I have said it before and I will say it again, I am absolutely in love in with the Oregon Coast- and anyone who lives here or has visited will understand why. As Thanksgiving approaches- I thought it might be nice to reflect on what I am most thankful for on the Oregon Coast.
1. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area Formed by the ancient forces of wind, water and time, these dunes are like no others in the world and attract thousands each year seeking thrills, adventure….and solitude. These amazing dunes tower 500 feet above sea level and provide numerous recreational opportunities including off-highway vehicle use, hiking, photography, fishing, horseback riding and camping.
2. Fresh Seafood The native residents would give great thanks for the abundance of fish and seafood; and we continue that tradition today! Throughout the year low tides provide access to a bountiful resource of clams which has inspired our local chefs to create some of the best clam chowder you’ll find anywhere (just check out Chowder Bounty). We also have amazing Dungeness crab, and the best crab are always the ones you bring up yourself from the waters of lower Coos Bay. Rent or buy a crab ring and try your luck; the payoff will be a fresh crab feast you’ll always remember. And you’ll keep coming back for more. Read Nancy Brown’s ‘Best Places to Eat in Coos Bay‘!
3. The Oregon Coast Beaches: Our local beaches are absolute treasures. Locals and visitors enjoy decompressing while on a stroll and comb the beaches searching for unique shells, collectibles and even ship wrecks! Photographers and artists from all over will come here to capture the majestic and mysterious beauty that only the Oregon Coast can provide. You never know what you’ll find on our beaches.
4. Whale Watching Each winter and spring, gray whales migrate along our coastline, and thousands of whale lovers come here. 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. We have some of the best sites along the coast, at both Shore Acres State Park and Face Rock Wayside State Scenic Viewpoint.
5. The Oregon Coast People: Visitors tell me time and time again that they feel incredibly welcome and at home here- and I thank the residents for that. Stroll through the shops of downtown Coos Bay or North Bend; visit the fishing docks in Charleston and you will see just what I mean.
No where on earth will you find a group of more welcoming and interesting people than the residents of Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston. This place is a true community, and take a great deal of pride in our region. Our residents have launched thriving and eclectic businesses and restaurants- we host events and festivals throughout the year that celebrate art, music and culture.
There is not enough space or hours in the day for me to list everything that I am grateful for along the Oregon Coast- but this is a start! I would love to hear from you! What Oregon Coast feature are you most thankful for?