Luckily Oregon is pirate-free for the most part and the bounty can be celebrated instead of plundered. With grapes, hops, pears and apples coming into season, it's time to take advantage of the pleasures of living in the Willamette Valley.

The Oregon Bounty celebration begins October 1 and runs through November 30 throughout the state. The festivities will feature all types of activities from wine tasting and cooking classes to annual festivals.

On October 11 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Oregon Distillers Guild will be on hand for special Oregon Bounty cocktails and tastings at McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale. The Guild will provide a look at how to make spirits and will lead discussions with leading distillery experts. Tickets to this event are $40 per person and may be purchased online at www.mcmenamins.com or by calling (503) 669-8610.

The Fresh Hop Beer "Tastivals," produced by the Oregon Brewers Guild, will highlight the seasonal beers from the September harvest. Admission to the events are free; tasting glasses are $5 and sample tastes are $1. All Tastivals take place between noon and 9 p.m. and will be held on October 4 in Hood River, October 18 at Hopworks Urban Brewery in Portland, and October 25 at Ninkasi Brewing Company in Eugene.

The Oregon Coast will play host to many food-oriented events. "Cooking at the Coast" will take place in Astoria, Cannon Beach and Lincoln City. These cities will host cooking classes along with overnight stays in various luxury hotels.

For a complete list of festivals and other activities, visit www.traveloregon.com/Bounty.