I love my life as a freelance writer, but in July I worked on projects and articles non-stop until my small office seemed smaller than ever, and I grew restless. Just as I finished all my assignments, made my deadlines, and felt ready to collapse, Cousin Diane sent me an e-mail with an offer equivalent to winning the lottery. She invited me to spend a few days as her guest in a World Mark resort condo, in the town of Long Beach, WA. Two of her women relatives were there with us, and we "girls" had a wonderful visit. For the first time in months, I could finally, truly, relax.
Now that the heat of August is here, I'm remembering those breezes off the ocean, the sound of the surf, the mossy trees and fences, and the laid back feeling of this place, one of my favorite spots in the Northwest. Just in case you need to relax, I'm sharing some photos with you. Take a deep breath now, as we visit part of Ledbetter Point State Park.
Oysterville
This historic village on the east side of the Long Beach Peninsula has a fascinating history, beginning in the mid-1800s. It was once the county seat and a thriving center of commercial oyster harvesting. Now it is a place of rare peacefulness. Click on this link to learn more and read about a walking tour.
Looking north from our deck
Our condo as seen from the beach.
View to the east.
Evening walk at Long Beach.
There now. Don't you feel better?
You might also enjoy this earlier post about vacationing in Long Beach, including video of deer and shorebirds at sunset.
When the heat hits again this weekend, the best place to be is the beautiful Long Beach peninsula on the Washington coast, where you can enjoy much more than a fresh, cooling ocean breeze. Two exciting events make this area an even more tempting destination.
How about some great food and great music? Book a room and settle in for three days of fun, starting with the Blues and Seafood festival in Ilwaco on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 17-18 and then Jazz and Oysters just a few miles north at Ocean Park, on Sunday Aug. 19. A perfect place to stay would be the town of Long Beach, where I spend three days at the Adrift Hotel last May.
Reggie Houston photo by Diana Thompson
"Jazz & Oysters is a great summer party," says Diana Thompson, the coordinator for this event. "It was started as a fund raiser for
Water Music Festival, but
has become an event of it's own. It has given those of us in our small beach
community the opportunity to hear some great jazz performances while enjoying
locally grown oysters and other delectable treats." This event takes place at Wilson Field, 25815 Sandridge Rd. in Ocean Park, between noon and 7 p.m.
Zona Calda band in 2011 Photo by Chris Spence
After 27 years of hosting, you can be sure that the organizers of these events know exactly how to please the crowds who come to hear some of the Northwest's best musicians and enjoy Northwest seafood. The outdoor festival site serves as a jazz club alfresco offering those delectable freshly harvested local oysters plus sausages, desserts, beverages, and "an array of other tasty tidbits," according to their web site.
Enjoy the Latin and jazz music of singer/songwriter Jesse Marquez at noon, opening the show with her exceptional vocal style and lyrics. Click on her name to read about her and listen to a sample. Don't miss this chance to experience her live performance.
Seattle's own First Thursday Jazz Band, a favorite at the New Orleans Creole Restaurant in Pioneer Square, will be among the stars at Jazz & Oysters, playing two sets of music starting at 2:30 p.m. This band features the talents of Ray Skjelbred on piano, Steve Wright on reeds and trumpet, Dave Brown on bass and Mike Daugherty on drums and vocals.
Beginning at 5:00, ease into your summer evening with the Jovino Santos Neto Quintet This amazing Brazilian pianist and composer and band mates, some of the best talents in the region, will transport you into the perfect mood to watch the sun set in the west.
photo by Candace Brown
Jazz & Oysters Coordinator Diana Thompson invites you to take advantage of the combined offerings of coastal communities that have worked together to bring you a package well worth the trip.
"Working in conjunction with the Ilwaco merchants has given us the opportunity to
create an amazing weekend of terrific music and wonderful food for our community
and for those who come to visit," she said.
You won't find any place in the Northwest more welcoming, so plan your weekend getaway now. Tickets for will be available on site but online sales end at noon on Thursday, August 16. Buy tickets for both events and SAVE. (Jazz & Oysters on Facebook)
(from their website)
PLEASE NOTE: To honor those serving our country, we are offering free admission to active duty military and their families for Jazz & Oysters, as well as the Friday and Saturday evening performances for Water Music Festival. Thank you
