OREGON COAST - It’s the big kickoff to the summer (supposedly), and this one promises to be a doozy for the Oregon coast. The weather appears to be stunning – for a change. Then there’s plenty more to indulge in: like great food, finding hidden spots, a lesson in eating beach critters, and other special events. Plus, it seems there are plenty of lodging openings.

#1- Stellar Coastal Weather

The weather reports are calling for lovely conditions all weekend. You’ll want to bring your sun protection in case you’re in the sun for a long period of time, as coastal conditions can exaggerate those skin dangers during warm, sunny days.

• Friday: Look for some clouds in the morning, which then give way to sunny skies later. Highs will be in the low 60’s and winds at a mere 10 20 mph.
• Saturday: It looks like a mix of sun and clouds, with highs in the low 60’s again.
• Sunday: Partly cloudy, with highs inching up a bit into the mid to higher 60’s.
• Monday: The weather pundits are saying there’s a decent possibility of 70 degrees for the big holiday.

#2 - Nehalem Bay Winery’s Blues Fest

Saturday, May 23 brings headliner Norman Sylvester, whose infectious, soulful and bluesy grooves have filled dance floors for decades now. Smokin’ Blues Band opens.

Local chef Wes McMillen provides a special gourmet touch, with a feast of pinot-marinated chicken quarters with a blackberry wine barbecue sauce, a beef brisket, along with baked beans, potato salad and watermelon.

Show begins at 6 p.m. Beer and wine will be available for purchase, and the food is a separate cost from the $5 admission charge. Tickets available in advance by phone. 503-368-9463. Highway 53 (a mile from Highway 101), between Wheeler and Nehalem.

• Visit the Nehalem Bay Winery Web site

#3 - Plenty of Rooms Available

Camping has been ruled out already, as all those spots have been taken on the coast and elsewhere. But this holiday weekend, there appears to be plenty of rooms still open at hotels and motels. While Oregon Coast Beach Connection religiously reports on availability on heavy tourist weekends like this one, we’ll still post a sampling with those reporting openings because these conditions can change quickly.

So far, few lodgings have been reserved to capacity. But walk-ins and last minute travelers could change that, especially as word gets out of excellent weather and – ironically – plenty of rooms. Make sure you call ahead.

#4 - You Can Have Your Beach and Eat It Too

On Sunday, May 24, head to Lincoln City for “Tide Pool Edibles with Lee Gray the Wild Gourmet,” who literally shows you stuff you can munch on that’s on the beach. It happens 7 a.m. at the NW 15th St. beach access. 541-992-3798.

#5 - Get Up Close and Personal with a Sea Otter

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is hosting a “Sea Otter Encounter” on May 24. Families can learn about the sea otter’s many adaptations, while going behind the scenes to meet scientists who care for and study these creatures. Plus, you can get quite close to them.

12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Ages 8 and up.  Make reservations in advance by calling 541- 867-3474, Ext. 2313. $30 members, $35 non-members (limit 10 people per encounter). South Beach, across the bay from Newport.

#6 - Oceanside

This hidden little village belies any quick description, but it sits a ways off 101 and Tillamook, surrounded by dozens of little wonders. A tunnel through the headland provides entrance an amazing clandestine beach, while soaring hills surrounding it compact a mix of old and modern beach homes into a kind of ancient San Francisco vibe. Nearby, secret beaches like Short Beach or the viewpoint above never cease to wow, and it’s close to Cape Meares Lighthouse and Cape Lookout State Park.

#7 - Between Yachats and Florence

Twenty five miles of secret beaches are crammed into this winding, non-stop breathless stretch of highway. Even on heavy density weekends like this, it’s easy to find a place of solitude. It meanders up and down, onto awesome overlooks and then parallel with wild, rugged beaches. There are numerous stretches that are not accessible except by openings in the brush perhaps a mile or two away.

It’s also where you’ll find the Heceta Head Lighthouse and the towering wonder of Cape Perpetua.

#8 - Seaside’s Most Guarded Secret

Sand dollars. That’s right, sand dollars. The extreme northern end of Seaside, near the mouth of the Necanicum, has more whole sand dollars than anywhere else on the coast. Also, the northern side of the Necanicum, in Gearhart, has bunches of them as well.

Part of the reason is the fact no one ever treads out this far, so they don’t get picked over. But various conditions, like nutrients coming from the river and from the Columbia, have resulted in thick beds of the sand dollars just beyond the breakers. So more of them wash up.

#9 - Culinary Explorations In Newport

Take a trip with your palate to Village Bistro and Deli, which takes lunch to new levels with simple yet cutting edge gourmet dishes. Their pulled pork barbecue sandwich (infused with espresso) trumps anything found in Portland, and their housemade pate is astounding. They’ll pack you nifty lunch baskets, with some fancy wines, so you can munch on the beach. 741 NW Third, Newport, Oregon. 541-574-9393. www.beachconnection.net/village_bistro_newport

#10 - North Coast Palate Pleasers

For even more upscale, gourmet pleasures, see The Bistro in Cannon Beach (263 N Hemlock St, 503-436-2661) or Terra Cotta Café in Manzanita (725 Manzanita Ave. 503-368-3700). The Bistro specializes in European-influenced fare with a hefty helping of local seafood specialties. They are rustic yet innovative in their approach, including a greek lemon soup that warms every inch of you. Terra Cotta, meanwhile, is ecstasy in a plate with a mix of Italian, northwest and southwest influences. Light and airy creations can come with a hint of spice.

Andre' Hagestedt is the editor of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, a travel news and entertainment Web site about the upper half of Oregon’s coast. He has been a journalist for nearly 15 years, having been employed at or written for a variety of media organizations throughout the Northwest. He lives in Portland and in Manzanita part time, and admits he is "so obsessed with the Oregon coast that it's ready to take a restraining order out on him."