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Helping Oregon Coast Science While Discovering More of Newport

Helping Oregon Coast Science While Discovering More of Newport

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, 2022-08-26 19:23:05,

BioBlitzing Event: Helping Oregon Coast Science While Discovering More of Newport

Published 08/26/22 at 6:42 PM PST
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Newport, Oregon) – September provides a way to dig deeper into your favorite part of one central Oregon coast town, as the City of Newport Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting a BioBlitz during the month, all in support of the Parks for Pollinators campaign. (All photos Oregon Coast Beach Connection: above, Don and Ann Davis Park at Nye Beach)

Cruise your favorite near-beach spot or discover a new one: and it turns out there’s lots about Newport you probably aren’t aware of, at least when it comes to outdoors fun.

Anita Albrecht is coordinating this unique event for the central Oregon coast, which isn’t just focused on beach environments. So, just what is a BioBlitz?

“The Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz is an event where community members observe and identify pollinators and pollinator plants in and around Newport,” she said.

You then report the findings via an app called iNaturalist.

Take a look at the list of parts around town, and it’s a bit of an eye-opener: https://newportoregon.gov/dept/par/parks.asp. It’s not just beach spots in around the Oregon coast hotspot. There’s the unique Ocean to Bay Trail, which takes you along 6.7 miles of lush greenery, deep forest, and wooden walkways as well as bridges. It’s, well, a little hobbit-like. Then there’s the surreal constructs of Coast Park in Nye Beach, or the wilderness and nature intrigue of Wilder Disc Golf Course and its nearly three miles of trails. Another lovely find waiting to be made: Founding Rock Park with its miniature Haystack Rock-looking thing.

The event is more than citizen science and voluntourism – it’s a potpourri of new discoveries.

Just how does this work?

The event uses an app called iNaturalist to take pictures of plants, insects, and animals to see what wildlife and plants are present in the area. After downloading the app on your cellphone, participants can search projects for “Parks4PollinatorsNewport2022” to join the local project.

The event runs throughout the month of September to provide plenty of time to get out and make observations.

newp agate entrancetree

After making an observation, be sure to add it the Parks4PollinatorsNewport2022 project. The data will be used to provide information about pollinators, which are essential to our…

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An array of fun awaits in Angleton, home of Stephen F. Austin’s statue

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, 2022-08-26 12:06:19,


In the heart of Brazoria County is Angleton, where you and your family will be within minutes of beaches, history, wildlife, and nightlife.


Forty-five minutes southwest of Houston on SH 288, the historic town has reinvented itself and is now stuffed with boutique shopping, live music, a farmers market, kart racing, crocodiles (you heard us), and so much more.

What to do in town

Stroll through historic brick stores downtown that now house unique shops and restaurants.


Tex-Mex is the state cuisine, and Angleton has no shortage of restaurants featuring fajitas and ceviche. You can also enjoy Italian food, sushi, Gulf seafood, Texas-style barbecue, and good old Southern home cooking.


Wander through the Peach Street Farmers Market each Saturday, where there’s homegrown produce, baked treats, live entertainment, and handcrafted goods — or just pull up a chair and visit with some friendly local folks.


Looking for some boot-scootin’ and great Texas country music? The Dirty South offers live music several nights a week.


If golf is your thing, Mulligan’s Golf Center offers 54 bays on two levels. Select one of the most famous courses in the world, tap into some technological magic, and swing away.


Wave to the Father of Texas, Stephen F. Austin, when you visit his 72-foot statue park facing SH 288 at Munson Historical County Park.


Come for the Concert in the Park series every Friday in May and September — everyone brings their lawn chairs and coolers and sits out at Veterans Park to watch the local artists perform.


Angleton features plenty of parks, including a great natatorium with an awesome splash zone and slides. Check out Bates Park and enjoy a picnic lunch after a game of disc golf on the 18-hole course.

Don’t miss nearby attractions

Angleton and the surrounding area have an abundance of attractions for everyone in the crew. Popular locations include:


• Brazoria County Museum

• Stephen F. Austin Statue

• Ring of Honor

• East Columbia Historical Homes

• Columbia Historical Museums

• Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historical Park

• Rosenwald School

• Lake Jackson Historical Museum

• Abner Jackson Plantation Site

Embrace the great outdoors

Being in such close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico offers visitors numerous outdoor activities or simply a great day at the beach. The Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge is another interesting location in the area.


In addition,…

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Utopia Fest ends with a bang — or eclipse — and new Austin-area venue

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, 2022-08-23 14:07:31,


Ending a more than 14-year event called Utopiafest while camping under a total eclipse in semi-remote Texas is total cult behavior. Sign us up. The Utopiafest crew announced in July a two-year plan to close out the series, returning to the initial venue in Utopia, Texas, and opening a new permanent venue in Buda, for continued fun with a lower buy-in.


First comes Utopiafest 13 (stylized UTOPiAfest Thirteen), at Reveille Peak Ranch in Burnet County, much closer to Austin. The October 14 and 15 festival in 2022 is penultimate in the regular series, which ends with Utopiafest 14 on May 5 and 6, 2023.


Eclipse Utopia: Annular, moves the venue back to Four Sisters Ranch in Utopia on October 13 and 14, 2023, with views from the camping area that extend 30 miles over the stage, Utopiafest co-founder Wayne Dalchau narrates. Finally, Eclipse Utopia: Total coincidentally describes the total end of the multiday festival, on April 7 and 8, 2024.


The next event, Utopiafest 13 (if you’re keeping up), will feature big names in Austin and the country on two stages. Among the 20 artists on the lineup, folk duo Shovels and Rope bring more than a decade of raw, high-energy folk songwriting. Victor Wooten, the legendary bassist known for his creative adventurousness, is touring with his Bass Extremes in support of the August 26 release of S’Low Down. Austin solo artist Sir Woman, in the middle of rising to national prominence with just one LP released in 2022, is also on the bill.


Nestled into the 1,000-acre Reveille Peak Ranch, which is popular for mountain biking about 60 miles northwest of Austin near Buchanan Lake, Utopiafest is as much about the camping as the tunes. Bikers can take off as usual, or can try hiking, swimming, disc golf, and workshops with community artisans. The event is BYOB, local vendors are handling most food needs, and cooking at the campsite is encouraged. Kids are not just welcome, but taken care of at the Kids Camp with special programming.


“We had initially agreed on five Utopiafests at Reveille, and then we were going to revisit and decide what we were going to do next,” says Utopiafest co-founder Travis Sutherland. Factoring in pandemic cancellations, this four-part schedule allows Utopiafest to fulfill its plan with Reveille before pivoting to smaller parties multiple times per year — to start, those are the Eclipse events, organized around actual astronomical events crossing over Utopia. Once those…

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Small-town charm permeates Rockwall, just 30 minutes east of Dallas

Small-town charm permeates Rockwall, just 30 minutes east of Dallas

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, 2022-08-19 12:00:00,


Picturesque sunsets at the lake, great golf, and small-town charm are par for the course in Rockwall, which is just 30 minutes east of Dallas. Live music is also big — there’s a reason why Rockwall was voted the Free Live Music Capital of North Texas.


From unwinding at the water to savoring the local dining and music scene, discover these summer-perfect possibilities in Rockwall.

Discover — and dine in — Historic Downtown Rockwall

As a designated Texas Main Street City, Downtown Rockwall is a revitalized, historic gem that’s home to shops and boutiques, a majestic Art Deco courthouse, and must-try restaurants, all perfectly set within old-fashioned brick storefronts.


The Book Club Cafe specializes in down-home food with a twist, like sweet and savory takes on waffles and the best scratch-made biscuits and CFS (chicken fried steak).


Look for artisan-style wood-fired pizza and a solid wine list at Zanata; street tacos on hand-rolled tortillas and craft beer at Charlie’s; and an impressive array of burgers and all the fixins’ at the rancher-owned Wells Cattle Co. Word to the wise: Get the PBJ bacon burger for a delicious twist on the norm.

Downtown also hosts a charming Farmers Market from May through September, along with the San Jacinto Plaza Music Series on Friday and Saturday evenings from May through October.

Get a lake life

For beautiful sunsets, Lake Ray Hubbard views, and dining and entertainment, The Harbor is another district that’s not to be missed.


Thursday nights mean Concerts by the Lake, a free series that’s held through July 28. The 2022 lineup includes bands like Dunn & Brooks (a Brooks & Dunn tribute), Back in Black, (AC/DC tribute), Desperado (Eagles tribute), Escape (Journey tribute), and Warehouse (Dave Matthews tribute) along with party bands like crowd favorite Limelight.


While you’re there, grab food and a ’rita or beer to-go at Dodie’s Cajun and creole restaurant.


If it’s not Thursday but you still are craving some music, you can often catch a band or karaoke night at Sideways BBQ, where they sling the smoked goods in a casual, lakeside setting.


Or BYOB for a relaxing night on the lake. Sail with Scott’s 40-foot-long sailing catamaran has starlight cruises along with family-friendly daytime options.


Or book a sunset cruise on one of DFW Boat Ride’s two double-decker boats like the Harbor Lights.

Tee off

Line up your tee shot down a lush, rolling…

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Dallas neighbor unlocks honor as one of America’s best places to live

Dallas neighbor unlocks honor as one of America’s best places to live

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, 2022-08-08 13:08:23,


It’s no wonder so many people are moving to McKinney. A new ranking from Livability, whose research generates lists of the best places to live, work, and visit, puts McKinney at No. 18 among the country’s 100 most livable small and midsize cities.


That’s a significant climb up the charts from last year’s ranking of No. 60.


McKinney is the only DFW city to crack the top 20 in the new rankings, but not the only one to make the top 100. It is joined in the 100-best list by Plano (No. 29) and Denton (No. 83). They’re the only Texas cities appearing in the top 100.


To come up with the top 100, Livability examined more than 2,300 cities based on more than 50 data points grouped into eight categories, measuring a city’s economic stability, housing, amenities, infrastructure, demographics, social and civic capital, and health care, they say.


“This year, we focused on mid-sized cities (generally defined as 500,000 population or smaller) that are attracting big waves of young people,” the study’s authors say. “We also added more weight to some of our measures of diversity and inclusion in order to reflect what millennials are looking for in the cities they choose to call home.”


Madison, Wisconsin, took the top spot for the second year in a row.


McKinney (population 202,690) scores especially well in the categories of economy, education, health, and demographics. Livability praises the city, 30 miles from Dallas, for offering “a quaint hometown feel and big-city amenities.”


“This fast-growing suburb makes the list as one of the best places to live in the U.S. because of its great schools and strong economic backbone,” Livability says. “Tech and aviation industries flourish in McKinney, with Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems’ headquarters providing lots of jobs. In addition, McKinney has an exceptionally low crime rate, making it a great place to raise a family and sleep well at night.”


The city earns applause for its many parks and trails; historic downtown square with shops, galleries, and restaurants; ample opportunities for remote workers; and low cost of living. Local attractions that earn a mention in the write-up include the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary; the 18-hole disc golf course at Towne Lake; the restaurant CT Provisions Cocktail Parlor and Kitchen; and Adriatica, a 45-acre Croatian village in the middle of McKinney’s Stonebridge Ranch Development “oozing with European…

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Lewisville: Lake adventures galore with a side of art and history

Lewisville: Lake adventures galore with a side of art and history

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, 2022-07-12 12:08:27,


There’s plenty to love about Lewisville, from its charming and historic downtown to the sparkling lake that’s made for boating, fishing, and water sports. And even better: it’s all within a quick 10-minute jaunt from DFW International Airport.

Plan an outdoor adventure

Lewisville Lake is the crown jewel of the area, and there are abundant ways to enjoy it. Start by swinging a club at Lewisville Lake Park, a 622-acre park on the south shore that has a nine-hole and 18-hole course along with swimming beaches, campgrounds, boat ramps, and a disc golf course.


The lake is also considered the “Urban Bass Fishing Capital of Texas,” so you can’t go wrong spending the day at Safe Harbor Pier 121 Marina on a rented watercraft or with a fishing rod in hand.


If a brunch or dinner lake cruise is more your speed, Sam’s Dock has you covered. They also have boat rentals available, if you prefer to chart your own course.


And there’s not a more fun place to grab a burger and beer than Sneaky Pete’s, the “Sunday Funday” headquarters that encompasses four boisterous bars, sand volleyball courts, a giant pool deck, and a carefree attitude.


More outdoor adventures can be found at LLELA (Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area); it’s a nature preserve where you can go fishing, hiking, birding, camping, and paddling, or sign up for guided activities like bird walks, campfires, kayak tours, nature walks, night hikes, and more.

Fest with the best

Lewisville is home to events year-round. During the summer, beat the mid-week slump at The Sounds of Lewisville concert series, hosted in Old Town Lewisville’s Wayne Ferguson Plaza every Tuesday in June and July. The opening act performs at 7 pm, followed by the headliner at 8 pm.


Bring your cowboy hat and boots for Western Days in September, a two-day festival that celebrates the history and spirit of the Wild West with music, food, attractions, and even a World Tamale Eating Championship.


And ring in the holiday season with the Old Town Holiday Stroll in December, a family-friendly event that includes Selfies with Santa, a Motorcycle Toy Run, Huffines Christmas Parade, Elf Scavenger Hunt, and the Lewisville Lights! Tree Lighting ceremony.

Find art (and history) in Old Town

The many charms of Old Town Lewisville are yours for the taking, including its colorful public art displays. There’s an impressive collection of indoor and outdoor pieces that pop up everywhere,…

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Celebration of Cincinnati Music Icon Philip Paul to Take Place in Washington Park This Weekend | Things to Do | Cincinnati

Celebration of Cincinnati Music Icon Philip Paul to Take Place in Washington Park This Weekend | Things to Do | Cincinnati

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, 2022-07-11 11:11:54,

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Photo: Tony Arrasmith/Arrasmith & Associates

A celebration of drummer Philip Paul’s life and legacy will take place at Washington Park on Sunday, July 17.

This weekend, Cincinnatians will be invited to celebrate the life of a true local legend.

On Sunday, July 17, a celebration of iconic Cincinnati musician Philip Paul is set to take place at Washington Park. The 96-year-old died on January 30, 2022.

Paul was a legendary drummer and musician, having played on over 350 recordings for Cincinnati’s King Records during his time as session drummer from the early 1950s through the mid ’60s and beyond. He even created the beat for “The Twist” by Hank Ballard (further popularized after Dick Clark’s friend Chubby Checker performed it on American Bandstand), and played on the first recording of “Train Kept A-Rollin'” during his time as drummer for the Tiny Bradshaw Orchestra.

The famed local musician also played on “Fever” by Little Willie John, “Hideaway” by Freddie King (a huge influence on ’60s electric guitar players like Eric Clapton and Peter Frampton) and “Please Come Home For Christmas” by Charles Brown (now a Christmas standard). He also performed with Grand Ole Opry star Cowboy Copas and toured the country in the finest Jazz clubs of the era. Jazz legend Duke Ellington even once asked him to join his band.

During his later years, Paul was one of the key figures (alongside fellow King Records artists Otis Williams and Bootsy Collins) involved in advocating for the revitalization of the King Records buildings on Brewster Avenue in Evanston and preservation of the record label’s legacy. His advocacy eventually led to the creation of an “historic marker, the local landmark designation and the City’s acquisition of King properties in Evanston,” according to a press release. Most recently, the Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board approved the nomination of the King Records complex to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“Mr. Philip Paul was the consummate professional support musician in the studio, on the road and as an educator,” said Kent Butts, the board chair and executive director of the King Records Legacy Foundation, in a release. “As demonstrated in his long-dedicated career of work with a vast array of top and new artists within multiple styles. He and those like him are one of the main reasons I have devoted my life’s work to the legacy of King Records and the universal language of…

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Seven Greater Cincinnati County Fairs for Funnel Cakes, Demolition Derbies and Giant Vegetables | Things to Do | Cincinnati

Seven Greater Cincinnati County Fairs for Funnel Cakes, Demolition Derbies and Giant Vegetables | Things to Do | Cincinnati

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, 2022-07-06 12:37:15,

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Photo: Facebook.com/HCFairOhio

Hamilton County Fair

County fairs are a quintessential part of summer in Greater Cincinnati, offering multiple days of livestock shows, wholesome homesteading competitions and exhibits, midway games and rides, fried food, tractors, beauty pageants and tons of demolition derbies.  These seven are spread across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. We’ve also included bonus info at the end of this list about the Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana state fairs.

How many times can you ride a questionably maintained Scrambler after eating a funnel cake this summer? Let’s find out.

County Fairs

Kenton County Fair & Horse Show
Activities include flower, art and garden exhibits; barnyard olympics; beauty pageants, including for babies; horse shows; tractor pulls; and a demolition derby. July 11-16. $12 (includes rides); free for ages 2 and under. Kenton County Fairgrounds, 2836 Harris Pike, Independence, kentoncountyfair.com.

Warren County Fair
This fair dates back to 1850. Expect (tons of) animal shows, drag racing, live music, monster trucks, karaoke competitions and a cornhole tournament. Stop by the beer garden for a cold drink. Rides are free with daily admission. July 18-23. $10; $30 week-long pass; $5 track event seating; $20 demolition derby pit pass. Warren County Fairgrounds, 665 N. Broadway, Lebanon, warrencountyfairohio.org.

Butler County Fair
The Butler County Fair’s grandstand events include an antique tractor pull, broken horn rodeo and several demolition derbies. There will also be a dog agility show, cake auction and men’s bake off, with awards handed out for everything from best pickles and cross stitch to yeast bread and homemade wine. July 24-30. $9; $4 ages 6-12 with paying adult; $35 seven-day pass; $25 four-day pass. Butler County Fairgrounds, 1715 Fairgrove Ave., Hamilton, butlercountyohfair.org.

Clermont County Fair
Experience everything from bicycle races and a cornhole tournament to a pie auction and a roaming “Monkey Man” with a capuchin monkey. Grandstand events include a demolition derby, rodeo and truck and tractor pulls.  There will also be live music from Craig Morgan (ticketed separately), Dozzi, Marsha Brady and more. July 24-30. $10. Clermont County Fairgrounds, 1000 Locust St., Owensville, clermontcountyfair.com.

Pendleton County Youth Fair
This youth fair features everything from 4-H shows, a doll buggy parade and homemade cake auction to a demolition derby,…

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14 Things to Do in Cincinnati This Weekend (July 8-10) | Things to Do | Cincinnati

14 Things to Do in Cincinnati This Weekend (July 8-10) | Things to Do | Cincinnati

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, 2022-07-07 13:16:02,

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Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Nation Kitchen & Bar will be part of Cincinnati Burger Week.


Friday, July 8

Disc Golf Pro Tour LWS Open at Idlewild Park
Dynamic Discs will present a top-level disc golf competition at the LWS Open disc golf tournament a part of the national 2022 Disc Golf Pro Tour. The challenging 18-hole, par-67 course will make for entertaining competition in a scenic landscape. July 8-10. Tickets required. 5550 Idlewild Road, Burlington. dgpt.com. (Lindsay Wielonski)

Guinness Cincinnati Celtic Festival at The Banks
Celtic heritage will be celebrated at the Guinness Cincinnati Celtic Festival, spanning three days of festivities. The events will include Guinness beer tastings and food vendors plus live music from live bands such as Mad Mauldin, Lost Celts and Dulahan. July 8-10. The Banks, E. Freedom Way, Downtown. cincycelticfest.com. Read CityBeat’s preview of the Celtic Festival. (Lauren Serge)

Over-the-Rhine International Film Fest in Over-the-Rhine
The Over-the-Rhine International Film Fest, which launched under a different name in 2011, is back with new features and short films. The festival is organized by LADD, a nonprofit that supports individuals with developmental disabilities. This year, each of the films submitted from filmmakers around the world follow the theme “See the Story, Be the Story” and specifically demonstrate empathy and diversity. July 8-10. Film passes start at $55. Over-the-Rhine. otrfilmfest.org. Read CityBeat’s preview of the film festival. (LS)

The Cincy Lit Fest Summer Shindig at The Mockbee
The festival will feature performances from many Cincinnati-based artists, including Turich Benjy, Exquisite, Speed Walton, Reno Chapo, Prince Bop and Don Sammy. July 8-9. Tickets start at $14.99. 2260 Central Parkway, Clifton. eventbrite.com. (LW)

Paradise Music and Beer Festival at Braxton Brewing Company
Essential Productions will present a Music and Beer Festival, with afterparties following the festival. The events will feature national and local music acts as well as craft beers from Braxton, according to the event’s Facebook page. Local food vendors will be on site. July 8-9. Free admission; VIP tickets available. 27 West 7th St., Covington. facebook.com. (LW)

Blues, Brews and BBQ at Arts Connect
The Springfield Township Arts Center will hold a festive night full of barbeque, beer and blues. Multiple local blues bands will perform, including 2021 Cincy Blues…

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