Earlier this month, I shared our recommendation for the Shore Acres Holiday Lights display- a true “Must See” for locals and tourists throughout the Holiday Season (the display will be open to the public through December 31. Here are some more local travel secrets to make your Oregon holiday adventure unforgettable:
Local Secret #1: On the way back from seeing the lights, a must stop is the Charleston Rural Fire Department on Cape Arago Highway where you’ll find a miniature Christmas Village: over 200 miniatures and trains representing Coos County, and of course cookies are available. This event is also free and has incredible detail to ooh and ahh over. Open every night thru Christmas Eve, 6pm-10pm.
Contact info: Rusty Shields 541.888.3268
Local Secret #2: Go Dock Crabbing! This time of year is the best time of year for dock crabbing, and the best part, kids can crab free! Visit www.fishingcoosbay.com for maps, tips and other details on Crabbing in Coos Bay!
Local Secret #3: ExploreSouth Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve which is the first estuarine reserve in the nation. Every month they host a class called Tide of the Toddlers where they teach little ones how to explore and appreciate nature. Every December they also feature a natural ornaments class for the kids. They will also be hosting the Gray Whale Obstacle Course on Saturday 12/19 from 10:30 to 11:30 am or 2 to 3 pm. Event is free, visit their site for details.
Local Secret #4: ATV’ing, dunebuggy’ing, or sand boarding on the Oregon Dunes is a must. For kids too small to ride their own vehicle, you can rent 2, 4, or 13 seater vehicles. Rain or shine, our dunes are active year round as there is nothing like it. The sand boarding is friendly to all ages but it best enjoyed in sunny weather as the boards travel better.
The Holiday events continue….You can cap the whole holiday season off with the annual Whale Watching week at Shore Acres Dec 26-Jan1st. A complete list of our events is available at www.oregonsadventurecoast.com