The Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park as part of her “Do It Northwest” reports. During the visit, she caught up with Chef Dan Catanio and Ray Doering

From Chloe’s Travel Log for Southern Oregon Coast and in Northern California

The Mill Casino was the first destination on our South Coast Road Trip. Sitting right on the water in Coos Bay Oregon (which is actually a bay), The Mill Casino is housed in a building that actually used to be…you guessed it…an old lumber mill! Now owned by the Coquille Indian Tribe, the Casino is also home to several restaurants a gaming floor and some fantastic accommodations.

A feature you should be on the lookout for, that we didn’t get to talk about in our PDX TV Reports segments is how educational information and artwork from the Coquille Tribe’s culture is woven into the Casino. Dioramas depict the Tribe’s storytelling culture, and artwork in the lobby and in the rooms of the hotel are by local artists.

When we first arrived at The Mill Casino, my photographer and I were whisked up to suite 750. The hotel boasts 180 degree views of the Bay, and you have to see the bathrooms…they’re larger than my bedroom at home! After checking out the accommodations, we hit the gaming floor. The Mill Casino has 700 slot machines (Wow) Vegas-style table games, and a separate poker room! The Casino also allows drinks on the gaming floor, which is unusual here in Oregon. While the games were bright and shiny, I have to admit, I couldn’t wait to check out the restaurants! Because we found The Mill Casino on DoItNW.com, I was anticipating some pretty fantastic food…and I was right!

At The Mill Casino, you’ll find four restaurants, and a martini bar; The Saw Mill Buffet, Timbers Café, Warehouse 101, and Plank House Restaurant. Whether you’re looking for a seafood buffet or an Omelet bar in The Saw Mill Buffet, deli-style eats and finger-licking home-made pastries in Timbers Café, some first-class bar eats and entertainment in Warehouse 101, a relaxing martini with a great view at Whitecaps, or a sit down, fine dining experience in Plank House Restaurant, The Mill Casino has you covered.

One absolute must try when you visit: Chef Dan is the man at The Mill Casino (sorry couldn’t resist)! He made us the most amazing Cioppino at Plank House Restaurant the bowl was overflowing with crab, clams, prawns and underneath that, a savory tomato broth that would be fantastic all by itself! Make sure you order extra garlic bread so you can sop up every last bite!

Coos Bay is also famous for amazing golfing and the Oregon Dunes, which are a huge attraction (literally). If you’ve never seen sand dunes taller than a house undulating outward as far as the eye can see, then it’s worth a drive to Coos Bay just to check these out (even better if you have some sort of ATV to take a ride out on the dunes, but they’re pretty amazing to walk on too)! Another nice thing about The Mill Casino is that they offer adventure packages that will get you a room at the casino and discounts on dining and attractions in Coos Bay!

After a four hour drive, eating amazing food, and checking out the sights, we were very glad to be staying in Coos Bay for the night. One more insider tip: the beds at The Mill Casino are some of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in!

THE MILL CASINO WELCOMES THE COUNTRY RAT PACK Tracy Lawrence, Richie McDonald and Mark Chesnutt to appear Friday, May 28

Get ready for a night of smoldering honky-tonk music as The Mill Casino • Hotel welcomes The Country Rat Pack for two performances on Friday, May 28.

This intimate acoustic, unplugged show features multiple Grammy winner Tracy Lawrence, multi-platinum recording artist Mark Chesnutt, and the former lead singer of Lonestar, Richie McDonald, each performing their own hit songs and talking about their musical careers. Tickets for the 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., Salmon Room performances are on sale now in the Ko-Kwel Gift Shop for $25 or $19.50 with a Millionaire$ Club card. This concert is for those 21 or better.

Imagine what it would be like to eavesdrop on three of the most prolific American songwriters and biggest stars in country music today. That’s the idea behind the “Country Rat Pack Tour” where the intimate, improvisational, storytelling shows of the 1960s Rat Pack are given a whole new spin as three of the nation’s most recognizable country artists perform their biggest hits and share the stories behind the songs people have heard on the radio.

Each of these three extraordinary artists bring their own experience and talents to the stage. With 14 number 1 hits, 23 top-ten singles, four platinum albums and five gold records, Mark Chesnutt is easily identified by his string of 10 ten singles including “Too Cold at Home,” “Bubba Shot The Jukebox,” “I’ll Think Of Something,” “Brother Jukebox,” “Blame It On Texas,” “Old Flames Have New Names,” “Ol’ Country,” “It Sure Is Monday,” “Almost Goodbye,” “I Just Wanted You To Know,” “Goin’ Through The Big D,” “It’s A Little Too Late,” “Gonna Get A Life,” and, “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing.” Multiple Grammy winner and double-platinum recording artist Tracy Lawrence has produced numerous  #1 hits including “If The World had a Front Porch,” “Time Marches On,” “Can’t Break It To My Heart” and “Texas Tornado.”  And, for more than a dozen years, Richie McDonald was the voice and most recognizable face for the platinum-selling country group, Lonestar. As lead singer for the CMA and ACM Award-winning group, Richie’s soaring vocals propelled such classics as “Amazed,” “No News” and “I’m Already There.”

The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park is located on the waterfront in North Bend, Oregon, making it an ideal base location for exploring the North Bend/Coos Bay area including Oregon Dunes, Shore Acres State Park and activities such as fishing, crabbing, clamming, whale watching, boating, golfing and strolling along the boardwalk.  The full-service property features over 200 hotel rooms, over 750 slots, along with blackjack, craps, roulette and poker in addition to five on-site restaurants, meeting, wedding and banquet facilities, and a 102-space waterfront RV Park For more information about making The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park the centerpiece of your Oregon Coast getaway or for more information on all the latest attractions, events and entertainment call 800.953.4800

Planning a wedding? A half-day training seminar for 50? How about a corporate meeting for 150 or a presentation for 500? Let us help you arrange a function to remember for your attendees. Whether you’re planning a business meeting, seminar, luncheon, or special event, the perfect mix of attentive service and non-stop fun is waiting for you at The Mill. Here are the top ten reasons why event planners love us:

1. The Mill Casino Event Staff: Guests will be amazed at how attentive and helpful The Mill Casino event planning staff is. We take a great deal of pride in our focus on providing you the best service. We’ll pre-book your Hotel room block at our special group rates and be on hand to greet your group upon arrival.

2. The Food: Executive Chef Dan Catanio oversees the five unique dining venues located inside of full service gourmet catering service The Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park.

3. The Southwest Oregon Regional Airport. We are a close distance from the OTH airport in North Bend Oregon. This airport is serviced by United Express/Skywest Airlines with direct flights to San Francisco, CA and Portland, OR.

4. Regional Attractions and Natural Wonders: On the South Oregon Coast, “boredom” is not an option. Whatever their tastes are, your guests will have plenty of activities to choose from: From fishing to riding the sand dunes to strolling on the beach or through downtown Coos Bay.

5. The Beaches: Explore the tranquil nearby beaches and parks like Shore Acres State Park .

6. The View of Coos Bay: The sweeping view of the bay is the perfect back drop to any event- social or corporate. Most rooms have a direct view of the bay and guests are invited to take in the sites from numerous spots inside of the hotel: including the board walk and lobby.

7. Free WiFi & Advanced Technology Capabilities: Presentations are made easy with our capable technology staff to help you set up your conference needs. You will also appreciate our extensive teleconferencing and free Internet access capabilities throughout the hotel.

8. Luxurious Hotel Accommodations: The Mill Casino guests enjoy our luxurious guest rooms, a work out facility, heated indoor pool, and sweeping bay views throughout the hotel.

9. The Meeting Rooms: The Mill has over 14,000 sq. ft. of comfortable and open meeting space. See our video on meeting room layouts!

10. The Non Stop Entertainment and Casino: Again, boredom in not possible. Your attendees will enjoy unwinding at the Casino with over 700 slots, Vegas style table games, a 4-table poker room and Oregon’s most rewarding cash-back player’s club. Warehouse 101 is also a local hot spot for Live Music on the weekends and comedy each Wednesday night and more.

Ready to get started? Just fill out our Group Planning Guide with your requirements. You’ll soon be discussing your plans with a representative who knows how to make them a reality. See our Groups page for more layouts and information.

Come by Warehouse 101 each Wednesday night for the Oregon Coast’s best kept secret: Comedy Night. Each Wednesday, in addition to serving great food and drinks, we feature new comedians who will to make you laugh. Two FREE hilarious shows start at 7 pm and 9 pm. Coming Up:

Wednesday May 19, 7 &9pm: David Testroet with Brendan Lynch

David Testroet has been seen on Showtime Comedy Network, FOX channel, Hot from the Inferno and CBS Candid Camera. He has brought his fast, funny show show to Comedy Clubs throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as entertaining the Military for the USO. Says Barry Kolin of Harvey’s: “Arguably the best harmonica player in the business”.

May 26 Co-Headliners: Brian Swinehart & Mike Tsirklin

Originally from the mean streets of Pleasant Hill Ohio, Brian Swinehart has been making a name for himself as one of Hollywood’s top young comics. For the past two years he has been performing at Hollywood’s premier underground comedy show the Three Clubs a bar that was featured in the movie Swingers. Brian’s honest and real approach to comedy and life is what makes his act a can’t miss. Mike Tsirklin, a former NYC high school math teacher, has been performing stand-up comedy for 10 years in New York and Los Angeles. Mike has performed his unique brand of stand-up comedy all over the world. ‘This guy so funny I forgot why I was attacking Japan’ Godzilla at the Tokyo Comedy Store. In 2009 Mike finished in the top 4 of a stand-up contest aired on satellite TV in Europe (’Flip da Script’). In early 2010 Mike will be featured in the movie ‘Bobby Khan’s Ticket to Hollywood’ starring Russell Peters.

Check Back For More Profiles on Upcoming Comedians at Warehouse 101!

June Event Includes Excursions, Seminars, Entertainment and a Traditional Salmon Bake

The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park will host a waterfront RV Jamboree from Wednesday, June 16 through Saturday, June 19.

The Jamboree takes place on the shores of Coos Bay and offers something for everyone. Along with an RV Show and Shine, a prize-filled Poker Run, an excursion to the luxurious gardens and natural wonders of Shore Acres State Park, and live entertainment with the 50s doo-wop band The Young Bucs, attendees will be treated to an unforgettable salmon bake dinner where fresh salmon is prepared in the time-honored Coquille open-pit manner.

Additional events include a Pet Paparazzi Family Photo Contest, seminars and an RV Show. What’s more, the event features a welcome reception and dinner buffet as well as a send off breakfast. All participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt.

Tickets for the multi-day event are just $99 per person, plus an RV space rental fee of $23 per night. Jamboree tickets can be purchased in person at the casino’s KoKwel Gifts or by calling 800-953-4800, ext 1432. or order online.

The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park is located on the waterfront in North Bend, Oregon, making it an ideal base location for exploring the North Bend/Coos Bay area including Oregon Dunes, Shore Acres State Park and activities such as fishing, crabbing, clamming, whale watching, boating, golfing and strolling along the boardwalk. The full-service property features over 200 hotel rooms, over 750 slots, along with blackjack, craps, roulette and poker in addition to five on-site restaurants; meeting, wedding and banquet facilities, and a 102-space waterfront RV Park

For more information about making The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park the centerpiece of your Oregon Coast getaway or for more information on all the latest attractions, events and entertainment call 800.953.4800 or visit www.themillcasino.com.