AUG 2005 ISSUE

Around here, autumn doesn't mean falling leaves and colder temperatures - not yet, anyway. Really, summer is just getting started in many ways. The energy level on the coast doesn't really wind down until late October - later, if you count all the craziness of Halloween. And THEN there's November, with its kick-off to the holidays.

Essentially, if you don't keep visiting the coast from September through December as often as you did during summer, you will be missing out in a big way. The "Second Summer" and its all its warmer weather is just the beginning. Here's 20 reasons to keep coming out here.

#1: SECOND SUMMER

Fall is the warmest time of the year on the coast, thanks to an interaction between warmer waters, cooler temperatures inland and air flows from the east.

By the time September comes around, the ocean is at its warmest because of summer. Meanwhile, things get cooler in the valley, 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 causes 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.

"June and July can be pretty chilly on the coast," said George Taylor, State Climatologist at Oregon State University in Corvallis. "Throughout the summer, there is a steady increase in temperature until it peaks in September and then falls sometime in October."

#2: FEWER CROWDS

On top of this beautiful Second Summer phenomenon, crowds are sizably less. In some areas, like Seaside, visitors still come out in droves and the town is still packed, although not quite as much. While many are catching on to this, the weekdays - and even weekends - are less crazy, largely because kids are back in school. So you're apt to find the roads and beaches almost to yourself at times. But on really nice weather weekends, things can still be crowded and nutty. These busy days can stretch well into October.

#3: WARMER WATERS

It's part of the reason the whole Second Summer thing exists, helping weather conditions along. Thanks to two or three months of summer sun, the water is at its warmer in Fall.

This makes it perfect for wading and splashing around, enjoying these incredible sunny days even more. But always keep your eye on the tide. It can smack you with a sneaker wave at any second, or worse yet, bring a log in that could crush you.

#4: LODGING PRICES GOING DOWN

Traditionally, lodging prices drop after Labor Day Weekend, and then continue dropping until they bottom out in winter. This means great deals.

There is no rule of thumb how much prices drop. In fact, in Seaside, prices don't drop at all until October because the town is still buzzing.

But most other coastal towns see a drop, sometimes a significant one. Lincoln City, for example, does see some lower prices in September, even if it's not always immediately after Labor Day. Midweek savings packages start to pop up, and some inns start knocking off prices 20 to 40 percent.

#5: DEPOE BAY SALMON BAKE

September 17 brings this ancient-style salmon bake in the manner of the local Native Americans. Live music, cover charge - food extra. Tickets are now on sale. Depoe Bay. (877) 485-8348.

#6: JAZZ AT NEWPORT

September 9, 10, 11: Jazz can be heard all over town this weekend, such as places like the Newport Performing Arts Center, Swafford's Champagne Patio, Village Market & Deli and even at Stonecrest B&B just south of town. There are dozens of performers, including headliners such as Mel Brown, Dan Balmer, Marlena Shaw, Cami Thompson, Marilyn Keller, Thara Memory and Barbara Flair. There are lectures, workshops and dozens of other features. www.JazzAtNewport.org. (888) 701-7123.

#7: LEWIS & CLARK KITE EXPOSITION, SEASIDE

On September 10, you'll find stunt kite demos, competitions and numerous other events on the beach, near the Turnaround. (800) 444-6740.

#8: CHOWDER, BLUES & BREWS IN FLORENCE

Florence celebrates its Fall Festival in style on Sept. 23 - 25 with the Chowder, Blues, and Brews at the Florence Events Center and a carnival in Old Town over the weekend. Look for loads of live music in the blues vein, the famous chowder cook-off, various food booths and lots of microbrews - including a competition for best beer. This year's entertainment includes Henry Cooper, JC Rico, Curtis Salgado, Ellen Whyte and Paul DeLay, among others. 800-524-4864.

#9: NEWPORT MICROBREW FESTIVAL

October 7 & 8, Newport gets sudsy in a different way. More than 20 microbrew companies from around the northwest offer loads of brews by the taste or glass. Food vendors will tantalize your taste buds with a variety of foods like shrimp & crab melts, smoked oysters, fajitas, BBQ sandwiches, sausages, teriyaki chicken, egg rolls and fresh roasted cashew nuts. Live music varies from rock to polka. In South Beach. 800-262-7844.

#10: 6TH ANNUAL YACHATS VILLAGE MUSHROOM FEST

The tiny town of Yachats gets all mushy for the mushroom on October 14 - 16, with a host of dinners and events honoring the delicious organism. Local restaurants pay homage, and there are cooking demonstrations, Guided Mushroom Walks, exhibits, music, entertainment and that wacky Fungi Fashion Show. All over Yachats. 800-929-0477.

#11: LINCOLN CITY'S FALL KITE FESTIVAL

On October 8 & 9, - 10, Lincoln City has its Annual Fall Kite Festival. Demonstrations, mass ascensions, flying competitions and more are on tap. 800-452-2151.

#12: LEWIS & CLARK BICENTENNIAL

Come November, it will have been two hundred years since Lewis & Clark walked upon these shores. They stayed around the Oregon and Washington coastal region until March of 1806, creating all sorts of historical moments. On November 11, it's the official kick-off to the history geek madness, with a grandiose opening ceremony at Fort Stevens State Park. There are dozens of other celebrations throughout the winter, including re-enactments at Fort Clatsop, Fort Stevens, Seaside and Cannon Beach, lectures and more. www.destinationthepacific.com.

#13: DOG SHOW ON THE BEACH

Cannon Beach goes to the dogs on October 15 with the Surfsand Resort's Dog Show On The Beach. Pedigree is not the point here, as The Surfsand Resort opens its nearby beaches to all dog lovers and types of pups. Competitions include barking, surfing, owner look-a-like and ugliest, among a myriad of others. There's a parade of champions at the end of the day. 800-547-6100.

#14: HALLOWEEN

Events and explorations for the ghost hunter abound on the beach, including a plethora of purportedly haunted spots up and down the coast (look for our October issue for more on this). Every Halloween, Seaside hosts a big trick or treat event for kids. For adults, there are major ragers at many bars, including the Sea Shack in Wheeler, San Dune Tavern in Manzanita, Sportsman's Pub & Grub in Pacific City, the Shilo Inn lounges in Seaside and Newport, Lil' Bayou in Seaside, Yachats' The Landmark and Apollo's in Newport.

#15: BEGINNING OF STORMWATCH SEASON

Storms start to kick in somewhere in November - at least usually. You can catch some incredible waves tearing up places like Depoe Bay, Yachats, Newport's Yaquina Head - or watch frightening aquatic monsters attack places like Cape Meares, Cape Kiwanda, Short Sand Beach (near Manzanita) or the rocky spots around Cannon Beach's Ecola State Park. These really kick in about late December, but you can often begin to catch them in late November.

#16: STORMY WEATHER ARTS FESTIVAL

Cannon Beach shows its true colors as an art mecca every year with this incredible citywide event, combing fine art, music and audience participation. This year it happens on November 4-6, with events happening at art galleries, shops and small concerts at restaurants and eateries. Witness artists scrambling to paint and frame a whole piece in an hour, mini-plays, poetry readings, large concerts and the famous Art Walk. That's just the beginning. www.cannonbeach.org. 503-436-2623 x3.

#17: NEWPORT'S OYSTER CLOYSTER

November 5 means this incredible social event of the year for Newport, where dozens of amazing chefs from the Northwest compete for charity. Fine cuisine, entertainment and a culinary competition comprised of local giants make this a happenin' to remember. Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport. (541) 574-7131.

#18: KICK-OFF TO THE HOLIDAYS

The holidays actually begin a little early on the coast, especially with the Newport Shilo Inn hosting a Holiday Bazaar in mid-November. In late November, the Haystack Holidays give a boost to the season in Cannon Beach, with the town hosting various holiday events, including a tree lighting ceremony.

In Seaside, it means the town begins to get lit up with a host of decorations in late November - especially ones in sea star shapes. The Yuletide at Seaside competition starts, with various businesses around town getting really decked out. A bus will drive visitors around town on weekends to observe the twinkling.

#19: WINTER WEATHER SURPRISES

Don't be surprised to be surprised by the weather out here in November and December. It's not unlikely you'll find a decent amount of mild, even beautiful days. Keep an eye on the weather reports - and don't assume it's always cold and dreary on the coast. Many coastal locals note how it's warmer at times in December than in June.

#20: SEE STARS AT CHINOOK WINDS CASINO

It's a veritable galaxy of stars coming to Lincoln City this season. REO Speedwagon rocks the coast on September 9 & 10 ($30 - $40). Comedian Bill Engvall visits on October 28 & 29 ($20 - $30). October 7 & 8 brings John Michael Montgomery to town ($25 - $40). At the north end of Lincoln City. 888-CHINOOK, 541-996-5825 or www.chinookwindscasino.com