Cannon Beach Writers Resources
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Writer’s Resources cannonbeach.org Resources for Writers his package of materials is intended to serve as a resource for writers working on stories or making story Tproposals about Cannon Beach. Seven overarching concepts make up the primary focus of most of the feature stories about or including Cannon Beach and we have provided basic story pitches related to each of these areas of focus. This package also contains some basic facts about Cannon Beach to aid in your research. The Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce can provide additional details and resources to facilitate your feature writing. Non peak season familiarization tours and arrangements are also available to qualified writers with assigned projects. For more information or additional resources, contact the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce at 503.436.2623 or by email at [email protected] Cannon Beach is the Iconic Oregon Coast Experience t’s more than one really famous rock that makes Cannon Beach the ultimate Oregon Coast experience. Located between two stunning state parks along miles of uninterrupted sandy beach with Oregon’s Iiconic Haystack Rock at its center, Cannon Beach offers access to some of the Oregon Coast’s most breathtaking viewpoints. It’s no wonder Cannon Beach was named one of The World’s 100 Most Beautiful Places by National Geographic. Here are some story ideas related to Cannon Beach’s remarkable natural and scenic attractions: Yes, You Can Find Uncrowded Spots Near Cannon Beach and Here’s Where The beach surrounding Cannon Beach’s iconic Haystack Rock is often bustling with activity, but venture out just a little farther to the north or south and you will find stunning natural beauty and far fewer crowds. Highlights of this story would include Indian Beach and Crescent Beach in Ecola State Park; the beach that stretches between Ecola Creek and Chapman Point; the stretch of sand between Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site and Silver Point; plus Arcadia Beach, Hug Point and Oswald West State Park’s Short Sand Beach. Three Things That May Surprise You About Haystack Rock It’s a photographer’s dream and a pop culture icon made famous in The Goonies, yet Haystack Rock still has a few tales that many people haven’t heard. This story could include the fact that dynamite was used to change the face of the Rock in 1968 in order to discourage people from climbing; that it is a National Wildlife Refuge, home to Oregon’s most visible colony of Tufted Puffins; and that it is not actually a ‘local’, because its formation was from lava flows originating hundreds of miles to the east. Four Easy Stops Near Cannon Beach are Among the Oregon Coast’s Best Viewpoints Four viewpoints just minutes from Cannon Beach offer some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the Oregon coastline. This story would mention the main viewpoint in Ecola State Park, views of sea stack rock formations from the Indian Beach parking lot and Highway 101 viewpoints at Silver Point and Neahkahnie Mountain. Haystack Rock May Be the Star, but These Other Cannon Beach Sea Stacks Rock Too Haystack Rock is Cannon Beach’s most famous character, but other sea stacks punctuating the nearby coastline are a visual delight for sightseers and photographers alike. This story would describe Oregon’s iconic Haystack Rock and notable examples of lesser known rock formations nearby like The Needles, Lion Rock, Jockey Cap and the rocks of Ecola Point, along with the bird and marine habitat that these sea stacks support and the geologic origins of these formations. You Can Explore Four State Parks Within 10 Minutes of Cannon Beach Wedged between four state parks offering activities ranging from hiking and surfing to birdwatching and picnicking, Cannon Beach is the ideal jumping-off point for exploring some of the best natural areas on the North Oregon Coast. This story would include highlights and top attractions of Ecola State Park, Hug Point State Recreation Site, Oswald West State Park and Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site. Wild Beauty Meets Refined Hospitality in Cannon Beach annon Beach may be one of the smaller towns on the Oregon Coast, but it is in a class by itself for upscale hospitality options in the region. Luxurious oceanfront resorts overlook one of the Cworld’s most spectacular natural areas, chef-owned restaurants create celebration quality meals that showcase the bounty of the Northwest and chic shopping abounds in this town known as one of the top art towns in America. Creativity permeates the fabric of the community where you can taste local microbrews with gastropub quality meals, sample locally distilled spirits and browse a dozen galleries and artist studios. Here are some story ideas related to Cannon Beach’s extraordinary lodging, dining and shopping: 5 Ideas for the Most Luxurious Oregon Coast Getaway Possible Cannon Beach offers a unique opportunity to enjoy one of the world’s great scenic destinations and make your visit a luxurious indulgence too. This story would feature Cannon Beach’s most luxurious lodging options including Stephanie Inn, The Ocean Lodge and an example of an exceptional vacation rental home along with ideas for splurges such as a spa visit, fine dining recommendations including a multi-course culinary extravaganza at EVOO Cannon Beach Cooking School, wine tasting and a gallery tour. You’ll Find Passion on a Plate at these Cannon Beach Chef-Owned Restaurants Cannon Beach’s culinary scene includes five chef-owned restaurant where the emphasis is on creating extraordinary dining experiences. This story would mention John Newman’s Newmans at 988 who has been featured at the James Beard House in New York City; The Bistro and creations by owner Jack Stevenson whose culinary stops have included Chez Panisse in Berkeley; along with the chef-owned Castaways Restaurant, The Irish Table and Sweet Basil’s Café. Five Resorts with Amazing Views of Oregon’s Iconic Haystack Rock There may be no better-known landmark in Oregon and certainly on the Oregon Coast and five resorts offer stellar views of the intertidal monolith. This story would mention The Hallmark Resort and Spa, Surfsand Resort, Stephanie Inn, The Ocean Lodge and Tolovana Inn, including the amenities they offer, along with an example of a great Haystack Rock view vacation rental home. Cannon Beach is So Good You Can Almost Taste It (Actually, You Can Taste It) Cannon Beach is known for its extraordinary number of fine dining restaurants for a town of its size, but this compact Oregon Coast destination also offers places that invite you to taste a wide range of culinary and beverage creations. This story would include descriptions of three Cannon Beach brewpubs, Cannon Beach Distillery, the Chocolate Café, The Oil & Vinegar Bar and The Wine Shack, all of whom offer tastings of local or regionally crafted products. This is Why Cannon Beach Became the Oregon Coast’s Most Charming Village It’s one of the Oregon Coast’s smallest towns, but Cannon Beach’s unique coastal village character is the result of a forward thinking vision that emphasized a natural village aesthetic without a chain store, drive through or neon sign to be seen. This story would emphasize what makes Cannon Beach unique among Oregon Coast towns. Bypassed by US Highway 101, Cannon Beach features a town center that’s enjoyable to stroll with gardens, courtyards, pathways, public art, cohesive architectural design and hand carved wooden signs gracing its businesses. Cannon Beach is One of the Top Art Towns in America each town shopping rises to a new level in Cannon Beach where art galleries thrive and fine arts and crafts are on display daily. Named one of The 100 Best Art Towns in America by author John BVillani in his book by that name, Cannon Beach lives up to its art town reputation with an active gallery scene, public art, a successful community theater program and art festivals throughout the year. Here are some story ideas focused on the arts in Cannon Beach: You’ll Find the Perfect Bronze in Cannon Beach (and We Don’t Mean a Tan!) Some of the nation’s top sculptors display their works in Cannon Beach art galleries. This story would highlight the notable bronze artists whose work you can find in town and the galleries that showcase them including Bronze Coast Gallery who represents Colorado’s Joshua Tobey; Carol Gold and Rosetta from California; and Oregon’s own Dan Chen and David Crawford; and Northwest By Northwest Gallery who features a broad selection of works by Georgia Gerber, famous for her Rachel the Pig at Seattle’s Pike Place Market and other notable public installations. Meet the Artists Inspired Enough by Cannon Beach to Call it Home Cannon Beach is home to several successful Oregon artists who have settled in to create art by the sea ranging from fine blown glass to exquisite watercolors and custom jewelry. This story would include information on Cannon Beach’s most successful artists in residence including landscape painter Jeffrey Hull, Icefire Glassworks artists Jim Kingwell and Suzanne Kindland, jewelry artist Sharon Amber and longtime local arts pioneer, Bill Steidel, now in his 90s, who can still be found creating art in his iconic downtown Cannon Beach gallery. When Artists Converge on Cannon Beach, It’s Arts Festival Time Cannon Beach offers opportunities to experience the arts every day of the year, but three times per year the city’s galleries go all out with music, receptions, demonstrations and guest artists. This story would highlight Cannon Beach’s three annual arts festivals: Spring Unveiling Arts Festival in May, Plein Air & More in June and Stormy Weather Arts Festival in November.