SECOND EPISODE OF ALL ACROSS OREGON SPONSORED BY TSOC AIRS ON PBS FEATURING COOS BAY, NORTH BEND & CHARLESTON

The second episode of All Across Oregon sponsored by TSOC and featuring Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston has aired on PBS. The segment unveils additional adventures and delights waiting to be discovered on Oregon's Adventure Coast.

The segment features the Pancake Mill with owner Justin Solomon showcasing their one-of-a-kind ham and cheese pancake, along with a wide array of other sweet and savory treats. Next up, Captain Kurt Smith, owner of Betty Kay Fishing Charters and the Shamrock fishing vessel, took the crew deep sea fishing while highlighting Charleston's rich fishing heritage. The show proceeded to Scoops Handmade Ice Cream where proprietors Christine and Robert Sabin enthusiastically shared a sampling of Scoops more than 153 handcrafted flavors. The episode concludes with the crew locating some of the region's finest fish and chips at Adam Palmer's Blue Heron Bistro.

FOR THE LOVE OF THE SOUTH COAST - REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR THE SECOND ANNUAL TSOC CONFERENCE

Living on the Southern Oregon Coast, we understand the irresistible allure of our wicked coastal storms and the massive waves they bring. During the winter season, this region becomes a haven for tourists seeking to witness the awe-inspiring power of nature. Unrelated, but equally enthralling, the SOC is also treated to the annual occurrence of king tides during this time of year.

Discover the interesting factors behind these towering swells and mighty king tides, and learn how to observe them safely. You'll also find tips on when to look, where to watch, and what to bring. Enjoy and share this useful information with your customers and guests who may not be familiar with our rugged coastal environment. Together, we can enhance everyone's safety while maximizing their enjoyment.

Ring in the New Year by participating in Oregon State Parks' First Day Hikes. With a selection of 34 hikes spread across 31 parks, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, on January 1st, all parks that typically require parking fees will waive them, granting free access to all hiking trails. Embrace the opportunity to explore the great outdoors and start the year off on the right foot!

Each hike will be led by a knowledgeable park ranger or volunteer who will share captivating stories about the park's history, geology, wildlife, and plant life. Explore the hike descriptions and distances by following the links provided below.

Please note that certain parks may require registration. If you have any questions regarding accessibility or need reasonable accommodations to participate in a hike, you can find contact information in the respective links. Don't miss this opportunity to explore and connect with nature on the first day of the year.

State parks along the Southern Oregon Coast that are included in the program:

TSOC joined forces with Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO) and Oregon State Parks for the Spot and Lop Series. The initiative invites field experts to share their knowledge, while providing participants the opportunity to engage in light trail work.

The first event in the series was a collaboration with the Brookings Mushroom Festival, centered around mushroom identification. Participants had the opportunity to learn from an expert on how to identify mushrooms in their natural habitat and contributed by clearing a section of trail.

The next installment featured the Tide Pool Lop and Spot at Sunset Bay. A knowledgeable ranger from a nearby State Park provided a plethora of insights into the fascinating array of creatures that inhabit the tidal zone. Participants engaged in light trail maintenance before and after the guided tide-pooling.

The series culminated with a plant identification hike at Sunset Bay. Led by an interpretive ranger, participants were walked through the coastal Oregon ecosystem, learning to recognize common plants and gaining insights into edible varieties. Some plants were deemed "edible but not incredible," while others proved to be truly delectable.

TSOC and TKO, in conjunction with Oregon State Parks, look forward to continuing the series in the coming years.

Travel Oregon announced fifty-six grant recipients will receive funding from the competitive grants program in 2023-2025. Funding for the program was limited to non-profit entities, local government, port districts, and federally recognized tribes. Awardees must demonstrate direct work in support of improving the economic impacts of Oregon’s travel and tourism industry.

Congratulations to the following Southern Oregon Coast grant recipients.

Travel Curry Coast has been granted $20,000 to conduct an accessibility study in partnership with Wheel the World. The objective is to enhance the destination's ability to cater to individuals with diverse accessibility needs.

Port of Bandon has been granted $100,000 to enhance the historic Old Town Bandon waterfront district. The funding will be used to add accessible, paved parking and create an inviting space for both visitors and residents to enjoy.

City of Coos Bay was granted $65,307 to enhance the Coos Bay Boardwalk by installing interpretive signs with audio and braille features. The signs will represent the rich heritage of the three indigenous Tribes from the Coos Bay area.

Coos Bay-North Bend-Charleston VCB/Oregon's Adventure Coast was granted $20,000 for a free Wheelchair Accessible Shuttle Service from the Charleston Marina to Shore Acres State Park during the Annual Holiday Lights event. The shuttle will accommodate those unable to obtain a timed entry pass, lack transportation, or have mobility challenges.

Coquille Indian Tribe was granted $42,500 to develop and install five interpretive panels at the Mill Casino and RV Park in Coos Bay. The panels will focus on the Coquille Indian Tribe’s cultural heritage and their relationship to the landscape along Southwest Oregon’s waterways.

Oregon Coast Visitors Association was granted $100,000 to produce compelling video content highlighting the often-overlooked intersection of sustainable tourism and accessibility.

ORLA and Train 321 have joined forces to create an all-encompassing training module, providing an extensive collection of video training suites for the restaurant industry.

This program not only builds a strong foundation for both seasoned team members and new hires, it also promotes cross-training across all restaurant operations, leading to decreased turnover.

Explore the 50+ available courses and unlock a world of knowledge!

Gain access to a wide range of marketing educational resources tailored for small businesses in the tourism industry. These valuable resources include live virtual trainings, recorded webinars, and useful links covering a variety of topics.

Webinars cover key areas such as leveraging Google Business Profile and Locl to boost your online presence. You'll also find marketing resources that offer insights on creating an effective online content strategy, optimizing social media platforms, and unraveling the mysteries of SEO.