can pick up an Art Walk map at the Seaside Chamber of Commerce and the Seaside Visitors Bureau (7 N. Roosevelt, Seaside) or download a copy at the Seaside Art Walk Facebook page. For further information, contact the Seaside Chamber of Commerce at (503) 738-6391.
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Holiday traditions |
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11/25/2012 5:02:59 PM |
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 Holiday traditions. It’s a two-word phrase that pops into my head, and most likely yours, around this time every year.
I’ve written in this space before that I’m still rather new to the coast. Okay, it’s been well over two years since I traded the mountains of Utah for the coast of Oregon, so I suppose that “new” statement can’t be used for much longer. And although the climates are different and I now see more sea foam than snow drifts, I’m beginning to settle into the routine of coastal living.
One tradition that hasn’t changed is the Christmas tree going up at my house the day after Thanksgiving. What’s exciting about this year is that we were able to do it a little earlier – thanks to Thanksgiving falling so early this year. What has followed, and become another post-Thanksgiving tradition, is attending the annual Parade of Lights in downtown Seaside with my young family.
The weather can be unpredictable, but isn’t that always the case along the Coast this time of year? And what’s fantastic about this particular event is the unity and joy that comes out in the community and our out-of-town guests, especially on the faces of children. Even in the rain, which we experienced our first year in Seaside; the smiles remain, as uniquely decorated floats roll along Broadway.
As you head into the holiday season with those close to you, we invite you to share your special traditions. Do they involve the beach? Maybe it’s a special event that you can’t imagine not replicating each year? Whatever it might be, from all of us at the Seaside Visitors Bureau, we wish you many happy days and moments this holiday season. See you in Seaside!
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Roaming the sand for treasures |
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11/11/2012 11:49:08 AM |
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 Life on the Oregon Coast has unbelievable perks, but none are such a part of the ebb and flow of coastal culture as beachcombing. It can be a meditative adventure if you consider the beach as a special place, the doorstep to an oceanic world larger than imagination. There is a quiet magic to roaming this sandy limbo - this narrow expanse is the closest we can get to walking along the edge of the world.
One of my favorite things though, is stumbling upon small treasures the ocean has left behind.
My grandma used to tell me that sand dollars were misplaced “whale money” that fell out of whale wallets – most likely when they were purchasing essential underwater goods and services. Apparently the exchange rate of whale currency was pretty lousy, because my sand dollars couldn’t buy much. But finding them was a delight and now as an adult I’m astonished that a little sea creature’s exoskeleton can have such charming artistry.
My other favorite finds are the infamous glass floats. It’s not uncommon to see a suspicious object glittering with reflected sunlight off in the distance. On approach, you’ll find what looks like a half-buried fortune teller’s crystal ball glinting up out of the sand. These glass floats were used by fisherman from all over the globe to keep their nets and lines afloat. Popular antiques, floats can wash ashore after extremely long periods at sea, traveling thousands of miles and can range from the size of a grapefruit on up to the size of a basketball. Some may be extremely old too (Japan used them as early as 1910). The best times to go hunting for glass floats are between November and April, usually after stormy conditions.
Beachcombing will often reward you an astonishing array of shells, sea-life, prehistoric driftwood, and of course stunning panoramic scenery. There was a particular time when I was younger, out wandering the Seaside beach at sunset, and I was lucky enough to witness the venerated “green flash” – an optical occurrence where a green flash ignites the horizon right after the sun goes down. It was an astonishing display of nature’s shocking beauty. Sometimes the best things we come away with from beachcombing are the stories of the wonders we’ve seen.
Do you have a favorite beachcombing story? Please share by commenting below.
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New North Coast brewery offers up history and education |
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11/4/2012 10:00:28 AM |
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 It’s no secret that craft beer continues to thrive and grow throughout the state of Oregon. Breweries and beer trails can be found across the state, including right here in our neck of the woods with the North Coast Craft Beer Trail.
The passion for creating liquid goodness (as some have called it) goes deep. So deep that locals Jimmy Griffin and Vince Berg opened Seaside Brewing Company in mid June with little fanfare. They simply wanted to create a spot where they could put their own passion to good use and ultimately share that love with everyone walking through the doors of a building that was built in 1914.
The premises, which now serve daily lunch and dinner, and of course beer (more on that in a moment) once housed City Hall, Seaside Fire and Seaside Police (including jail cells – one of which you can have your picture taken in). As Griffin puts it, the building has “a lot of soul.” And it’s the soul of that building they wanted to showcase and preserve. A vault on the second floor has been there for longer than anyone can remember and the owners have tried to preserve as much of the past as possible throughout the structure. Taking a step inside feels like you are transported back in time.
This past Friday, two of us walked across the street for lunch and took advantage of the restaurant’s delicious daily soups – clam chowder and brisket chili. What we also got was a look at the small-batch brewing process which Berg and co-brewer Todd Lippold will be doing every Friday, on site, from noon to 7 or 8 p.m. for the public.
For Berg and Lippold, craft brewing is a delicate balance between science and fine art with a healthy dose of imagination and inspiration. Observing them brew is akin to watching two artists at work in a studio. They toil, test, and consult smack dab in the middle of the ground floor amid the lunch crowd. The air is rich with the earthy aromas of hops and barley – it’s like the fragrance of the forest after rainfall. The deep history of the building, fantastic food, and expert brewing combine to make an unforgettable sensory experience. We definitely left with a satisfied belly and a craving to return.
It’s a fascinating way to spend an afternoon or an evening. And in this day and age where learning exactly where your food or drink originates is uber-popular, the experience is a truly unique one for Seaside.
And while you’re planning that next trip to Seaside, mark your calendar now for the 4th Annual Pouring at the Coast event March 15-16, 2013. The Seaside Chamber of Commerce sponsored event brings craft brewing from throughout the State – including the aforementioned North Coast – all together, in one building. See you in Seaside!
Editor’s note: While Berg and Lippold have committed to nano-brewing (1-3 barrels at a time), on Fridays, it’s safe to say popping in there could yield another brew day as they typically will be brewing 2-3 additional days per week. The guys plan on brewing 3-4 days per week and the variety promises to be endless.
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| By Jon Rahl and Nate Burke |
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Spooky happenings at the coast |
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10/28/2012 6:25:30 PM |
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 Looking for a frighteningly good time on Halloween? Look no further than the thrilling line-up of events this Wednesday in Seaside. First off, the Seaside Downtown Development Association brings “ Halloween Happenins” to downtown Seaside from 2pm – 5pm on October 31. The downtown businesses will have doors wide open to welcome hordes of trick-or-treaters (what can be better than trick-or-treating at actual candy shops?). Broadway will be brimming with spooky festivities as your favorite businesses transform their establishments with hair-raising décor. Head over to the Carousel Mall in costume and have your picture taken with the Great Pumpkin and enter to win awesome prizes donated by downtown merchants (all of the pictures are taken by the Daily Astorian and posted on Seaside Sun for the public to vote on the winners). Or head over to the Seaside Aquarium to marvel at the One-Eyed One-Horned Flying Purple Pinniped Eater (!). After you’ve sampled the horrors downtown, head on down to the Sunset Pool for the Sunset Thriller Haunted House. The guided tour weaves its way through the dark recesses of the building as you are introduced to shocking and fantastical sights. If your nerves are still intact, cross the street to the Fall Fun Fest at the Bob Chisholm Community Center for carnival amusements, games, prizes, and yes, more sweets. If you’re looking for the perfect dose of fright and fun this Halloween, consider everybody’s favorite coastal getaway. See you in Seaside!
Editor’s Note: For further information on Halloween Happenins, contact the Seaside Downtown Development Association at (503) 717-1914. The Sunset Thriller Haunted House is located at 1140 Broadway and will run from 5pm-8pm. The Fall Fun Fest at the Bob Chisholm Community Center is located at 1225 Avenue A, and also runs from 5pm-8pm. For further information, call (503)738-3311.
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Falling for rain |
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10/14/2012 5:09:11 PM |
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 After 11 days of unhindered sunshine in Seaside, I woke up to the soft drumbeat of rain on the roof. Like an old friend knocking at your door, the wind leans against the house and rattles the windowpanes. Though I live a good six blocks from the ocean, I could hear the pounding surf in the distance.We of course made the shift to Fall at the end of September, but the season has just now decided to announce itself. And to be honest, I couldn’t be happier.
The summer in Seaside is ripe with memories of long golden days, 4th of July barbeques, and bonfires on the beach under a sky peppered with stars. But with autumn’s arrival, the North Oregon Coast’s moody charisma makes an appearance. This is the spellbinding season perfectly suited for haunting early morning strolls on the beach, for nestling into your favorite candlelit restaurant, or listening to ancient fisherman’s yarns by the fire. This is Oregon Coast Gothic at its finest: a mysterious, windswept background to the beginning of a fairytale. It really is the romantic aspect of Seaside.
I started this rainy Sunday morning with coffee from Caffé Latte, a quick walk to the turnaround to check out the ocean, and then on to a delicious brunch at McKeown’s with my family (the waffles are so fluffy they nearly levitate). Full, happy, and perfectly caffeinated, I walked two blocks to the Seaside Library and lounged in front of the river-rock fireplace with the Wall Street Journal. It’s already a perfect rainy Sunday on the coast and I still have live jazz at Moody’s Supper House tonight to look forward to. There is nothing better than live jazz in a warm and friendly venue with the rain and wind just outside. Summer may be over but its absence also brings the opportunity for rich and serene pleasures in Seaside. I’m definitely looking forward to it. How about you? What's your favorite thing about the changing season and renewal of rain? Comment below and let us know.
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Digging for the Bounty! |
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10/7/2012 4:30:30 PM |
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 I still consider myself the new guy in town when it comes to learning about recreational fishing along Oregon’s North Coast. And with a new clamming season kicking off this past week, I felt it was time to hit the beach and learn the ropes of a popular pastime on the Clatsop County beaches.
Razor clamming has long been a favorite of locals and many visitors. And chances are good you’ve seen them arm deep in the sand, carrying a strange looking clamming “gun” or walking through “rigid vegetation” (also referred to as dune grass) with a small net or bag attached to their waist after a morning dig.
Watching them has always been fascinating; I knew they were carrying razor clams in those nets, and I knew their gun or shovel was to help them catch the little guys, but when was the best time to hit the beach? What else did I need to know to help me get involved in this sport?
THE BASICS
I turned to resident clamming expert Keith Chandler to guide me through the process. Keith manages the Seaside Aquarium by day but is often found staking claim to the Seaside beaches during early morning or late afternoon low tides to catch his limit of 15 razor clams per day. Keith is old school with his approach to digging for clams. He uses the same shovel he’s used for years and his good buddy Dave Pastor (who also joined us for our morning dig) referred to him as a fish because his method often involves lurking into a few feet of water to ensure a good day clamming.
While Keith uses a shovel to dig a hole, he introduces me to the sport by loaning me use of a cylindrical gun. The gun itself is about 30 inches in length and has two handles with a small air hole on one side to help capture the sand (and hopefully razor clam) as you mine the beach.
THE DIG 
With our tools in hand, we take to walking along the shoreline looking for a “show.” The show is a dime-sized hole that may contain a circular set of air pockets Keith referred to as a donut and it’s our indicator that a clam lurks beneath. If you’ve found a hole or donut, it’s time to start digging. With my gun ready to go, I place the open cylinder over a donut hole and gently move the gun back and forth until it’s well into the ground. Then I place my finger over the handle hole to create suction and pull up what’s beneath. Releasing my finger from the hole dumps the sand and I quickly search for my catch. I don’t see anything so Keith encourages me to dig again (in the same hole) because razors can only go up or down and not side to side. My fourth attempt yields one of the little guys and I felt as if I’d struck gold. What an exciting feeling to have succeeded so quickly. And with that, I was hooked!
That net I mentioned earlier is now attached to my belt and I drop my single catch into the net as we continue our march along the beach for another show. As far as catches go, we weren’t extremely successful this past Monday (I finished with one, Keith and Dave caught two each and our other buddy Justin came away empty handed). But the sun-filled, crisp fall morning left me itching for the next morning low tide.
THE AFTERMATH
With a total catch of five, there were two things left to learn about razor clamming: how to clean them and how to prepare them for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Keith admitted to usually passing his catch along to the thankful sea creatures at his Aquarium, but he graciously agreed to walk me through the cleaning and preparation process for cooking.
THE MEAL
 With my freshly cleaned catch in hand, I headed to Norma’s Seafood & Steak and asked owner Randy Frank to explain to me his process for cooking razor clams. Norma’s uses a three-step approach to batter the clams: they start in flour, are quickly lathered in a mixture of egg and sea salt, then coated in corn meal and cooked quickly in a deep fryer. For a home kitchen, a fry pan coated with melted butter does the trick, and 30-45 seconds of high heat on each side yields a meal that is very satisfying. Randy and his crew at Norma’s serve their razors with a lemon wedge and their famous tartar sauce. I didn't have either at home, but enjoyed my meal nonetheless when I cooked up my catch in my own kitchen later that day. 
THE SUMMARY
I’ll be completely honest and say that I’ve never considered myself a fisherman of any sort, but this experience was fun! Not only did it get me out on our beautiful beach, but I found it rewarding to catch my own meal while enjoying the natural wonders of our coastline. Do you have a fishing story? Please share your experience by commenting below. See you in Seaside!
Editor’s Note: A resident shellfish license is just $7 for the calendar year and $20.50 for out-of-staters. It’s also important to note that the first 15 razor clams (if you are so fortunate) must be retained regardless of size or condition, and removing the clam from the shell is not allowed before leaving the harvesting area. Shovels, nets and licenses can be found at several locations throughout Seaside. For a complete list, please call 503-738-3097. Additional information can be found at this link.
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| | Comments (1) | | Last comment made | | 10/13/2012 6:59:26 AM |
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Tom Rahl |
10/13/2012 6:59:26 AM |
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Great article Jon. I hope to try this myself on my next visit to Seaside.
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Crabbing at the 12th Avenue Bridge |
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9/30/2012 7:44:16 PM |
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 My version of catching crab is typically reserved to receiving my plate at one of our many seafood restaurants in town. But it's no secret that there are some outstanding opportunities for DIY crabbing in Seaside. What's the local crabbing scene like? I decided to head down to the 12th Avenue Bridge to find out.
I had thought that the crabbing process would involve grueling labor and skillful claw-dodging but I was pleased to find out that catching your dinner is really quite easy. The 12th Avenue Bridge crosses the Necanicum River just shy of the estuary and is a stunning wildlife viewing area in its own right. It's an ideal backdrop for unfolding a lawn chair, opening a cooler, and catching some rays while you wait for your inevitable crab catch. ( A gallery of images from our adventure at the 12th Avenue Bridge can be found here).
A community of crabbers from all over the northwest were out enjoying the crisp afternoon. They are extremely knowledgeable and more than happy to share their insider's wisdom. A group from Battleground, Washington hauled up their crab pot from the river with three large male crabs gleaming in the sunlight. "Want to hold one?" they asked. They showed me how to pick up a crab by its two rear legs, just out of reach of its pinch-happy claws.
Crab pots and hoop nets (I'm told crab pots are more reliable) are cast into the river and tied directly to the bridge. What's the best bait to use? According to one local, crabs have a sharp sense of smell and, like humans, are attracted to rare delicacies. Surprisingly, raw chicken is a very popular and successful bait. Chicken is as delicious to a crab's palette as, well, crab is to ours. The scent in the water distinguishes itself from more common fare and I guess even crabs get a little weary of eating seafood all the time.
Crabbing in Oregon's bays and estuaries is open year round and according to the 12th Avenue Bridge crabbers, a 4-hour venture will nearly always yield a feast. However, September through December tend to yield meatier crabs. The best times of day tend to be right at high or low tide when the crabs don't have to fuss with the tidal exchange currents. It's a good thing to keep in mind that you can only keep the males and they must measure 5.75" or larger. Also, each individual is limited to 12 per day. But still, that's a lot of crab.
What does a beginner need to get started? In Oregon, you'll need a shellfish license (an annual license is just $7.00 for residents and $20.50 for non-residents) your crab pot or hoop net, a rope, and bait. Around Seaside, Trucke's and Bud's Campground can supply permits, bait, and all of your gear rental needs.
The evening ended at the 12th Avenue Bridge with a group setting up a large portable boiler and beginning their evening banquet. "What's the largest crab you've ever caught out here?" I asked a family from Vancouver. The father gazed out towards the distance and replied, "9 inches, not including the legs". He was quickly challenged by his wife and son but he persisted: "I'm serious! It was the Moby-Dick of Dungeness crab! I ate him with garlic butter!" Being a newcomer, that's all the proof I needed. But the rest of the family remained skeptical. I'm hoping to catch my own Moby-Dick Dungeness here soon. See you in Seaside!
Editor's note: For more information on Oregon's recreational crab fishing, check out the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's crabbing page here.
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| | Comments (1) | | Last comment made | | 10/13/2012 6:59:26 AM |
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Shirley Yates |
10/6/2012 9:21:07 PM |
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My husband Carl and I just moved here 3 days ago. We are so pleased with the number of warm and gracious people we have met so far! We come here from Roseburg, Oregon where we lived for over 20 years. This is quite an adventure for us and we are looking forward to getting involved in the community. For one thing, I had a jazz band in Roseburg and am looking forward to seeing what is available here as well for a musician like myself. We are wanting to volunteer wherever needed and to meet more of the friendly, helpful folk of Seaside and the area around us.
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Seaside chefs participate at FEAST Portland |
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9/23/2012 7:52:58 PM |
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 Food heaven! Two simple words that sum up my brief experience at FEAST Portland this past weekend. FEAST was a first-of-its-kind food and drink festival that celebrated everything that makes Oregon great.
Food festivals take place all over the country, but few can match what took place in Portland from September 20-23. Over 100 chefs showcased their talents with food grown and produced right here in Oregon. And that’s what made this event different. Local food, made with local hands, with all proceeds benefitting both national and local hunger-related charities.
While FEAST featured many events over the course of four days, I was lucky enough to attend the Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting on Friday afternoon. The key reason for my attendance was to help support Seaside chefs Rick Martinez ( Finn’s Fish House) and Jake Burden ( Twisted Fish Steakhouse) at the Travel Oregon regional tasting table. The booth, which operated both Friday and Saturday, showcased all seven regions of the state, with the key attribute being that the product, artisan and chef all be from the same region for each of the seven dishes being created.
Kicking off the Tasting was the coast region where West Coast Clams (located in Coos Bay) provided the product that helped Martinez and Burden create the Coos Bay Butter Clam Duo (Amuse Bouche of watermelon gazpacho, butter clam and serrano ham followed by butter clam topped with foie gras torchon and pickled chantrelles).
Both Martinez and Burden went all out with their effort to create a uniquely Oregon Coast dish. And the fact that is was the north and south coast coming together for this infusion of powerful flavor made both dishes all the more special.
If you missed this year’s event, the good news is that FEAST 2013 is already on the calendar. And if you’d like to read more about what happened this past weekend, you can do so here. Or for those that haven’t already checked it out, search #feastpdx on Twitter to relish in all the good photos and comments from this cool event.
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Sweets in Seaside |
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9/16/2012 7:23:18 PM |
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 “Whoever said 'it's easier than taking candy from a baby' has never actually tried taking candy from a baby.”
-Unknown
It's rather embarrassing to admit, but when I was young boy, I had a problem with sharing. Particularly when it came to candy. Don't get me wrong, I had no problem sharing what I didn't want (broccoli, chores, blame) but when it came to sweets, it brought out a shrewd guardian impulse. Our family vacations to the Oregon Coast invariably brought us to Seaside, and the abundant candy shops on Broadway seemed like a new frontier for my sweet tooth. Walking into Phillips Candies was how I would imagine an art historian would feel when walking into the Louvre. There was a festival of choices and aromas: warm caramel corn cooling in the big glass container, the slightly buttery vanilla scent of saltwater taffy.
My mom would tell me I could “choose just one”. The definition of “just one” was kind of flexible: “just one” singular gummy bear or “just one” piece of saltwater taffy? That would be cruel and ludicrous. Could the definition be pushed to “just one . . . BAG” of gummy bears or saltwater taffy? Most of the time it could. After agonizing over the decision over what to choose, I would exit as a very satisfied customer.
I remember strolling down Broadway, my sister and her friend caught up to us from wherever older sisters and their friends ran off too. “Whad'ya get?” they asked, inspecting my small bag of taffy. This seemed like a sinister inquiry and I did not like where this line of questioning was headed.
“Uh, nothing much” I replied.
“Can we try some?” Rather than addressing me, the rightful owner of the candy, my sister spoke over my head to my mom. Against my will, I was made to share. When my sister and her friend plunged their hands into my taffy bag (it seemed they were almost elbow deep) they pulled their hands out brimming with huge, ungainly portions.
Panicked, I'd protest: “Wait, wait, wait, wait!” They would laugh and sprint off towards the beach and my heart would sink. My taffy bag felt woefully deflated. After many instances of being forced to share, I finally learned a loophole in sharing sweets: there were certain types that simply did not lend themselves to division among family members. From then on I would discipline myself in only choosing giant jaw breakers.
I was not a shining example of generosity, but it definitely taught me a lesson in strategic planning. The other day I wandered into The Buzz on Broadway (with its vintage candy boxes adorning the walls, as pictured above) and chose a brimming bag of dark chocolate covered blueberries. I'm happy to report that I shared with everyone in my group. Though to be honest, there was still a shrewd little kid voice in my head that was hoping they wouldn't take too much.
Do you have any memories surrounding the candy shops in Seaside? Would love to hear them!
Nate Burke is an information specialist for the City of Seaside Visitors Bureau happy to share all that's great about Seaside. Just be cautious when asking him for candy!
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| | Comments (3) | | Last comment made | | 1/29/2013 3:42:18 PM |
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gail |
1/29/2013 3:42:18 PM |
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this brought back family memories of a church camp near rockaway beach, and we would take trips up/down the coast with certainly a stop in seaside. saltwater taffy, need i say more?
great story, nate!
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Nate (Seaside VB Staff) |
9/28/2012 11:42:44 AM |
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Thanks for the comment Celeste! I would definitely try one of those - candy fusion is very cutting-edge! By the way, I tried an apple pie caramel apple at The Buzz the other day (www.thebuzzcandy.com/applepiecaramelapple.aspx) and it was fusion heaven!
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celeste |
9/27/2012 10:59:58 PM |
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what a wonderful story. i cannot wait to visit that candy shop. i want to buy nate a blueberry covered with taffy dunked in chocolate jawbreaker!
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Broadway Field is a community gem |
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9/2/2012 5:56:52 PM |
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 This past week was a typical one in Seaside. With the summer season slowly winding down, the streets, beaches and roadways were busy with people enjoying late-August weather. Locals were making final preparations for the first days of school while others were both ending and beginning their respective sports seasons.
Very few structures allow for a multitude of sports to be played on its surface, but the recently-renovated Broadway Field in Seaside is one of those places. Baseball, soccer, rugby, softball and football are just a handful of the events the new artificial turf is perfect for (and has already hosted). Softball and football games happening over the span of 24 hours in Seaside last week is just one of the reasons I'm so excited about this evolving facility located just off Highway 101.
Last October, the much-anticipated dream of this facility happening became reality when Seaside High School opened Broadway Field with its first home football game of the 2011 season. The game, played against visiting Yamhill-Carlton, was a loss in the record books, but it ushered in a new era of sports in this Clatsop County community of 6,500.
Over the past 11 months construction continued on the facility as the turf around the baseball/softball field was laid, dugouts were built and bleachers were added or moved to accommodate the transformed complex. But the biggest addition was when enough community money was raised (approximately $180,000) to lift six light standards into the sky this past July so that events could happen throughout the year and well into the evening hours.
That final hurdle is what made this past Thursday (softball) and Friday (football) possible in Seaside. Recreational softball games aren't new to community residents, but playing them under a beautifully lit, state-of-the-art structure is. The same goes for football. Last year's games were played on the new field, but games were finished before dark since lights had yet to be added.
The results of those games really don't matter in the grand scheme of things, but I'll tell you that my team came out on the losing end of the softball game while the Seaside varsity football team defeated visiting Warrenton 50-0. Ultimately though, we're all winners when it comes to being able to utilize Broadway Field. Football and soccer games will be played here this fall and a rugby match between Oregon State and Willamette University is scheduled for October 20.
On your next visit to Seaside, stop by and marvel at this fantastic gem in our community. And if you're lucky enough to participate in an activity on the field, soak it all in. The facility is a community dream with lots of local equity poured into its development. See you in Seaside!
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Riding the Streetcar in Seaside |
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8/26/2012 3:22:09 AM |
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 Last weekend I had the pleasure of riding the Seaside Streetcar around town. It was a pristine coastal afternoon and I found myself equipped with some free time and a bag of saltwater taffy. The Sea Streetcarside Streetcar is a classic vintage open air design with shiny brass railings and wooden benches with wrought iron legs. It's definitely an experience of riding in style. The circular route around town passes all of the major areas and Seaside attractions including the Aquarium, Convention Center, Turnaround, Lewis & Clark Salt Cairn, and the Cove.
There is something peaceful about being able to sit back, relax in the fresh breeze, and watch the town roll by. The Streetcar has a special kind of pageantry about it that attracts stares, smiles, and friendly waves. Cruising down 12th avenue, we hit the bridge and the crabbers were out in full force. The driver gave an encouraging “honk” and all the crabbers and bystanders turned and waved as we passed by.
It was an especially active day downtown on Broadway. But from the elevated seats of the Streetcar, it was the perfect vantage point for excellent people watching. The Streetcar driver is a first-rate resource for historical information and comments on local sites as well.
It’s a great way to travel around town for a tour of the local sights and also a highly practical form of transportation to your favorite Seaside destination. The Streetcar will be running on weekends from 10am – 6pm through Labor Day and costs just $1.00. For a time table and list of stops, go to the Sunset Empire Transportation District website at http://www.ridethebus.org.
Editor's note: The Seaside Streetcar operated as a beta test this summer with plans to evaluate future use at an upcoming transportation meeting. The Seaside Visitors Bureau will keep you posted as to the outcome, which may include an extension of this transportation option through the end of September.
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Establishing another world record |
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8/12/2012 5:06:30 PM |
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 In 2011, the 30th Annual Seaside Beach Volleyball Tournament went to new heights by establishing two world records. The first, for becoming the largest tournament in the world with 975 teams played on 113 courts. The second, for establishing a record of 44 consecutive passes over the net. To achieve this mark,both players and fans took turns rotating through the court in what became one of the many highlights for 2011.
While there was no attempt made to surpass the consecutive pass mark in 2012, the tournament itself established even greater heights for total number of courts and teams during the 31st annual event held this past weekend.
123 courts were set up - demonstrating just how expansive the Seaside beach is - with 1,269 teams competing during the three-day event. A very impressive feat considering this event started with about eight courts and a couple dozen teams in 1982.
It’s a truly remarkable event and if you’ve never been (as a participant or spectator), it’s worth the effort to get here and spend a day amongst some hard-working amateurs and many very talented professional teams.
Center court – which sits just below the Seaside turnaround – is often the main draw and where you’ll find most of the pros playing, but venturing out to courts north and south gives you great respect for a game that continues to grow worldwide.
This was my third tournament as a spectator and my amazement grows each year. The energy, wide cross section of visitors and passion for a beautiful sport is hard to miss. If you’ve ever played sports or simply enjoy watching people, this is the place for you. And go ahead and mark your calendars now. Next year’s tournament, like they are every year, will be held the second weekend of August. The exact dates: August 9-11, 2013. See you in Seaside!
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Pedal boating through Seaside |
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8/5/2012 7:14:46 PM |
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 Last week we talked about Surrey's in this space and the exercise and different options it gives you to see Seaside from a set of four wheels. This week, under a brilliant-blue Sunday sky and unseasonably warm temperatures for our coastal town, my family and I took to a pedal boat along the Necanicum River.
Pedal boats offer yet another way to see Seaside; by water. And while you definitely don't have to wait for a hot day to hit the water ways, as we did, be sure and pack a jacket or sweatshirt as the light breezes can sometimes make for a cool ride.
The launch site - adjacent to the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge (1st Avenue) and due east of the Seaside Civic & Convention Center - for the pedal boat we rented sits along the Necancium River in the heart of downtown Seaside. In addition to the double pedal boat (four seats) we rented, single pedal boats (two seats) are available. The site also r ents kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, bumper boats and barracudas - a sportier version of the pedal boat.
We're not seasoned pedal boaters and that really didn't seem to matter. The staff at Wheel Fun Rentals (which manages this dock and the various rentals available) explained to us what we were getting ourselves into and the boundaries we were limited to. Once we got our life jackets on, we were off and heading south down the beautiful Necanicum River. Not far from the launch site is the Broadway Bridge - which is generally heavy with foot traffic. Having walked that bridge hundreds of times, it was fun to see it from underneath and offered many perspectives I have never witnessed before.
The pedaling was definitely a good leg workout - much like the surreys - and steering can be a bit comical and confusing, but once you get the hang of it, it's easy to simply stop pedaling and start taking in the sites along one of two rivers that flow through Seaside (the Neawanna runs parallel and a little further to the east).
With August now in full swing and the consistency of warm temperatures running higher, a little time on the water is definitely a great way to beat the heat. And it's a no-stress adventure. In fact, it's probably a stress reducer. See you in Seaside!
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Seeing Seaside on a Surrey |
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7/29/2012 8:12:04 PM |
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 Chances are good if you've visited Seaside you've seen a surrey cruising the downtown streets. It's possible you've even ridden one of these popular bikes - also referenced as a quadricycle. Designed after classic automobile cars, the surrey bike is about as synonymous with Seaside as salt-water taffy and sand dollars. They're also lots of fun and a great way to get some exercise.
My most recent excursion wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be (the bikes require some good pedal power) but with a good partner or two, the ride takes teamwork to a whole new level. Add a couple of energetic kids to the mix (most surreys have baskets in the front of the bike) and the ride often turns into an hour of laughter.
The surrey comes in three sizes (two, four and six-person bikes) and with that extra basket, your ride could include up to eight people.
Seaside has a few locations for surrey rentals. The Prom Bike & Hobby Shop has been serving bicyclists since the 1930s and is one of the oldest shops in Oregon. Rentals range in price from $15-$36/hour and the shop is open from 10:30-5:30 p.m. daily. Wheel Fun Rentals has three locations in Seaside with surreys ranging in price from $20-$30/hour. Hours vary throughout the year but locations are open daily from 9 a.m. to sunset during summer months.
Editor's note: Broadway is one of the most popular streets to cruise on these four-wheeled bikes, but for a more scenic and casual ride be sure and explore the many downtown streets.
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Minus tides an impressive wonder |
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7/22/2012 8:39:19 PM |
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 I'm not sure I could have even explained what a minus tide was prior to moving to Oregon's North Coast a little over two years ago. Now I'm simply fascinated by them and eagerly await the chance to see the ocean retreat to extremely low levels along the shoreline.
This week's Seaside Sunday image is a little bit unusual and not the way we've treated our "photos of the week" since its inception in early May. It's generally been an image captured during the previous seven days. But with another set of minus tides on the horizon (more on that in a moment), I couldn't help but take the opportunity to share such a cool image that was sent to us by Dean Oouchida (@deanou) via Twitter earlier this week.
The question about tide levels is a popular one in our Visitor Center. And those that have the chance to use the low tides to their visiting advantage very often leave the coast having witnessed an impressive tide pool or stood in an area they probably could have only imagined if they were swimming in the ocean.
Minus tides happen year round, but the best ones usually happen in the evening hours during the winter months. And so it's not until mid spring rolls around that those visiting or residing along the coast are able to take advantage of those ultra-low water levels that happen during the day. Those negative levels generally peak during the summer months too which can make the experience that much more memorable.
The next set of negative tides begins on July 29, that's next Sunday, with the lowest days taking place on August 1 and 2. You'll have to rise a little early on those days (6:50 a.m. and 7:33 a.m., are the respective times on those days), but it will be well worth it and you just might find yourself standing at the ocean's edge capturing an image similar to Dean Ouchida's. Thanks again, Dean.
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Saddle Mountain State Park excursion |
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7/8/2012 8:09:05 PM |
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 Each Sunday since late April we've been posting our favorite photo of the week on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. It's been a shot that has captured a small piece of what one might experience when spending a few days in Seaside. All of the images have been captured on an iPhone but the story has ended once the photo was posted to our social media sites. This week we'll be adding an extension to those pictures - the story behind the image.
Today (July 8, 2012) brought a fairly solid marine layer of clouds to Oregon's North Coast. Temperatures were still in the 60s but if you were hoping for sun, it never made it. Feeling like I needed some Vitamin D to kick off the week, I packed my family in the car and headed 21 miles east of Seaside to Saddle Mountain State Park. It's an easy drive, and once you turn off of Highway 26 (right about MP 10), you'll enjoy seven miles of beautiful forestry before reaching the Saddle Mountain trailhead.
The area itself allows for overnight camping and has ample parking for those simply wishing to take a short hike or the longer hike that will allow you to summit Saddle Mountain. With two young children in tow, we were there to keep it simple and safe while enjoying the natural beauty and pleasant temperatures.
Our hike was a short one (a little over a 1/4-mile each way) and did include a few steep spots where sturdy shoes are a must but the small steeps are well worth the effort. Once on the trail, turn right at the Humbug Mountain viewpoint sign. Your journey to some amazing views (including the one captured here) and ample sunshine are just 10-15 minutes away.
Editor's note: As with any mountain hike, come prepared with water and layered clothing. It's also recommended to not hike alone, especially when attempting to summit Saddle Mountain - which has a peak elevation of 3,283 feet.
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There are plenty of places to take a picture or even have your photo taken in Seaside. The Prom, 
The history of Seaside being one of the oldest seashore resorts – and the folks that have flocked to these ocean beaches – has been long documented. But one of the fun aspects about this North Oregon Coast resort town is what lies inside some of the walls and businesses that have been around for decades.
