Newport Oregon and the Central Oregon Coast

Calling All Gumshoes, Private Eyes and Snoops!

Start honing your sleuthing skills and plan now for the Nye Beach Murder Mystery Weekend, March 13-14. Everyone's a detective, as participants visit locations throughout the Nye Beach area, interviewing local residents and merchants who are dressed in costume–all of whom are suspects. Prizes will be awarded for cracking the case.

Things begin at 11 am on Saturday, March 13, in Nye Beach (just follow the signs!) and continue into Sunday, March 14. Participants purchase their Mystery Packets for $5, and may choose to work alone or in groups.

For more information, contact Linda Neigebauer at lindaraen@charter.net.

Fishing Season Gets Underway with Blessing of the Fleet Events!

It doesn't get more authentic than this: join us on March 20 for the annual Blessing of the Fleet community ceremony honoring local fishermen and their families and kicking off the spring fishing season.

The event is open to all, including vessels wishing to ask for protection at sea, bountiful catches, and peace of mind for families at home. The day begins at 8 am, with a Memorial Service at Fishermen's Memorial Sanctuary at Yaquina Bay State Park. The popular Survival Suit Races begin at 9:30 at the Newport Tradewinds dock, below Mo's Annex. Then, the parade of boats begins at 12:45 pm on Yaquina Bay, near the Port's international terminal. Boats will pass in front of the lifeboat Victory, where local ministers onboard will ask blessings as each vessel passes.

Whale Watching Central, March 20-27

Don't miss a single spraying spout or splashing tale! The California gray whales are just about to pass through on their twice yearly migration between their breeding grounds off Baja California and winter feeding in the Bering Sea. And there's nowhere better to catch a glimpse of the mighty mammals than the waters off Newport during Whale Watch Week, March 20-27. Throughout the week, trained volunteers from Oregon State Parks will be available at key sighting points to answer questions and help visitors spot whales. Or book a whale watching charter. 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 daily during Whale Watch Week, from 10 am to 4 pm.

Back for Seconds: The 2nd Annual Restaurant Week!

Prepare your palates for another epicurean extravaganza! Newport's 2nd Annual Restaurant Week will run March 25 through April 1, 2010, and feature 3-course prix-fixe (set price) meals at over a dozen of Newport's favorite eateries. From fine dining to quick service establishments, each will offer a salad or appetizer, entrée and dessert—along with special menus, promotions and discounts. The special 3-course meals will be available at lunch and dinner; gratuity and beverages are not included. Make plans now to enjoy this culinary sampler, broadening your horizons at favorite establishments, or trying out new restaurants. Stay for the week and don't miss a morsel, starting March 25.

Come Drink to a CEO who Took his Bonus in Biscuits!

Lap up some great beer May 21-23, at Rogue Ale's 4th Annual Brewer's Memorial Ale Fest, benefiting the Central Coast Humane Society and Oregon Coast Therapy Animals. The event celebrates Brewmaster John Maier's faithful canine companion Brewer, who passed away on May 20, 2006. Brewer grew up in the brewery and eventually rose to the rank of CEO of Rogue Ales. The dog-friendly brew festival will be held inside the Rogue Ales Brewery and includes 50+ microbreweries, live music, doggy musical chairs, dog wash, dog dancing and celebrity dog look-alikes (Rin-Tin-Tin, Lassie, Benjy and of course, Brewer). $10 admission fee gets you a festival mug and 3 taster tickets.