Western Regional Conference: Florence, Oregon, Oct. 2-4, 1998
City of Rhododendrons
Robert Bell
Florence, Oregon
"One visit isn't enough. Once you discover Florence, you'll want to return."
This quote is found in "Discover Florence," a 24-page color brochure available free from our Chamber of Commerce. With a mild climate most of the year, this town on the Oregon Coast does have a November through March rainy season. Yet that's why rhodies love it here. And for the past 91 years our community has celebrated by observing the Rhododendron Festival, when thousands of visitors come enjoy with us. Of course, the ARS Western Regional Conference will be held in October, while these evergreen plants wait for their next flowering season, but an Indian-summer fall brings the colors of big-leaf and vine maples and late dahlia blossoms to compensate.
Diversity best describes the recreation to be found here: from lake, river and ocean fishing (Chinook salmon can be hooked during the conference) to golfing, sand dune driving, horseback riding and exploring the many parks and beaches within a 20-mile radius of town. For the "less active" among us, Old Town stretches along a scenic harbor front where visitors will find nine restaurants, twenty-one shops and hundreds of photo opportunities.
We have organized five tours which you may enjoy during your time with us this fall. The first two are bus trips, one north, the other south. The remaining three are self-guided. Maps and full details are available. A featured destination of Tour A is Devil's Elbow State Park with Heceta Head Lighthouse and Caretaker's Cottage, the most photographed area in Western Oregon.