Break out of your shell at Alderbrook Resort

I don’t want to judge. Really, I don’t. I try to pass along whatever information comes my way, no matter my personal feelings.

(Deep breath.) Here goes.

The Alderbrook Resort and Spa, which calls itself “a luxurious Pacific Northwest retreat,” will hold the First Annual Oyster Harvest at Alderbrook, a 77-room spot situated on the shores of Hood Canal.

Oysters! How revolting!

Sorry. I got away from myself. Let’s get back on track.

Alderwood’s six-week wingding rides on the coattails of Oysterfest, a local celebration in nearby Shelton, Wash., Oct. 4 and 5.

Participants revel in the neighborhood eats with shucking contests, a seafood cook-off and more.

The resort recognizes all this oyster love with the “Oysters 101” getaway package, complete with one night overlooking Hood Canal and a $70 credit to “The Restaurant” – I give you my word, that’s what they call it – featuring oyster specialties cooked up by Chef Chris Schwarz and Sous Chef Lucas Sautter.

Your getaway also includes a self-guided tour of the canal where you can explore the beach, add mussels and clams to your oyster harvest, and identify area wildlife including seals, whales, bald eagles, kingfishers and the like.

And – wait for it – you’re granted the opportunity to purchase a Skin Refining Salt Glow or South Shore Algae Wrap in the spa. You could probably get any other spa treat, too.

Oysters 101 starts at $179 based on double occupancy. Book your spot at www.alderbrookresort.com or (800) 622-9370.

Don’t forget your self-paying spa bonus!

Underground sounds

Here’s your chance to drink it in and drink it up.

Cave B Inn at SageCliffe will host an emerging artists music series Friday evenings through October. The Quincy, Wash.-area estate winery will offer wine by the glass and a selection of small plates available for purchase during the show.

For a mere $8, you get a look at Star Anna, a folk-rock-alternative country singer-songwriter from Ellensburg who apparently can’t make up her mind. That’s on Sept. 5

The same price buys an Everyday Jones concert on Oct. 10. You just might get in on a trend here; this “lively” folk-pop duo will launch its first album this month.

You can find out more about the series – and Cave B’s 12 guest rooms built directly into basalt cliffs, 15 stand-alone “Cliffehouses” and its other quirks – at www.caveb.com or (509) 785-CAVE.

Regional events

•Northwest Montana Antique Power Association Threshing Bee, Sept. 6-7, Kalispell. Take the way-back machine to the days of steam threshing, steam plowing, antique tractors and engines, and shingle making. Complementary steam train rides, a running sawmill, music, entertainment and the daily Parade of Power round things out. ( www.visitmt.com/ 406-387-5317)

•Stop and Smell the Roadsters, Sept. 7, Beaverton, Ore. Classic and custom cars invade The Oregon Garden’s 80 botanical acres. ( www.travelportland.com/ 503-874-8256)

•Retreat into Light: An Ecstatic Vinyasa Yoga Adventure, Sept. 12-14, Detroit, Ore. Take a “yummy retreat into your true self” at Breitenbush Hot Springs. They promise quiet meditation, late summer hiking, blissful soaking and hardcore lounging. ( www.breitenbush.com/ 503-854-3320)