Saturday, March 01, 2025

118th Rhododendron Festival May 15, through May 18th.


 

🌺🎉 Join Us for the 118th Rhododendron Festival!

Get ready for a celebration of 'Rhodies on the River' amidst our breathtaking local beauty and floral wonders at the 118th Rhododendron Festival in Florence, Oregon. As we invite everyone to Oregon's Coastal Playground, prepare for an unforgettable experience brimming with fun and the pageantry that defines our state's second-longest running floral festival.

Event Highlights:

  • When: May 15, 2025 (Opening) through May 18th.
  • Where: Florence Events Center & Old Town, Florence, OR
  • Kickoff: Coronation of Queen Rhododendra & the King of the Coast - May 10
  • Attractions:
    • Rhododendron Court Coronation - May 10
    • Carnival by Davis Shows - May 15-18
      • Thursday: 3pm to Closing
      • Friday: 12pm to 11pm
      • Saturday: 11am to 12am
      • Sunday: 11am to 8pm 🌟
    • Free Shuttle Service Provided by Three Rivers Casino! Enjoy convenient and complimentary transportation between Old Town and Three Rivers Casino during the event. Shuttles will depart from the corner of Maple and Bay St. and run every 15-20 minutes. Shuttle services are available on Friday the 17th from 3 PM to 10 PM and Saturday the 18th from noon to 10 PM. Make the most of your visit with this hassle-free transit option!
    • Let It Ride Motorcycle Poker Run benefiting American Legion Veteran programs. 
    • Rhody Days Arts Festival - May 17 & 18
    • Rhody Run & Walk - May 17
    • Rhody Classic Car Show 'n' Shine - May 17
    • Rhody Car Cruise 6pm May 17 - Coast Radio Classic Car Cruise in Old Town Florence. You can listen to the broadcast on KCFM at 104.1 and 103.1 Mapleton and also streaming at KCFM Coast Radio from your phone or computer.  The Broadcast will begin at 5:30 with the Classic cars rumbling through town beginning at 6pm.
    • There are more things to do - download the program below!
  • Grand Finale: Spectacular Floral Parade through Historic Old Town - May 18 at Noon. 

Festival Fun for Everyone:

Experience the charm of our vibrant event featuring:

  • Vendor's Fair: Explore treasures in Old Town
  • Rhododendron Show: Witness nature's beauty at the Florence Events Center
  • Live Music & Art: Enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with creativity
  • Family Activities: Kids' parades, activities, and more!

A Tradition for All:

For generations, families have cherished the Florence Rhododendron Festival—a tradition of carnival thrills, showcasing rhododendrons, displaying classic cars, participating in parades, and savoring the delights of Old Town's shopping and dining scene. It's an Oregon institution, a celebration where memories are made.

Join Us:

Mark your calendars and join thousands of visitors from across the state and country for an incredible weekend celebrating community, nature's beauty, and the spirit of togetherness. Let's make the 118th Rhododendron Festival a year to remember!

For more details and inquiries, call the Florence Chamber at 541-997-3128.

 




Sunday, February 16, 2025

27th Florence Home & Garden Show Feb 28th & March 1

 

📅 When: Friday, 12 PM–6 PM & Saturday, 10 AM–6 PM

📍 Where: Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St., Florence

🎟️ Admission: $2 for adults, $1 for kids. Saturday from 4–6 PM is free!

Don’t miss this exciting event, presented by KCST, KCFM, and the Siuslaw News! Experience free samples, specialty products, and services, including outdoor infrared heaters, cookware, gourmet foods, and more. Be sure to enter the Grand Prize Giveaway!

📞 For more information, call 541-997-9136.

Thursday, February 06, 2025

2025 Wine, Chowder & Glass Float Trail - Presidents Day Weekend

 

2025 Wine, Chowder &
Glass Float Trail

Florence's Wine, Chowder & Glass Float Trail - President's Day Weekend!

Tickets on sale HERE!

🍷🥣🔍 February 14-16, 2025
Explore the coastal delights of Florence during our annual Wine, Chowder, and Glass Float Trail! Hosted by the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, this event promises a weekend of exquisite tastes, artistic wonders, and hidden treasures.

Great Glass Float Trail, Friday, Saturday and Sunday all over town!

  • Hunt for over 30 hand-blown glass floats hidden across town. Spot a float, validate your passport, and stand a chance to take one home!

How to Participate:

  • Passports & Maps: Available at the Chamber's visitor center and Gazebo Park (Saturday & Sunday).
  • Float Trail: Collect entry forms by validating your passport at participating locations. Submit entry forms by Sunday, 3:15 p.m., at Gazebo Park for a chance to win.

Wine Trail - Saturday and Sunday February 15 & 16

  • Time: Noon to 5:00 p.m.
  • Location: Gazebo Park (Bay St. & Laurel St., Historic Old Town Florence)
  • Details: Sample wines from Oregon's renowned wineries and distilleries (21 and over). Preorder your passes or pick up a commemorative wine glass and tasting tickets on-site.

Chowder Trail - Sunday, February 16

  • Time: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Location: The Playhouse (208 Laurel St. Historic Old Town Florence)
  • Participants: Experience a variety of chowders from top local eateries in Florence.

Participating Establishments: Will be on purchased Float & Chowder Passport

Additional Activities:

Florence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA) - Taste of Art and Wine

  • Dates: February 15 (10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) & February 16 (11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
  • Location: Florence Events Center (715 Quince St.)
  • Features: Juried art show, artisan booths, demonstrations, and wine tastings.

Get Around:

Three Rivers Casino Resort Shuttle Service

  • Free transportation between Gazebo Park, Florence Events Center, and the casino.



Wednesday, May 15, 2024

30th Rhododendron Festival Car Show & Shine May 18th 2024

 

🚗🌸 Join Us for the Rhody Days Show and Shine Car Show! 🌸🚗

📅 This Saturday, May 18
📍 Siuslaw Middle School Parking Lot

Calling all car and truck enthusiasts! You can still register your vehicle on Saturday morning at the show. Don’t miss out on this exciting event!

Schedule:

Participant Gate Opens: 7:00 AM
Show Starts: 9:00 AM
Awards: 2:30 PM
🌟 Bonus Event:
Get there early and enjoy Hot Rods & Hot Cakes from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM! Support the High School Trap Team while you feast on a delicious pancake breakfast. 🥞🚗

Bring your family and friends for a day filled with incredible cars, great food, and community fun. See you there! Details here https://bit.ly/3QNGhUm

#RhodyDays #CarShow #ShowAndShine #HotRodsAndHotCakes #CommunityEvent #SupportLocal RhodyDays.net 

117th Rhododendron Festival - May 16th -19th 2024

 Here is the schedule of all the events:




Tuesday, May 14, 2024

14 Awesome Things to do in Florence, Oregon

This article outlines all of the best things to do in Florence, Oregon, a small town located smack dab in the middle of the enchanted Oregon Coast. If you’re looking for a home base for your Oregon Coast adventures, Florence, Oregon is a great choice.

One of our houses (Arago Bungalow)  made their list as a great place to stay.

Friday, March 15, 2024

Celebrating Vacation Rental Week March 11-15, 2024

 

Whales Watch Vacation Rentals is thrilled to participate in the fifth annual Vacation Rental Week! Professionally-managed vacation rentals provide value and benefits for guests and property owners alike. This celebration of Vacation Rental Week is our chance to highlight these and to encourage you to book a stay or entrust your vacation property to a professional manager.

FOR GUESTS

As a guest, vacation rentals are a great alternative to hotels in every aspect, offering you much more for your money, including additional space, privacy, convenience, and amenities. Vacation rentals also present you with a unique opportunity to create a more personalized, memorable vacation experience when compared with traditional hotels. When you book with a professionally managed vacation rental, you get:

  • The practical comfort of an actual residence, including more space and additional bedrooms for those traveling with family.

  • The ability to explore the neighborhood and the opportunity to discover aspects of your destination you might not encounter when staying at a hotel.

  • Amenities not typically included in a hotel such as kitchens, laundry rooms, and more.

FOR PROPERTY OWNERS

Safely renting your space as a property owner through a professional manager can be an easy and reliable revenue source, transforming it into an asset that offers a significant return on your investment. You’ll also be able to use the property when you choose, spending your own vacations there with family, while renting it to guests the rest of the year.

A professional vacation rental manager will handle all the logistics, securing responsible guests, and maximizing your return through an expert understanding of the industry and in-depth knowledge of the local community. They’ll also handle cleaning the property to the highest standards, advertise, handle inquiries, collect deposits and balances, generate agreements, and follow-up post-rental, so you can sit back and simply enjoy the experience.

CONNECT

The Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA) can help you find a vacation rental to book or a professional manager to represent your property. Visit the VRMA website for more details and find a vacation rental or professional manager for your property today.


Thursday, March 14, 2024

The perfect family trip.

 


  • It’s Vacation Rental Week 2024! Vacation rentals are the ideal, cost-effective choice for family trips—you'll enjoy more space, privacy, and amenities such as extra bedrooms, baths, and your own kitchen, allowing you to enjoy a unique stay with those close to you! #VacationRentalWeek https://www.vrma.org/vrw