Koesan Legendary “Second Summer” Arrives on Oregon Coast

It’s likely THE biggest news story about the Oregon coast, yet
it’s one of the area’s biggest secrets: Fall is just the
beginning of some really warm weather, and the start of a load
of features that make this the most inviting time of the year on
these beaches.

This pristine and often wild area, legendary for being among the
cleanest sands in the world, is also completely free to the
public: no one owns any section of Oregon’s coast, and no one
has to pay to play there (except for a few state parks with
minor fees).

Fall is known as the “Second Summer” here: meaning this part of
the Pacific shoreline is at its warmest in September and early
October.

By the time September comes around, the ocean is at its warmest
after being heated up all season. Meanwhile, things get cooler
in the Willamette Valley – on the other side of the coast range
mountains – which evens out the temperature differences between
the two. This allows warmer air flows from the east and from
California to help warm things up even more, as well as causing
the winds to die down in general and decrease fog.

During the summer, those temperature differences drive the sea
breezes and fog. But by early fall, those differences are not as
significant, allowing these factors to come together and making
for sunnier, hotter days than in June through August.

Weather experts say this usually lasts well into October, with
the middle of the month generally being a turning point towards
more blustery weather. However, in 2004, those summer-like
conditions lasted well into the last few days of the month.

On top of it all, this season boasts lesser crowds, lower
lodging prices and fewer cars on the highway – making this the
best time of the year to venture to the Pacific Ocean.

SURPRISES IN SEASIDE

Each town on the coast has its own identity and each experiences
the benefits of the “other summer on the coast,” as it’s
sometimes called. But the resort town of Seaside, on the
northern Oregon coast, has some particularly pleasant amenities
during “Second Summer.” Keith Chandler, manager of Seaside
Aquarium noted he sees more whales wandering these waters at
this time of year than at any other. “Not because there are more
whales,” he quickly adds. “But because less winds make for less
white caps and calmer waters, so it’s easier to spot them.”

At Seaside Helicopters, all these nice days keep pilot/owner
Gary Turel quite busy. The long run of pleasant weather makes
for ideal flying conditions for his aerial tours of Cannon Beach
and Seaside.

This consistently wowing flight lets you glimpse “Goonies Rock”
– which was used in some of the last moments of the cult classic
film. Hwy 101 – just south of Seaside.
www.seaside-helicopters.com. (503) 440-4123.

LODGING SPECIALS ABOUND

In most cases, lodging prices begin to dip sometime in
September, although some businesses don’t drop until October or
later. One interesting rule of thumb is that more expensive
lodgings drop farther in price, while more inexpensive hotels,
vacation rentals or motels drop less.

At St. Bernard’s Bed & Breakfast, you can stay at a real castle,
overlooking Arch Cape and Castle Rock, for less during the week.
After October 1, weekdays are 15 percent off per night
(two-night minimum), and you can get weekends at three nights
for the price of two. Look for East Ocean Rd., just north of the
Arch Cape Tunnel. www.st-bernards.com. 800-436-2848.

At the adorable, family-friendly and pet-friendly San Dune Inn
in Manzanita, prices are anywhere from for two people to
0 for a family in August. Those drop 15 percent after Labor
Day, and another 10 percent in October. The San Dune Inn
features fun and funky pleasantries like free bicycles, game
equipment for the sand, beach chairs, etc.
www.sandune-inn-manzanita.com. 428 Dorcas Lane. 888-368-5163.

If romance is on your mind, Old Wheeler Hotel presents stunning
views of Nehalem Bay in charming, ancient building so beautiful
it’s been nicknamed the “Westin-Benson of the Oregon Coast.”
Their prices, generally between to 0, go down about
in October. They are celebrating Second Summer by allowing
anyone who mentions “second summer” to stay at October/November
rates. Hwy 101 and Gregory. www.oldwheelerhotel.com.
877-484-3843.

At the stunning vacation rental resort of Bella Beach, near
Depoe Bay, prices drop substantially after September 20. These
beautiful homes, just steps away from the ocean, go for 20
percent to 35 percent less. Many homes that were 0 per night
drop down to 5 per night. 866-994-7026 or
www.bellabeach.com.

SECOND SUMMER EVENTS “BREWING” FUN

Sometimes, local events bring out a whole new side to the Oregon
coast’s “Second Summer.” The second weekend of October sees
Newport’s population swell to several thousand more with the
2005 Newport Microbrew Festival as the central coast town
invites you to “Sail On Over for Suds & Surf.”

This theme and title means a bevy of food vendors, assorted
sellers of microbrewed goodness, wine, lots of live music and
arts & crafts – as well as their famed homebrew competition. The
event takes place at Lincoln County Fairgrounds, 633 NE 3rd
Street, in Newport – a charming but bustling burgh that hosts
two lighthouses.

The over-21-only festival happens on Friday, October 7 and
Saturday, Saturday, October 8. Parking is free and admission is
. www.newportchamber.org/microbrew. 800-262-7844.

Other discoveries to be made in Newport include the Nye Beach
area, which is an historic section of town that reigned in the
early 20th century as the “Honeymoon Capitol of the World.” It
still retains its ancient vibe and strong sense of romance.

While there, don’t miss either Village Market & Deli or Blu
Cork Wine Bar, both on SW Third, a street which deadends over
the beach. Village Market features gourmet lunches that are
becoming legendary in the state, including a Tuscan Turkey that
has quite the zing to it thanks to a bit of wasabi. It’s
innovative and full of subtle layers. (541) 574-9393.

Blu Cork Wine Bar boasts an incredible interior of earth tones,
a heady selection of mostly Northwest wines, and a dizzying menu
of delicious items like a duck pate that is so light and smooth
it threatens to levitate out of your mouth. 613 SW Third Street,
Newport. 541-265-2257.

More on the subject of Second Summer can be found at
www.beachconnection.net/secondsummer.htm

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