In this time of social distancing, Oregon Coast businesses are doing all they can to keep everyone safe. In some cases, that’s meant temporarily closing their doors; in other cases, it’s meant changing the way that they do business.
To ensure that our Oregon Coast businesses weather this storm, please consider supporting them from afar. Here are four things that you can do to help.
Support Oregon Coast Restaurants
If you live along the Oregon Coast, order takeout from one of your local restaurants that’s still serving like Thai Me Up in Seaside, Mo’s Seafood and Chowder in Newport and Tony’s Crab Shack in Bandon. Or buy a gift card online for future dining at spots like Salmonberry Saloon in Wheeler, Luna Sea Fish House in Yachats and Edgewaters in Bandon.
For a taste of the Oregon Coast, order freshly canned salmon, tuna and clams — either by the can or arranged in a gift box collection — from Bell Buoy in Seaside. Newport’s Local Ocean Seafood has started a local delivery-based Dock Box service with items like Dungeness crab cakes and albacore tuna kabobs; 10% of the sales will support its employee relief fund.
Shop for Oregon Coast Products
Here’s a shout out to Astoria-based Pilot House Distilling for transforming its operation to make hundreds of gallons of hand sanitizer for first responders. If you see Pilot House spirits on the shelves of your favorite liquor store, show your support and buy a bottle. Also Newport-based Rogue is making hand sanitizer for emergency response and public health officials along the coast. Show your appreciation by purchasing its beers, ciders and sodas either online or in local stores.
While you can’t visit your favorite coastal brewery right now, hop online and buy some of their merchandise: Astoria Brewing Company, Buoy Beer Company, Pelican Brewing Company and Public Coast Brewing Company.
Stock up online at Bandon’s Face Rock Creamery or Tillamook’s Blue Heron French Cheese Company. Pair your cheese with a delicately crafted Oregon wine from Buddha Kat Winery in Seaside or Brandborg Vineyard & Winery and River’s Edge Winery in Elkton. The wineries are offering special discounts online. Now you just need a good book. Order online from independently-owned Beach Books in Seaside or Gold Beach Books in Gold Beach.
Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth? Bruce’s Candy Kitchen in Cannon Beach, Reads Homemade Candies in Lincoln City and Cranberry Sweets & More in Coos Bay are all fulfilling orders.
Donate to Oregon Coast Attractions
While the Oregon Coast Aquarium is closed to the public, the sea creatures who call it home are being cared for by the center’s dedicated staff. Support their efforts through the Adopt-an-Animal program. For $59, you’ll receive a plush stuffed animal, photo, personalized adoption certificate, species fact sheet, aquarium sticker and newsletter subscription.
Area museums like the Columbia River Maritime Museum and Coos Art Museum could use your support during this time of closure. Donate online.
Plan Future Trips to the Oregon Coast
Gift a family member a kayaking and clamming tour with Kayak Tillamook or a future glass-blowing lesson at Lincoln City Glass Center by buying a gift certificate online. Or book a future dune-buggy tour with Sandland Adventures in Florence or a thrill ride with Jerry’s Rouge Jet Boats in Gold Beach. Even though bed-and-breakfast inns, motels, hotels and campgrounds are currently closed, they’d all appreciate your advance booking.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
– Shellie Bailey-Shah
Photo courtesy of Tony’s Crab Shack