Florence is RV Destination Spot; Chamber Photo Contest; Getting The Most Out Of SNAP; Labor Day Gas Prices

Florence is RV Destination Spot

America’s RV boom is rolling strong, and two Oregon Coast towns are now on the national radar. Florence and Brookings have both been named top RV destinations for 2025 by StorageCafe, which ranked cities on campground quality, amenities, and livability. Florence stands out with 17 RV parks averaging 4.46 stars — the third highest in the nation — plus pet-friendly sites, showers, and strong internet options for remote workers. Brookings offers 11 fully equipped parks, ranks fifth nationwide for amenities, and boasts 15 internet providers, making it ideal for long-haul stays. Together, the two towns highlight Oregon’s coast as a premier RV destination.

Chamber Photo Contest

The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is once again inviting amateur and professional photographers to showcase the beauty and spirit of Oregon’s Coastal Playground. The winning entry will earn a $250 cash prize and be featured in the Chamber’s directory, visitor guide, printed marketing, website, and social media. Photos must be taken within 20 miles of Florence and submitted by November 15th, with the winner announced within 30 days. Last year’s winning shot came from Roseburg’s Robyn Wargo, capturing her granddaughter’s joyful first kite flight on Heceta Beach. Entry forms and details are at FlorenceChamber.com.

Getting The Most Out Of SNAP

As food insecurity grows across Oregon, advocates are pointing to the role of SNAP and matching programs that stretch grocery dollars at farmers markets — like the one held Tuesdays in Florence. Programs such as “Double Up Food Bucks” double the value of SNAP benefits for fresh produce, and some markets even triple it, turning $20 into $60 worth of food. Advocates say these efforts not only support families in need but also boost local farmers and bring more funding into markets. With Oregon Food Bank reporting 2.5 million visits to assistance sites last year — a record high — supporters say federal cuts to SNAP make these programs more vital than ever.

Labor Day Gas Prices

As Oregonians head into Labor Day road‑trips, Florence drivers are paying around $3.94 per gallon for regular gas—a figure that’s remained steady from last week. Statewide, prices average just under $3.98 per gallon, reflecting only minor summer fluctuations.

Relaxed crude oil rates—hovering below $70 per barrel—have kept the summer pump scene relatively calm. But with the peak of hurricane season underway, a major storm in the Gulf could still send prices spiking. Still, travelers are encouraged: “Gas prices should remain calm here, as they’ve been all summer long,” says Marie Dodds of AAA Oregon/Idaho. With Labor Day travel expected to surge—especially along the Oregon Coast—this weekend offers favorable conditions at the pump.