Clatsop County, on the Oregon Coast, has an abundance of natural beauty, including Haystack Rock, the mighty Columbia River, and Young River Falls. Sprinkled among the picturesque landscape of Clatsop County are charming towns with plenty of fun activities for children of all ages. As the hot summer sun fades into a brisk Autumn breeze, and the maple trees and lofty oaks begin to drop their yellow and orange leaves, it’s a fabulous time to head out and enjoy these six must-do Fall activities in Clatsop County.
Astoria Sunday Market
The Astoria Sunday Market runs through October 14th and features over 160 local vendors offering up their homegrown fruits and vegetables, artisan handicrafts, fresh cheese, artwork, gorgeous handmade jewelry, and even wine and spirits. As you stroll through the market, enjoying tasty free samples, and talking with the lively vendors, you find yourself feeling captivated by all the possibilities. Don’t forget to check out the delicious variety of food carts while you’re there. Grab some Indian or Thai food, or decadent northwest barbeque, listen to live music and enjoy all the market has to offer.
Visit Blackberry Bog Farm
One of the long term merchants at the Astoria Sunday Market is Blackberry Bog Farm, located in the little town of Svenson, just outside of Astoria. Blackberry Farm is a favorite place to find your perfect Halloween pumpkin, colorful Fall flowers, late-season produce, such as squash and apples, and even farm-raised poultry. You can also place orders for next season’s plant starts. It’s never too early to begin thinking about next year’s gardening season and put in your special requests for heirloom vegetables, fresh herbs, and fragrant flowers.
Benefit Concert and Silent Auction for The Cannon Beach Academy
The World Famous musician, Tommy Rocker, a performing artist originally from Seaside, now living in Las Vegas (Tommy Rockers Bar and Grill) will perform live at this year’s benefit! He has opened for Jimmy Buffet and features a unique style that combines classic rock, country music, and comedy. Held at the Seaside American Legion on September 22nd, this is a can’t-miss event for music lovers from near and far.
Wheels and Waves
If the site of a 1957 Chevrolet Thunderbird or 1964 Ford Mustang gets you giddy, don’t miss Wheels and Waves in Seaside. Known for being one of the Oregon Coast’s most popular car shows, this renowned event is sponsored by the Seaside Downtown Development Association annually in September. The venue is Downtown Seaside, along Broadway and connecting city streets. Mark your calendar for the weekend of September 7. The general public can view the classic cars for free on Friday and Saturday beginning at 7:00 a.m. until Sunday at noon. Also, don’t miss the fun Slow Drag competition taking place at 9:00 Sunday morning.
The Stormy Weather Arts Festival
For over a century The Stormy Weather Arts Festival has been one of the most popular events in Cannon Beach. Since its inception in 1986, fans of the festival save the first weekend in November to celebrate the thriving art culture of Cannon Beach. The event offers a wide range of both visual and performing arts. Participants enjoy meeting the artists and hearing about the inspiration behind their work. Sit back and relax while you listen to gifted musicians, stroll through galleries and see for yourself why Cannon Beach, OR is known as one of “The 100 Best Art Towns in America.” Prepare yourself to over-indulge as you enjoy the art, sample local beers, fabulous local wine, dine on mouth-watering barbeque, all while listening to live music.
Razor Clam Digging
Of course, one of the most beloved fall activities on the Oregon Coast is razor clam digging. Many families have been digging up razor clams for generations. The rich tasty meat is as good as the joy of spotting a “show” and rushing to dig it up before it escapes to the depths of the sand. The season usually runs from October to May, and the limit is 15 clams per person. Remember that razor clams can only be dug with the use of a tube (called a clam gun, and usually made of plastic or metal) or shovel, and each digger has to have their own shellfish license, container, and dig up their own clams.
Fall weather in Clatsop County is pretty close to perfect. Sunny days, mixed with cool nights and an occasional storm, make it hard to predict what to wear. So, it’s best to dress in layers and always have a jacket handy. Also, don’t forget to charge your camera or mobile phone so you won’t miss out on incredible photo opportunities. You’re sure to leave with some treasured new memories, and a desire to soon return to enjoy other events in stunning Clatsop County.
