If you've driven south on Highway 101 through Coos Bay lately, you've probably noticed something exciting taking shape on the Blue Sky Bike Shop building. Travel Southern Oregon Coast is leading the creation of a new mural celebrating the incredible outdoor recreation opportunities that make the South Coast unique—with the Whiskey Run Trails taking center stage. Funding for the project is being provided by Travel Southern Oregon Coast, with support from the Oregon Coast Visitors Association.

TSOC secured the agreement with the building owner and brought back artist Chris McNally, whose distinctive work visitors may recognize from the Whiskey Run campaign, trail map, and the popular 7 Devils Gnome Wrecker beer can. The mural captures many of the adventures that define the South Coast, while shining a spotlight on one of our region's premier mountain biking destinations.

Take a look at the concept sketch below, then stop by 134 S. Broadway in Coos Bay to watch the mural come to life. It's another great example of how thoughtful destination projects can create a stronger sense of place, while inspiring visitors to get out and explore.

TSOC along with the Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board are excited to share details about the Oregon Governor's Marketplace Conference & Tradeshow, happening Thursday, August 27, at Ko-Kwel Casino Resort.

As the only Governor's Marketplace event in Southern Oregon this year, this is a rare opportunity for businesses and organizations from Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, and Josephine counties to connect with state and local government agencies, procurement professionals, prime contractors, and business resource providers.

Whether you're a business owner, contractor, consultant, manufacturer, nonprofit, or service provider, the Governor's Marketplace is your chance to learn how to work with government agencies, discover upcoming contracts, meet purchasing decision-makers, and build relationships that support long-term growth.

Events like this don't come around often in Southern Oregon, and having this many agencies, businesses, and resource partners in one place is a genuine opportunity not to be missed. Best of all, attendance is FREE, but advance registration is REQUIRED. Register today and be part of this valuable day of learning, networking, and partnership-building.

The Bandon Chamber of Commerce has announced an agreement with the City of Bandon to take over operations of the city's trolley! Current plans include appearances in upcoming parades, highlighted by a special role in this year's 80th Annual Cranberry Festival Parade, honoring past Cranberry Queens with a trolley ride.

Stay tuned for additional appearances and opportunities to ride the trolley as it comes out of retirement to once again become a beloved part of the community.

In A Landscape: Classical Music in the Wild, is returning to Valley Flora Farm in Langlois on August 30. This outdoor concert series brings live music to stunning natural settings across America, trading the traditional concert hall for the great outdoors.

Situated along the banks of the beautiful Floras Creek, Valley Flora Farm is a certified organic farm with deep roots in its coastal community. It provides food year-round through its farm stand, local food banks, and a network of stores, restaurants, and cooperatives along the southern Oregon coast.

Grab your tickets soon. The nearby Shore Acres concert in this year's series is already sold out!

Here's a reminder that Southern Oregon University is hosting an Accessible Tourism Ambassador Training on August 24 in Florence. This hands-on workshop is for tourism professionals, frontline staff, business owners, and destination planners looking to lead the way in inclusive travel. You'll walk away with practical accessibility strategies you can put to use right away!