Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

Sometimes, the best holiday celebrations aren’t the most famous or obvious ones.

This is especially true on Oregon’s coast, where one big secret is that this time of year doesn’t just mean the area’s notoriously stormy and wild weather, but that it has many days that are unusually dry and warm compared to the rest of the state. But the most delightful secrets lie in the realm of holiday celebrations, which make for some memorable discoveries along this famously pristine stretch of shoreline.

On the northern Oregon coast, the holidays begin not with the usual celebrations, but with a major wine event and loads of signature Lewis & Clark commemorations.

On November 7, it will have been exactly two hundred years since William Clark wrote “Ocian in view! O! the Joy!” as he spotted what he thought was the Pacific Ocean (it was actually a big bay just before the ocean). For the next five months, staring in 1805, the Corps of Discovery spent their time in this part of the Northwest. The Lewis & Clark Bicentennial marks this, and things kick off at Fort Stevens (between Seaside and Astoria) on November 11, with the “Opening Ceremony – Lewis & Clark Veteran’s Day Commemoration.” Oregonian and former Miss America, Katie Harmon (2002), will sing the national anthem, and the event will feature banners from local tribes and other remembrances of the Corps of Discovery.

November 14 brings the Dedication Of The Fort To Sea Trail at Fort Ctatsop (near Fort Stevens), marking the trail from the crew’s winter quarters to their time on the beaches of Seaside.

Fort Clatsop – the replica of the Corps’ winter camp – will feature various “Wintering Over Events” between the Fort and Cannon Beach. This replica tragically burned in early October, but the visitor center there is still the center of many of the winter events, including a living history program about their Christmas at the camp on December 25. On January 7, the celebration comes to Cannon Beach (some 25 miles south), marking the day that Clark, Sacegawea and others traveled to the ocean to see a beached whale.

The adorable resort town of Seaside – which boasts broad, immaculate beaches, the “million dollar walk” of Broadway Ave., and a cove famous for surfing – will be one of the few cities to host a major traveling exhibit on Lewis & Clark. From November 19 to November 22, you’ll find the “Corps of Discovery II, 200 yrs. To The Future,” with a mobile 250-seat auditorium showing multimedia programs on Lewis & Clark’s troupe of travelers. Free. 503-861-4403. www.destinationthepacific.com.

Also on November 19, Seaside will abound with the bounty of the vineyard with the holiday-themed Seaside Downtown Wine Walk. The now-annual event features hundreds of folks wandering throughout the downtown area and taste-testing Northwest wines. $5 for the wristband. 503-717-1914 or www.seasidedowntown.com.
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Madrid and the attractions of southern Spain tend to get all of the attention. In the northern part of the country, Santander, Zargoza and Vigo are hidden gems.

Santander

Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Santander is a city going about its business. Squeezed between mountains and the harbor, the city is narrow and long. The central city consists of basic amenities you would expect to see in any city, but its charm lies in the atmosphere. Turn of the century buildings are everywhere and there is a certain charming chaos to the design and layout. Search for some pictures and you’ll see what I mean. If you need a beach day, head to the El Sardinero section of the town to roast in the sun. As with all Spanish cities, Santander has a hopping nightlife scene.

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a city that seems to have a split personality. Located in the Northeast of Spain, the city is clearly in Spain but has an Italian feel. This is due to the fact that Roman emperors took a liking to the strategic location of the city and built like madmen. You can find ancient Roman structures similar to those in Rome. If you’re debating whether to go to Spain or Italy, a visit to Zaragoza may be your answer.
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Madrid and the attractions of southern Spain tend to get all of the attention. In the northern part of the country, Santander, Zargoza and Vigo are hidden gems.

Santander

Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Santander is a city going about its business. Squeezed between mountains and the harbor, the city is narrow and long. The central city consists of basic amenities you would expect to see in any city, but its charm lies in the atmosphere. Turn of the century buildings are everywhere and there is a certain charming chaos to the design and layout. Search for some pictures and you’ll see what I mean. If you need a beach day, head to the El Sardinero section of the town to roast in the sun. As with all Spanish cities, Santander has a hopping nightlife scene.

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a city that seems to have a split personality. Located in the Northeast of Spain, the city is clearly in Spain but has an Italian feel. This is due to the fact that Roman emperors took a liking to the strategic location of the city and built like madmen. You can find ancient Roman structures similar to those in Rome. If you’re debating whether to go to Spain or Italy, a visit to Zaragoza may be your answer.
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Vacationing at beach is like heaven or earth for all the aqua lovers and fans. The beach vacation is different from the rest where you the pleasure to get soaked in the sun and sand, experience the ups and downs with the tides and get carried away with the huge waves. To enjoy the water and water activities there are several beach destinations around the world.

• The Capri Islands is an amazingly beautiful coastline. It has no beach yet it is deemed to be one of the best amongst the international beaches. The island has “bathing establishments” in place of beaches. It has a treasure of beach towels, beach balls and beach bunnies. The island is famous to host the rich and facilitate them with perfect luxuries and the exotic Roman art and architecture.

• Barcelona can never be overlooked in the count of beach holidays. Barcelona beaches like the Bora Bora, the nude beach Platia de la Mar Bella, Platja de Sant Sebastia and Platia Barcelona one of the most popular beaches of the world, invite visitors all round the year and from everywhere in the world. Besides the seaside fun and adventure this city of Spain is also perfect for sightseeing. There are marvelous museums, traditional buildings and at display the magnum opus of some of the great architects likes Antonio Gaudi.
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