3 minute read
Indoor & Youth Activities
from MidCoast Wave
by Siuslaw News
ON THE INSIDE TRACK
When it rains, there’s more! If you’re waiting for sunshine and needing something to do,
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Florence has many opportunities to stay dry while exploring local art and culture. For those wanting to stay active, the local gym, Coastal Fitness & Aquatics at 2285 Highway 101, has state-of-the-art equipment, a women’s circuit training room, gym, swimming pools and many classes. Day and week passes are available for visitors.
Florence Senior Center, 1570 Kingwood St., a gathering place for everyone, is open to all ages and offers daily activities such as card games, line dancing and exercise and art classes. It also provides meals and social opportunities.
On the highway, just around the corner from Old Town, is the Florence Antiques District, where rows of shops beckon to antique hunters. Find coastal artifacts like Japanese floats mixed with vintage jewelry, antique furniture, collectables, accessories and clothing.
Local museums offer glimpses into the past. Siuslaw Pioneer Museum, located at 278 Maple St., has friendly volunteers who can show Florence’s progression through its colorful history, as well as exhibits on the Rhododendron Festival.
Oregon Coast Military Museum, 2145 Kingwood St. near the Florence Municipal Airport, provides education about the military, from World War I through current conflicts, as well as displays of veterans’ artifacts and memorabilia from their service.
City Lights Cinemas, 1930 Highway 101, has the perfect blend of blockbuster hits and indie flicks showing in four theaters. Show times start at noon and continue throughout the day. Be sure to catch arthouse films, feature documentaries and Shakespeare and enjoy cuisine from local food trucks.
Visitors are always welcome at the Siuslaw Public Library, 1460 Ninth St. In addition to a large collection of books, periodicals, DVDs and videos, there are art exhibits, computers, free Wi-Fi, genealogy information, story time and activities for youth, reading programs and frequent presentations and entertainment. There is also a Mapleton branch at 88148 Riverview Ave. For more information, including its Youtube page, visit www. siuslawlibrary.info.
Many excellent galleries, as well as fine shops and businesses, regularly display high-quality artwork, thanks to the many talented artists and craftspeople who live and work here. The artwork is diverse — oils and watercolors, textiles, glass, photography, sculpture, mixed media, pottery, artisan jewelry, blown glass, turned wood, greeting cards and more.
Galleries are spread all over. One good way to sample it all is to take a self-guided tour during the second Saturday of each month. From 3 to 5 p.m., the 2nd Saturday Gallery Tour travels to multiple sites to view the works, meet the artists and enjoy refreshments. The venues and featured artists vary each month. Are you an artist yourself? Florence Regional Arts Alliance offers classes in various media for all artists as well as a gallery at its Art Center, 120 Maple St. People can find premium art materials at BeauxArts Fine Art Materials and Gallery at 2285 Highway 101 Suite H.
With all these inside venues to explore, it won’t be long until the sun returns.
JUST KIDDING AROUND
Mike Webb VP, Commercial Relationship Manager
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Activities for Children
Besides many adventure opportunities in the Great Outdoors, the area offers the Siuslaw Public Library District, the Siuslaw and Mapleton school districts and after-school activities for youth. There are opportunites for exploration and learning for all ages.
In addition, Florence has brought youth opportunities to the forefront. From area parks, such as Miller Park, to many youth-based organizations, the area is ready to entertain and educate your child year-round.
Look for Florence’s annual events, sports, summer theater and dance camps and more.
