Newport Oregon and the Central Oregon Coast

Can't forget Newport? Enter the 2009 Memory Derby!

It starts so innocently. A simple trip to Newport. Good times. Then you come home. The memories just won't let you go. And you realize we don't call it The Coast you Remember for nothing.

Give those recollections the attention they crave in the 2009 Memory Derby. Enter your story, photo, or video October 15 through December 10, 2009. We'll pick the top three. Grand Prize includes two nights in one of Newport's premier hotels, dinner, free admission to the Aquarium and other local attractions, for up to 4 guests. 2nd Prize: a hand-blown glass float plus a brimming basket of Newportness. 3rd Prize: a special basket of goodies. Got a Newport memory? Give it to us—it's the best way to make room for more!

Need a memory to enter? Now's a great time to visit, with Fall season offers and promotions for discounts on Newport-area activities.

Jazz junket promises a jumpin' good time!

For three days this fall Newport will be a musical Mecca, when the 6th Annual Jazz at Newport festival blows into town October 2, 3, 4.

From Friday's Opening Night session to Sunday's Connoisseur Sets, jazz legends from around the region and around the world will converge at the Newport Performing Arts Center to provide a wide range of styles and performances.

On tap: ensembles like the Jeff Hamilton Trio, Chuck Redd and the Statesmen of Jazz, Ira Nepus' Tribute to Benny Carter, and the Bridge Quartet. Plus artists Jeffery Clayton, Christopher Luty, Mimi Fox, Mike Wofford, Tamir Hendelman, and more.

The festival gets underway Friday night, October 2 at 8 pm and runs throughout the weekend, ending on a high note with Chuck Redd and the Statesmen of Jazz Sunday, October 4 at 3 pm. Rooms fill fast for this fall tradition, so make your reservations now!

Carve a pumpkin, sing with a pirate, and name a turkey vulture!

A week of fun activities will celebrate the bountiful fall harvest during the Oregon Coast Aquarium's Halloween Harvest Festival, October 25-31.

In addition to collecting food for Lincoln Country Food Share, the event will include story telling, a turkey vulture naming contest, costume contest, pumpkin carving contest, singing pirates and spooky divers.

Come out of your shell at the Oyster Cloyster!

Make plans now to be a part of the 9th Annual Oyster Cloyster Festival, Saturday, November 7 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm.

Held at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, the Cloyster gala is a culinary extravaganza showcasing the versatility of one of Oregon's most popular shellfish specialties. Enjoy an evening of food, wine, delicious desserts and live entertainment by the Patti George Trio.

Highlight of the event is always the chef's competition, where innovation meets temptation, and oysters are used in delectably diverse ways.

Tickets are $65 each, two for $125 online, $75 apiece, $150 per couple on the day of the event. Proceeds benefit the Oregon Coast Community College Foundation and the OCCC Aquarium Science program.

Come for the Cloyster and stay for the weekend. Fall is ideal for crabbing, fishing, and exploring the nooks and crannies of historic Newport.

See Newport glow in the dark this holiday!

A luminous weekend is planned for December 4 and 5, with two of Newport's favorite attractions lighting the way.

Join revelers at the Oregon Coast Aquarium Friday and Saturday, December 4 and 5 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm, and be immersed in a winter wonderland of twinkling lights. Caroling, a Christmas village, a visit with St. Nick and photos by the big Christmas tree are all on the itinerary, along with hot chocolate and holiday treats.

And get in the mood Saturday, December 5 at 5 pm with Newport's annual Lighted Boat Parade. Best viewed from the historic Bayfront, the parade will feature a variety of watercraft, including working boats from Oregon's largest fishing fleet, charter boats, sail boats and even sea kayaks. Claim your vantage point on the docks, or watch from a restaurant or shop on the Bayfront. Several tour and charter boat companies will also offer up-close viewing.

Reserve a spot now and make it a holiday getaway!

Bring back a tale of a whale!

Join the California gray whales on their winter holiday in Newport! Winter Whale Watch Week is back this year, December 26- January 1, 2010. Throughout the week, trained volunteers from Oregon State Parks will be available at key sighting points to answer questions and help visitors spot whales. Also available will be whale watching charters.

While you're here, stop by the Hatfield Marine Science Visitor Center to learn more about the grays and other marine mammals through special programs, talks and activities. The Center will be open every day during Whale Watch Week, from 10 am to 5 pm.

Book now, then bundle up and bring your binoculars—last year nearly 600 whales were spotted during the winter watching week!