Cityofoceanshores.com Newsletter ~ 03.2009

How to enjoy Spring Break in Ocean Shores
Spring Break is coming up for a lot of families and Ocean Shores remains a top destination for folks from all over the Northwest who flock to Ocean Shores to getaway from it all. Here's a few free activities to consider other than enjoying the beach of course:
1. Check out Damon Point State Park at the southern end of town. It's a good 3 hour walk to the end of Protection Island and back but well worth it.
2. Visit the Interpretive Center to get a sense of history of this place (educational).
3. Enjoy a nature's walk throughout the Weatherwax property.
4. Visit the North Jetty during low tide to visit the starfish, crabs, sea urchins and more as the low tides exposes these creatures.
5. Don't forget to get out and go sightseeing. You really can't get lost driving around in Ocean Shores. Just remember that there's only one road in and out of Ocean Shore. If that's not enough, head North and drive up State Route 109 to visit the tiny towns of Copalis Beach, Pacific Beach, Seabrook and Moclips. Some of the sights up there are just amazing.

This hilarious picture was emailed to me recently with the following headline:
"Trampolines Banned in Ocean Shores!"
Real Estate Update


Real Estate activity is still busy out here with lots of people looking at property and a few are actually buying again... and that's good. Land & Condo sales are still very slow however. There are some screaming deals out at the beach right now!
I'm always surprised by the number of people who say that they're familiar with Ocean Shores, but have no idea that there's 23 miles of freshwater in town featuring two lakes and miles and miles of connecting canals. Then again, I don't know why I'm surprised as I didn't even know that when we first started looking for our home down here either. I guess it's a big secret. There's not many places on this planet where someone can own a home, condo or a lot and have 60+ feet of waterfront footage on a freshwater canal or lake and still only be a 1/2 mile or so from the ocean beaches. For hundreds and hundreds of people who own a piece of Duck Lake, Lake Minard, the Bell Canals, the Grand Canal or some other section of fresh waterfront in Ocean Shores, this is real and it's awesome. With that in mind, prices are down and that's something to think about (now is the time, buy low, sell high?)....

* Lake front homes are averaging $319,552 these days ranging in price from $114,900 for a double wide all the way up to $639,000 for a 3,000 sq ft beauty.
* Lake front lots are down to $108,416 on average ranging in price from $62,500 up to $159,000.

* Canal front homes are averaging $241,813 right now ranging in price from $129,900 on up to $449,000.
* Canal front lots are averaging $80,617 these days ranging in price from $49,888 on up to $139,900.

Let me know if you'd like to see what's available on the water. Click on any of the pictures above to search for properties. Next month, I'll have first quarter '09 real estate stats to report... Ugh.

Upcoming Events
Four-day razor clam dig approved starting March 27th!
The state Department of Fish & Wildlife has announced dates for the next razor clam digs, one in late March and another in April. Four beaches are set to open this month if marine toxin tests find the clams are safe to eat. Twin Harbors and Mockrocks will be open March 27 through March 29, while Long Beach and Copalis will be open March 28 and 29 only. All digs on those beaches must be completed by noon, officials said. Dates and low tides for the March dig are:
Friday, March 27 - (7:49 a.m. 0.0 ft.) Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Saturday, March 28 - (8:29 a.m. -0.4 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
Sunday, March 29 - (9:12 a.m. -0.6 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, MocrocksAyres added more digs will likely be announced following the April digs.Harvesters are allowed to take no more than 15 razor clams and must keep the first 15 they dig, regardless of size or condition. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.A license is required for anyone age 15 or older. Any 2008 Washington state annual shellfish/seaweed license or combination license is still valid. Another option is a razor-clam only license available in annual or three-day only versions. Descriptions of the various licensing options are available on the department's Web site at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov.

Razor Clam Festival - March 27-28The Ocean Shores/North Beach Chamber of Commerce will host the Third Annual Razor Clam Festival and Chowder Cook-Off March 27-28th. This two-day event will celebrate the natural bounty of "coastal life"-it's community, conservation and culture. The event will kick off Friday evening, March 27th at the Shilo Inn, with a Coronation Dance in honor of this year's Clam King & Queen. Tickets are available in advance by calling the chamber at (360) 289-2451.

On Saturday, the festival will run from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm at the Convention Center and will feature both amateur and professional chowder cook-off divisions and a professional only "creative clam entrée" contest.

The Chamber is very honored to have celebrity chef Kathy Casey with them this year as head judge for the professional categories. Casey is celebrated as a pioneer in northwest cuisine and has gained national prominence as one of the first female executive chefs in the United States. Kathy is also is a razor clam digging enthusiast!

The winners of the cook-offs will again enjoy boasting rights for an entire year as having the "Best Chowder and/or Creative Clam Entrée on the Washington Coast".

Other activities will include a pancake breakfast, the awarding of the "Best Decorated Clam Shovel or Clam Gun"; a salute to the businesses of Ocean Shores; the Artisan Craft Marketplace, featuring over 40 Northwest artists and crafters with unique and indigenous works; children's activities and games; live entertainment; information about coastal heritage, conservation and cultural exhibits; a beer and wine bar; and great food all setting the stage for the low tide that morning and the scheduled clam dig.

Admission is free with nominal fees for chowder sampling.

About Kathy Casey
Kathy Casey is a celebrity chef, mixologist, TV and radio personality, and author of nine cookbooks, including the James Beard-nominated Kathy Casey's Northwest Table. Her newest book is Sips & Apps. As one of the first female executive chefs in the United States, Kathy was featured as one of Food and Wine's hot new American chefs. Kathy founded Kathy Casey Food Studios and Liquid Kitchen, a food and beverage consulting firm and research and development facility. She is also owner of Dish D'Lish cafes and specialty food line. When not dreaming up the next big thing, Kathy can be found foraging for wild mushrooms, digging razor clams and harvesting kiwis from her urban garden. For more information, visit www.kathycasey.com


Shorebird Festival - April 24th - 26th
Discover the incredible variety of shorebirds that pass through Grays Harbor in April at this 14th annual event. Multiple locations for viewing around Ocean Shores include Protection Island, Damon Point and the North Jetty! Join scheduled watching tours or set your own birding agenda and enjoy the view!

News
Again, this is the beach and not much happens out here and that's the way we like it. Maybe next month something will happen.

* www.cityofoceanshores.comThe website has been redesigned and mainly severely updated to serve property buyers, sellers, visitors, vacationers and anyone interested in Ocean Shores or the North Beach area. I've added a few new sections to the site. Please check it out and feel free to share any comments with me if you want. Thanks I'll see you on the beach!



Jeff Daniel Associate Broker
Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties749 Point Brown Ave NW/PMB 1568, Ocean Shores, WA 985691.360.581.9020 (cell) - 1.888.469.3100 (toll free) - 1.360.289.3111 (fax)PROPERTY SEARCH: http://cityofoceanshores.postlets.com/
PROPERTY SEARCH: http://www.coldwellbanker.com/local/jeffdaniel
OCEAN SHORES INFO: http://www.cityofoceanshores.comOCEAN SHORES BLOG: http://oceanshoresrealestate.blogspot.com
OCEAN SHORES BLOG: http://activerain.com/jeffgdaniel

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