SEARCH

Tide and Timber Sauna is the Central Oregon Coast’s first homegrown wood-fired mobile sauna, based in the heart of Newport, offering a warm refuge where the windswept meets the serene.Whether you book a seat at an Open Session, rent a Private Sauna Escape, or we bring the sauna to your front door,  you are invited to embrace the harmony of deep warmth, the clarity of brief cold, and pure coastal renewal. Explore More and Book Now Sessions start as low as $25 a person for groups of 6 Check out our Booking Page  for pricing and more information. Sauna Vocabulary Session Our sessions typically last 1.5 hours. During this time, you will complete several rounds at your own pace. Round A heat, chill, and restore cycle. Stepping out of the sauna to cool down and then returning helps the body relax and reset. Löyly (pronounced LOY-loo) A Finnish word for the steam that rises from hot sauna stones when water is poured over them. Levollinen (adjective) A Finnish word describing a state of peace or calm. It captures that feeling when all is well, which is often how people feel after a sauna session.

The Newport surfing scene: then and now By Steve Card Oftentimes when people think of surfing, images of Southern California or Hawaii come to mind. But the Oregon Coast, and Newport in particular, has developed its own surfing culture over the years, and riding the waves along local beaches has become a popular activity for everyone from beginners to experienced surfers. How Oregon surfing became a thing The person credited with being the first to surf in earnest along the Central Oregon Coast was Scott Blackman. It was the summer of 1964, and Scott had just spent four years in the Air Force, stationed in the tropical waters of Guam. After returning to the Central Oregon Coast where he grew up, Scott began surfing at Newport’s Agate Beach. It wasn’t long before others starting noticing Scott out there on the waves and also got excited about surfing. Two teenaged boys — Rick (Ohana) Bailey and Larry Tucker, who both lived above Agate Beach — soon joined Scott in the surf, and the next year, the three of them organized the Agate Beach Surf Club, which sponsored the first surf contest in the area in August of 1965. Scott was also an artist and became interested in photographing his fellow surfers, documenting the pioneer days of Oregon Coast surfing in the 1960s and ’70s. He and his wife, Sandy, would later publish books about the Oregon Coast surfing culture, with a particular focus on Newport and the surrounding area, which has become known for its welcoming culture to surfers of all levels. Learn more about these early days of surfing at surferscott.com . What is unique about Oregon Coast surfing? There are several things that make Oregon Coast surfing special and unique — things to excite any surfer. There are a lot more waves and a lot less people competing for those waves. At the local beaches, 10 people is considered a crowded day. At most, there could be as many as 50 people, whereas if you go to some beaches around San Diego, it could be 3,000 or 4,000 people trying to surf on the same day. Another attractive thing about Oregon surfing is that it’s a more of a natural setting — no row of high-rise buildings along the beach. The water is cleaner, and there aren’t freeways running along the coastline. Many people have a hard time understanding why anyone would want to surf in Oregon because the water is so cold, but with advancements in wetsuit technology, surfing has exploded in the Pacific Northwest. The wetsuits are much more flexible and much warmer — people can stay comfortable for two, three, maybe even four hours with the right material, making it a much more enjoyable experience. Introducing surfing to beginners For people who would like to experience surfing but know nothing about the sport, there are a couple of surf shops in Newport that provide lessons to help them get up and riding the waves. These lessons include the use of all the necessary gear, so learning to surf doesn’t require a big initial investment. Ossies Surf Shop ( OssiesSurfShop.com ), located at 4900 Oregon Coast Highway in north Newport, has been meeting the needs of surfers for the past 28 years. It is owned by Dan Hasselschwert, who first started teaching surfing to students when he was a teacher at Waldport Middle School. “I was doing a middle school surf club in Waldport and was looking for gear for the kids to use,” Dan said. He contacted the person who started the original Ossies Surf Shop in Otter Rock. “I connected with him, (and) he let us use the gear,” said Dan. “He kept pitching to me ‘Hey, you ought to buy the stuff off me.’” And that’s just what Dan ended up doing. After opening Ossies Surf Shop in Newport, “we had some goals, (and) we just blew those goals out of the water financially,” said Dan. “I hired an employee, and we just kept it going.” One focus for Ossie’s is helping beginners get started. “The majority of our lessons are going to be those beginners, the people on vacation that want to get a taste of it,” Dan said. “The next level, I’d say, is we get these annual customers that come through. They’re improving each year, (and) eventually they get their own boards. And then we get what we call the intermediate surfer who says, ‘Hey, I’ve been surfing for X number of years, and I just can’t get over the hump.’” Dan has also partnered with Oregon State University. “I’ve been teaching surfing for college credit there for 20-plus years,” he said. “And this spring, for the first time ever, I’ll be doing that with the University of Oregon.” Russell McClanan is the owner of South Beach Surf Shop ( SouthBeachSurfer.com ) , located in the Aquarium Village at 3101 SE Ferry Slip Road, #810, in Newport. Russell began surfing when he was just 10 years old. As a late teen, he was already on the U.S. Surf Team. He later became a coach for that team and also earned multiple certifications. He enjoys introducing people to the sport. “My motto is if you can do 10 pushups and can swim, I guarantee I can teach you to surf,” Russell said. He said his students have ranged from children as young as 4 to an adult pushing 70. Lessons can be one-on-one or groups as large as 30. “A lot of times we’re only in waist-deep water,” said Russell. “You can get your feet on the bottom, I can teach you how to paddle the board, how to sit on the board, how to turn on the board with your legs. And then the first couple of times I’ll push you into the wave and I’m going to body surf behind you. I’m holding the board and taking the person through what’s going on. Then I’ll let them go and they’ll surf. “It’s therapy for a lot of people, too,” Russell added. “They just want to be around it. They want to learn, they want to be outdoors and around nature. If you go surfing with me, you’re going to have a good time. You’re going to stand up and catch waves. You’re going to be stoked, and you’re going to see why I do what I do.” Creating a welcoming environment Dan Hasselschwert moved to the Oregon Coast from Ohio in the 1990s, and he first began surfing when he was 22 years old, later than kids who are born and raised in the sport. “I remember being new,” he said. “Surfing has a lot of exclusivity to it. There’s something called ‘localism.’ When I moved here there was one shop in town and they didn’t rent boards, they didn’t do lessons. If you weren’t born and raised here and they didn’t know you for 10 years, they weren’t nice to you.” So when Dan started Ossies, he made it his mission to be welcoming to all surfers. “I didn’t know any different than to be nice to everybody, be welcoming to everybody, accepting to everybody. So that’s kind of how I set out,” he said. “In our mission statement, it says if you’re a blond-haired 16-year-old surfing pro, or a white-haired 80-year-old lady, we’re going to treat you the same. “I would say Newport’s moniker of ‘The Friendliest’ is kind of extended through Ossies into the community,” he added. “I don’t know that you’d find quite as much welcoming and acceptance in a lot of communities. I believe Newport is the raddest city on the Oregon Coast.” Dan said Ossies has become the shop for many of the best surfers in the area. “This is their shop, they’re our instructors, this is where they get their gear,” Dan said. “But on the other hand, we also really are welcoming to beginners, and we have the weekend warriors, we have an extensive selection of used stuff that’s really inexpensive.” Russell McClanan worked at Ossies before deciding to open his South Beach Surf Shop. And another local shop, the Newport Surf Shop, is also owned by someone who first worked at Ossies. “Both of those are my ex-employees,” said Dan. “On one hand it’s like you’d love to be the only shop in town, but at the same time, that doesn’t really make the surf scene. Competition is good. As soon as I heard they were opening shops, we started doing things we hadn’t done — incentive programs, customer appreciation things, newsletters.” Surf contests bring people together Several surf contests take place each year along the Central Oregon Coast, but one of the most popular is the Agate Beach Surf Classic, which is held in September. “There’s about 180 participants, and I’d say they’re from all over the world,” Dan said. “We’ve had people from Puerto Rico, we’ve had people from all over the West Coast, from Hawaii.” He added that a surfing scene is only as good as its individual members. “We’ve got some people in this community who’ve got connections to the pro surfing world. We have people who have connections to the roots of everything going on. We have people like Ossies who are connected to the industry, to the school systems. So when those contests are going on, all those people are saying to all of the people they know, ‘Hey, you should come to this contest.’” Although local surf shops help out with the Agate Beach Surf Classic, the event is officially put on by the City of Newport, and the goal is to raise money for parks and recreations scholarships for kids. Other local surf contests include the Otter Rock and Roll, a youth surf contest, and the Oregon Surfing Championships, which was started by the South Beach Surf Shop and will be holding its fourth annual event this year. How technology benefits the surfing community With technology and forecasting tools, it’s never been easier to predict when it’s a good time to go to the beach to surf. There is information provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and by the U.S. Coast Guard. There is also a wide variety of information to be found online, with dozens of websites providing real-time data about the surf conditions. And then there are the Surf Cams. People can pull up the camera’s view on their computer and see if it would be a good day to go surfing because it’s a live-action camera, running continuously. There are two cameras in Lincoln City, one in Otter Rock and one at Newport’s Agate Beach. People can access those cameras at surfline.com Another favorite website among surfers is windy.com . Russell, with South Beach Surf Shop, is also getting ready to launch a YouTube channel and start producing a podcast to share information about Oregon Coast surfing. After the launch, links to those sites will be on his website at SouthBeachSurfer.com .

With sweeping ocean views, the Allred is a newly renovated boutique hotel at 155 SW Elizabeth Street, Newport, Oregon. The hotel provides several beautifully designed, spacious rooms with ocean views, private walk-out balconies or patios, and thoughtfully curated amenities. All rooms have large-screen TVs with streaming services, free Wi-Fi access, desks, air conditioning, and more. Pet-friendly rooms are available. The property includes a newly remodeled pool, a stunning spa, a sauna, and a 24-hour fitness center. The Allred is located across the street from direct ocean access and a 5-minute walk to Historic Nye Beach, known for its beautiful beach walks, quaint shops, and local restaurants. Parking is available on-site.    The stunning lobby Bites + Bar offers craft cocktails, espresso drinks, and Pacific Northwest-inspired bites. It also has unobstructed views of the ocean and the historic Yaquina Head Lighthouse.

Discover what causes Oregon’s dramatic winter King Tides, how they shape our coastline, and how to view them safely. Photo: C.L. Downing, Rockaway Beach By Rhiannon Bezore, Coastal Shores Specialist, Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development What Are King Tides? Each winter, the moon, sun, and earth are in alignment, the earth’s orbit is closest to the sun, and the moon is closest to the earth, creating an extra strong gravitational pull on our oceans, making the highest and lowest tides of the year. These extreme tides are known scientifically as Perigean Spring Tides, but they are more commonly referred to as King Tides. This year (2026) we have three King Tide events.The first round was November 5-7th, the second from December 4-6th, and the final round of the season will be from January 1-4th. Where the Term “King Tides”Comes From The term “King Tides” was coined in Australia nearly 20 years ago to describe the highest tides they observed each year, and the King Tides Project began to document how the tides were impacting coastal communities. From there, the project spread across the world. Photo: Pelirrojo Productions, Depoe Bay The Oregon King Tides Project The Oregon King Tides Project began 15 years ago as a partnership between the Oregon Coastal Management Program (housed within the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development) and Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition, along with partners from Oregon Coastal Visitors Association, Oregon Sea Grant, and Oregon Surfrider. The Oregon King Tides Project is a community science initiative that asks the public to submit their photos of the King Tides online to www.oregonkingtides.net . The project hosts a photo contest each year and shares all photos submitted to a public Flickr account ( Oregon King Tides’s albums | Flickr ) as well as with coastal planning departments, federal and state agencies, and researchers. The project is focused on documenting howKing Tides impact our coastal communities, be it flooding, erosion, or other compounding impacts from storms that add to the effects of the high tides. Seeing areas that are already being impacted by these high tide events gives us a glimpse into what future sea level rise may look like in our communities. What King Tides Tell Us About the Future Essentially, the water levels that we see during king tides now may be the normal high tide line in the future with sea level rise, with King Tides then raising water levels that much more each winter. Since King Tides occur during winter months, they often coincide with storm events too. This can lead to large waves and stormy conditions during peak high tide hours, increasing hazards like flooding, erosion, and sneaker waves along the coast. Staying Safe While Viewing King Tides It is very important that anyone visiting the coast be very careful when viewing King Tides. The ocean is incredibly powerful, sneaker waves can happen at any time, and King Tides often coincide with storms, producing large waves during already high water levels. People taking photos and videos should be a safe distance from the water and never turn their back on the water. Remember to stay off of logs and rocks, away from cliff edges, and on dry sand. There are plenty of safe places to view the King Tides without putting yourself in harm’s way. Contact Information For more information about the project, please contact: Rhiannon Bezore, Coastal Shores Specialist with the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development, (971) 375-7336, rhiannon.bezore@dlcd.oregon.gov Sam Derrenbacher, Community Science & Engagement Manager with Oregon Shores, (603) 340-4648, sam@oregonshores.org

Don’t miss the festivities in Newport By Steve Card Newport, Oregon, is a pretty special place any time of the year, but the upcoming holidays bring out a bit of extra magic, from the many colorful light displays to one-of-a kind experiences. After people enjoy their traditional Thanksgiving celebrations, it will be a quick transition into Christmas on the coast. On Friday, Nov. 28, the Oregon Coast Aquarium kicks off its annual Sea of Lights , one of the coast’s most unique holiday light displays. Sea of Lights takes place at the aquarium from 5 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 28 and 29 and Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20. This annual event allows visitors to view aquarium galleries and exhibits in a new light, with each weekend featuring a different attraction. On the last two weekends in December, Santa will be there to greet visitors — young and old alike. Find a full schedule of events, updates, and tickets online at aquarium.org/sea-of-lights . But local businesses will be decked out for the holidays even before Thanksgiving. Genae Collett, owner of Tu Tu Tu Kitchen Cottage at 222 NW Coast St., said several businesses in Newport’s Nye Beach District will be joining together for a Holiday Open House from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21. “Last year, it was just a really pleasant neighborhood feeling there with people out on the streets … everybody was just gathered around talking and chatting and strolling around,” Genae said. “It was kind of a way to bring people in and let them know that we're there and have some fun.” There will be gift raffles, treats to snack on, and even some live music. And then right after Thanksgiving, businesses throughout Newport will jump head first into the holiday shopping season by offering great deals on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. On the Newport Bayfront, three stores owned by Susan Armstrong and Ashley Bixler — Wind Drift , Childish Tendencies and Kindred Hearts — will feature great merchandise at huge discounts of 60 to 70 percent off at a “pop-up” location at 410 SW Bay Blvd., which will be open the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving. They will also be doing their annual Giving Tree and Toy Drive during the holiday season, where people can purchase discounted items to donate to local charities and also receive 10 percent off all their other purchases. And on the Bayfront, it won’t be just the businesses that are lit up for the holidays. The City of Newport’s annual Christmas tree is being moved from its previous location at City Hall on Highway 101 to the Bayfront. The tree will be set up in front of Ripley’s Believe it or Not, located at 250 SW Bay Blvd. A tree lighting ceremony will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, coinciding with the annual Lighted Boat Parade on Yaquina Bay. Like a scene out of a Christmas movie, people can stroll the shops on the Bayfront, enjoy the Christmas tree being lit up, and watch the boats pass by all decked out with Christmas lights. John Fuller, communications specialist for the City of Newport, said, “I'm a firm believer that a city tree should be in like a walkable area where there's restaurants and shops. It will be a nice holiday kickoff weekend for our community.” The Lighted Boat Parade is again being organized by the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce. Maggie Conrad, the chamber's event director, said they had 19 brightly decorated boats on the bay last year and hope for more this year. “This is a fantastic tradition and a great way to start your holiday season,” she said. Earlier in the day on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 2 to 4 p.m., “We’re going to have Santa Claus and the puppies again this year, where you can have your dog have their picture taken with Santa Claus at the Yaquina Bay Yacht Club,” Maggie said. Bayfront businesses will stay open late that evening, giving visitors an opportunity to browse for holiday gifts. Also on the Bayfront, a Holiday Artisans Market will be held at Local Ocean Seafoods, 213 SE Bay Blvd., from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10. Another popular Newport holiday tradition is “The Christmas Show,” put on by the Red Octopus Theatre Company. It takes place at the Newport Performing Arts Center from Dec. 19 through 21. This is an opportunity to have a fun-filled evening with the whole family — maybe even create a new holiday tradition. In addition to the performance, there will be an appearance by Santa Claus, snow inside the theater, hot cocoa, and the real star of the night — homemade Christmas cookies. The cookies — thousands of them — have been made by hand each year and donated by local baker, writer, and theater patron Kate Boyes. The show’s director, Darcy Lawrence, said, “My vision for ‘The Christmas Show’ is great holiday-themed sketch comedy that is free of political humor and adult themes. I believe clean is not anathema to funny, and anyone who can’t write comedy without politics and profanity isn’t really trying. In my sketches, Santa will always be real, and the comedy will never be crude or divisive. I want everyone to be able to enjoy this holiday tradition, together!” More details about “The Christmas Show” can be found online at coastarts.org/events/christmas . There is obviously something for people of any age this holiday season in Newport, a true gem on the Oregon coast. For additional details and any updated information, go to DiscoverNewport.com .

Newport offers a wide variety of hidden gems By Steve Card Couples looking to enjoy a romantic getaway on the Oregon Coast have lots of options in Newport. From quality lodging to fine restaurants to local places to enjoy and explore, this coastal destination is sure to create a memorable experience. A Diversity of Places to Stay Newport has motels and hotels to fit anyone’s needs, but why not make the place you stay one of the things you remember most? There are several boutique hotels — some with specific themes — that could provide just the experience you are looking for. Here are a few examples. Allred Hotel The Allred Hotel opened in early 2025 at a location overlooking the ocean in Newport’s Nye Beach District. Christie Reinhardt, general manager of the Allred, said, “We try to make every guest feel special and welcomed. Every guest room has a welcome amenity of complimentary snacks.” And the Allred welcomes those who are traveling with their four-legged companions. “If they bring a pet with them, the pets will receive amenities,” Christie said. This includes a welcome bag with dog treats, a leash, and a water bowl. “Pets are family too, and this makes them feel welcome as well.” The Allred is just a short walk from a variety of good restaurants, including Nana’s Irish Pub, Sorella Italian Restaurant, Zach’s Bistro, and more. Hotel Sylvia Another place offering a unique experience is Hotel Sylvia , also overlooking Nye Beach and the Pacific Ocean. It is located in a building constructed in 1905, originally known as The Cliff House. From 1920 until 1984, it was the Gilmore Hotel, and then from 1984 to 1924, it was the Sylvia Beach Hotel, known far and wide for its unique literary theme and author-specific rooms. VIP Hospitality Group, an Oregon-based, family-owned company that has six boutique hotels on the coast, purchased the building last year. After an extensive remodeling project, it reopened as Hotel Sylvia, and it has maintained the literary theme that has proven to be such a popular attraction. Erin Evan, one of the hotel’s employees, said, “We have seven rooms that are named after specific authors, and then the rest of our rooms are literary genres—romance, mystery, fantasy, literary nonfiction.” In keeping with the literary theme, many books can be found around the hotel, along with a dedicated reading room that has a great view of the ocean and the Yaquina Head Lighthouse in the distance. Erin was also very specific about one thing the hotel does not have. “There are no TVs in the rooms. It’s supposed to be a place where you can just come and relax and recharge,” she said. And for couples wanting that special getaway, Hotel Sylvia offers romance packages, “which includes a bouquet of roses, chocolates, and your choice of wine—with a late check-out,” said Erin. On the hotel’s lower level, Cafe Sylvia serves breakfast daily from 8 to 11 a.m., available to both guests and the public. Hotel Sylvia guests can also enjoy the Newport Visual Arts Center right next door. It offers free admission to several different art galleries. Also nearby is the Newport Performing Arts Center, which features a wide variety of concerts, plays, and dance performances. Learn more at coastarts.org . The Louie Boutique Motel The Louie Boutique Motel is another Newport destination offering a unique visitor experience. “Couples love The Louie because it feels personal and intimate,” said Catharine “Catt” Kuerbis, who is in charge of marketing. “With only six uniquely styled suites, each inspired by cultural icons, guests feel as though they’ve discovered a hidden gem,” she added. The blend of style, music, and coastal charm makes The Louie a memorable choice for couples seeking both inspiration and intimacy. “Also, our team at The Louie is always happy to deliver extra touches to turn up the dial on a romantic getaway,” said Catt. “We’ve received and delivered on requests to cover a room with rose petals and leave artisan chocolates and wine on the bedside table for arriving honeymooners and anniversary couples.” Newport Belle Bed & Breakfast The Newport Belle Bed & Breakfast is truly a one-of-a-kind lodging experience. It’s a 97-foot paddlewheel boat permanently moored at Newport’s South Beach Marina. “We are the only riverboat bed and breakfast in the United States,” said owner Randy Sanders. “Guests just love the fact that they’re actually on the water, that they’re actually on a boat. I think more than anything else, people just appreciate the fact that we’re very unique and very different from anything that they have done in the past.” The Newport Belle has five rooms, each perfect for a romantic getaway. “We do very special things for anniversaries,” Randy said. “If someone notifies us ahead of time, we always do something a little special for them when they come here. It’s a very intimate setting, it’s very personal, so we try to make everybody feel like they’re family while they’re here.” The Newport Belle offers guests a complimentary happy hour with wine, beer, and spirits every day between 5 and 6 p.m. “And we also do a full breakfast every morning for our guests, cooked by our chef,” Randy said. A short distance from the Newport Belle is the visitor center at the Hatfield Marine Science Center and the Oregon Coast Aquarium . To create that romantic getaway on the Coast that you’ll always remember, check out options for lodging, restaurants, and fun experiences in and around Newport at DiscoverNewport.com .

Taste of India is a family-owned restaurant offering authentic Indian cuisine with a wide selection of flavorful dishes. Their team is dedicated to using the highest quality ingredients and providing warm, attentive service. Visitors can expect a memorable dining experience that truly reflects the richness of Indian culture. Visit Website

What coastal residents like to do for fun and entertainment By Steve Card People of all ages enjoy spending time in and around Newport, considered by many to be one of the best coastal towns in Oregon. Newport offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities, from weekend getaways and fine dining to local attractions and events. And likely the most favorite thing of all is simply spending time enjoying the awesome wonder of the area’s beautiful beaches and majestic Pacific Ocean. There are many hidden gems in Newport, Oregon, and it’s easy to see why it attracts so many visitors each year. But locals, too, take advantage of, and enjoy all that the area has to offer — although possibly at a somewhat different pace since they spend most of their time on the coast. A few tips from locals So what are some of the things local residents around Newport enjoy doing? To find out, people of varying age groups — a high schooler, a young family, and a retiree — were asked to talk about some of their favorite activities. High schoolers Reegan, a high school junior, said one of her favorite things to do during the summertime is enjoy a bonfire on the beach, a time to commune with friends and nature — and perhaps enjoy a s’more or two. Ice cream spots are also a favorite hangout for the high school crowd, Reegan said, with one of her favorites being Subzero Swirlz, located near the intersection of Highway 101 and Highway 20. Check out our post on other spots for sweet treats. Newport’s arts community also offers a lot of opportunities for young people, such as a dance recital or play at the Newport Performing Arts Center that may involve friends, or art programs at the Newport Visual Arts Center . And teen activities at the Newport Public Library are also a favorite gathering spot. Young families April and her husband, Keith, are the parents for two girls, ages 9 and 7, and a 4-year-old boy. One of their favorite family activities is hiking at places like the Yaquina Head Lighthouse in north Newport and Mike Miller Park on the south side of the Yaquina Bay Bridge (learn about other area hiking spots at discovernewport.com/hiker ). Hunting for agates on the beach is another favorite family activities, April said, along with the many other things their “littles” enjoy while playing in the sand. They may even spend time on boogie boards while Dad is out surfing. One of their favorite restaurants to visit is Sharks Seafood along Highway 101 in north Newport. “We really love the gumbo,” April said. Of course, their children also like stops at local candy and ice cream shops, as well as for boba tea at Sweet Corner located on the Newport Bayfront. And always a fun activity for people of any age is the Oregon Coast Aquarium , with many exhibits to explore, and children can even burn off excess energy at the playground. Retirees The beach may be fun for the younger generation, but older folks living in and around Newport enjoy it on a regular basis as well. Joseph Swafford and his wife, Christina, have lived in Newport since 1981. For nearly 30 years they were the owners of a business called the Champagne Patio in Newport’s Sea Towne Shopping Center. Joseph and Christina are regular beach goers. “That's one of our daily activities,” Joseph said. “We do about a two-mile trek on the beach every morning. Maintaining physical activity is important at our age, and this is a great place to do it.” They will also occasionally stop at a local store to pick up some picnic items and a good bottle of wine and go to a nice spot to enjoy a relaxing outdoor lunch. “We find a picnic table and spread the the tablecloth and picnic, and then we take a walk again afterwards in the local scene. This is a very beautiful place to live,” Joseph said. One of their favorite Newport restaurants is Local Ocean Seafoods . Another popular spot to grab seafood is at the South Beach Fish Market located right along the highway south of the bridge, where there’s generally a large crowd in the outdoor seating area during good weather. Joseph and Christina are also huge fans of the Newport Symphony Orchestra , which is getting ready to kick off its new season. In fact, Joseph has been on the symphony board of directors for more than 15 years. “We really marvel that Newport, a town of 10,000, has a symphony orchestra that cities of 100,000 and over would be envious of,” he said, adding, “The music scene here is quite rich. In addition to the symphony, we enjoy good jazz, and there is a jazz party format that takes place every October.” They also enjoy enjoy intimate house concerts held in local homes by In-house Jazz . These are just a few of the experiences available around Newport to visitors and local alike. For more information on what to do in and around this coastal gem, go to www.discovernewport.com

Central Coast Food Web holds ribbon cutting to celebrate new era of discovery and innovation By Steve Card A crowd of around 50 people gathered under sunny skies on Saturday, Aug. 2, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate a new era of discovery and innovation at the Central Coast Food Web, located on Yaquina Bay Road about three miles east of Newport. The mission of the Central Coast Food Web is to strengthen local, coastal and regional food systems by providing services and support to small, independent food producers and making it easier for all people to buy and to eat local food. What many people may be surprised to learn is that only a small percent of the seafood served in Oregon restaurants comes from Oregon waters. The major reasons for this are things like the reliability of supply and the price. The Central Coast Food Web hopes to change that by keeping more local seafood in Oregon. The concept began about five years ago, when Laura Anderson, founder of Local Ocean Seafoods in Newport, was looking for more space to store the fresh seafood it was preparing each day in its restaurant, and also selling in its fish market. After purchasing a building and property at 3814 Yaquina Bay Road, it was soon apparent that the facility had more space than what Local Ocean needed, and that set the foundation for what became the Central Coast Food Web. The food web is a nonprofit organization that provides the services and infrastructure needed to overcome limitations in the current food system — its facilities provide shared space and equipment at low risk and low cost to seafood and farm businesses to process, package, and store their products. The first shared-use facility of its kind in the area, known as the "Yaquina Lab,” is making it economically viable to direct market agricultural and seafood products both in the community and around the region. “As a restauranteur here for the last 20 years, I definitely know firsthand that people come here to eat seafood, and they presume that most of what they’re eating is from around here,” Anderson said. “What the study has shown is that’s just not the case, so clearly, something is broken in the seafood supply chain when our high quality, high value seafood that’s right out our own back door is bypassing our community and going elsewhere, and we’re bringing in imported and farmed seafoods to people. Everybody that learns that has the same reaction. They’re just like, ‘What? Are you kidding me?’ It’s shocking.” Jim King, executive director of the Central Coast Food Web, kicked off the Aug. 2 ribbon-cutting event, saying, “It was a lot of work to get this thing started, and to build the foundation that has been really important to get where we are today.” A big driver in getting to this point was the Oregon Coast Visitors Association, and in particular, Marcus Hinz, the OCVA’s executive director. King said Hinz is one of the partners who has shared the work as well as the journey of the food web. “He believed that seafood, the fisheries themselves, kelp beds and even urchins impacted visitors’ experience, so he found funding to support those and more,” King said of Hinz. “The health of the ecosystem creates a healthy coast, economic development and vast opportunities, which would not exist without people like this.” Hinz also spoke during the ribbon cutting, telling those in attendance, “You are standing here at a facility that supports people who grow, harvest, process, cook, package and deliver food. People who raise funding, coordinate logistics, conduct research, and educate the public about the critical importance of where our food comes from. They are therefore all active cultivators and caretakers of our shared food system.” Hinz added that innovation doesn’t only happen in boardrooms and research laboratories. “It also happens here on the ground in places like this, in walk-in freezers, in shared kitchens and mariculture tanks.  And that is exactly what today is about.” Hinz described the facility as an entrepreneurial platform, a launching point for new producers, new ideas and, hopefully, a new era for coastal food innovation.  “These facilities provide shared space and equipment at low-cost, low-risk to seafood and farm businesses so they can process and package and store and deliver their products. This place is the first shared-use facility in this area.” Hinz then introduced Laura Anderson, who he described as a local champion, “a champion with focus and staying power because these things just take time. A champion with solid operations experience, a savvy business person, a trusted and respected leader,” he said. Anderson greeted the crowd. “Welcome to the Yaquina Lab facility, home of the Central Coast Food Web and over a dozen businesses now, and growing,” she said. “When my husband and I started this back in 2020, it was really kind of just a simple idea that if we had the space we could create the conditions for good things to happen. Lo and behold, good things are happening here, and it’s so cool to celebrate that all with you.” The facility would not have been possible were in not for state funding authorized by the Oregon Legislature in 2023 through House Bill 3410, which was written by State Rep. David Gomberg. Gomberg was instrumental in getting that bill passed in the House, and Lincoln County’s senator, Dick Anderson, helped secure its passage in the Senate. Gomberg attended the recent ribbon cutting, stressing the importance of keeping food local. “When we brought dollars back to the Oregon Coast Visitors Association to work on that challenge, the result was places just like this, so that we could address those core challenges and find ways to make sure we could not only deal with price, but deal with a reliable supply chain — so that we could be ordering fish and chips from our own waters in February, as well as in June,” he said. Gomberg said another important thing coming out of all this is addressing the innovative, and often misunderstood concept of 100 percent fish. “We’re talking about the opportunity to take a $12 fish and turn it into a $1,000 fish,” he said. “How do we do that? Well certainly we fillet it and we freeze and serve and disperse the seafood, but there’s lots of other stuff left over. Coming from examples that we’ve seen, particularly in Iceland, they’re making cosmetics, they’re using the oils, they are making leathers from the fish skins, they are making dog treats … and remarkable to me, they are doing skin grafts with fish skins to help burn victims.” This supports the economy and environment by not throwing the fish waste away, but instead turning it into something practical, usable and profitable. “So that’s what the future here looks like,” Gomberg said. “I’m excited about the progress we’ve made to far, but I’m even more excited about the progress that lies ahead of us.” Sen. Dick Anderson also spoke to the crowd, saying that a ribbon-cutting event like this signifies real progress in what began as just an idea. “Nothing happens single-handedly in the legislature,” he said. “The Coast Caucus — seven legislative members — all gathered together, supported this issue and many others, and that’s what makes things happen for the coast. When we get together, we start talking with our peers, our members different committees, and that’s what make things happen.“ To learn more about the Central Coast Food Web , and to purchase local seafood and farm products through its online market, check out CentralCoastFoodWeb.org

Join us on the lower level of our in-house café to enjoy a casual breakfast, and locally sourced cuisine. Please stop by for a quick bite before your beach walk, pick up where you left off in that good book, or watch the tides roll in from our connected outdoor patio. The café is open to the public for daily breakfast and available all day for guests to relax, gather, and participate in on-site events. Café Hours : Open Daily – 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM Location : Lower level, enter through main hotel Contact : 541.265.5428 or Cafe@HotelSylvia.com Visit Website

Step into a space designed for reflection, reconnection and reignition of your passions while breaking free from the daily grind. Choose from 22 literary-themed rooms, each drawing inspiration from celebrated authors or genres. You can count on unique, whimsical character, charm and design, filled with books and ways to unplug. Whether you’re getting hooked on a new read, reflecting on your path, or taking a restorative getaway, our surroundings provide a retreat that’s designed to inspire, recharge, and awaken your inner world. Hotel Sylvia is thoughtfully designed to inspire creativity and help our guests reconnect with what truly matters. We have chosen to eliminate the distractions of televisions and telephones, allowing you to disconnect completely. Each floor of Hotel Sylvia features author-themed rooms that spotlight specific authors, as well as rooms that highlight distinct literary themes from historical fiction to romance and literary non fiction to mystery. Every room is carefully designed for a unique experience.

Newport, Oregon, is situated at the heart of a rich marine ecosystem, home to a diverse array of marine life, including rockfish, halibut, lingcod, salmon, tuna, and Dungeness crab. It’s this abundance of sea life that has made Newport a hub for the commercial fishing industry and an equally popular destination for recreational fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or simply curious about casting a line on the Pacific, a local fishing charter offers a fun, low-hassle way to get on the water and enjoy this experience firsthand and up close. What to Expect on a Fishing Charter Fishing charters in Newport range from a few hours to full-day trips. Most boats depart from the Newport Marina in South Beach, and some out of the Historic Bayfront. Charters typically include rods, reels, bait, and instruction. The crew will also help clean and bag your catch. Depending on the season, trips may target bottom fish (like lingcod and rockfish), halibut, salmon, or even albacore tuna farther offshore. Be sure to check with each Charter service to determine exactly what they provide. Expect early departures, salty air, and changing conditions. Bring layers, sunscreen, and motion sickness remedies if you're prone to seasickness. Many charters are family-friendly, but age minimums and safety requirements vary; check with the operator before booking. Tips for First-Time Anglers Book early  during peak seasons (summer weekends and holidays fill fast). Arrive 30–60 minutes early  to allow time for parking and check-in. Listen to the crew  and ask questions; they’re happy to help beginners. Pack snacks, water, and a cooler  to transport your fish after the trip. Purchase a fishing license  (often available directly through the charter). How to Book Charters can be booked online or by phone. Websites often list trip types, prices, departure times, and frequently asked questions (FAQs). If you’re new to fishing, don’t hesitate to call and ask for a beginner-friendly option. Be sure to confirm what’s included, cancellation policies, and any age restrictions. Charter Companies in Newport The Newport Marina Store serves as a valuable hub for local charters and connections. Be sure to stop by for fishing supplies and information. Here are a few locally operated charters known for their experience and customer service: Yaquina Bay Charters  – Family-friendly and beginner-friendly, with options for bottom fishing, salmon, halibut, and tuna. https://yaquinabaycharters.com/ Newport Tradewinds  – A long-established operation offering a range of daily trips with helpful crew and solid equipment. https://www.newporttradewinds.com/ NewFin Charters  – A locally owned operation offering personalized fishing experiences for small groups, specializing in salmon, bottom fish, and nearshore adventures. https://newfincharters.com/ Other providers include: http://pfacharters.com/ https://russellfisheries.com/ http://www.gtcsportfishing.com/ http://www.patriot-fishing.com/ https://fishooligans.com/ Fishing charters in Newport are more than a day on the water; they’re a chance to take part in one of the town’s core traditions. With experienced guides, stunning ocean views, and the potential for a great story (and dinner), these outings are a favorite for visitors and locals alike. For more information on planning your trip, visit https://www.discovernewport.com