The above title isn’t as famous as The Kinks’ ‘Victoria’ but it sounds similar and there really should be a song about one of my favorite areas in the entire state of Oregon. It’s not fancy-pants like some other places along the coast but it’s the real deal if you’re looking for a quick day or two ‘getaway’ from the Portland area!
If you want the beach with those picaresque waves I’d suggest somewhere else. Same goes for those fancy boutique stores with overpriced wares (can’t you find those in the city?). However, if you want something truly unique with a sense of ‘real’ community then you need to spend at least 24 hours in Astoria just as I did recently.
Just a little over an hour away from the Portland metropolitan area out Highway 26 (a bit longer if you stop at the Goodwill just outside of town to buy cassettes!) and North of Seaside up Highway 101 lies Astoria. The heart of Astoria isn’t on but near the coast along the mouth of the Columbia River. A map view before you get going will help get your bearings!
There are a few great places to stay in Astoria but none match the Cannery Pier Hotel which is actually an old fish cannery along the docks that has become a boutique hotel. Rooms include a giant clawfoot tub, wi-fi, a cozy fireplace and views like no other hotel in town. Where else can you wake up, slide open your patio door and watch enormous ships enveloped by a foggy sky (it’s November!) as they travel silently underneath a bridge that separates Oregon from Washington? You can also enjoy their ‘reception’ every evening (free wine and treats!), fresh baked chocolate chip cookies at night and even get a ‘taxi’ to/from town (3-5 min) in one of their vintage automobiles! When booking ask for Donna Quinn ( donnaq at cannerypierhotel.com) or Kathleen Sullivan ( kathleen at cannerypierhotel.com) and tell them I sent you. They’re both ‘rock stars’ and will do their best to hook you up! Below are some photos and captions from my recent 24 hour ‘getaway’ to Astoria with more to follow! Enjoy!
(The vintage ‘taxi cabs’ that await you and the lobby at the amazing Cannery Pier Hotel)
(Mary Todd’s Workers Bar! Great burger and good bar trivia!)
Astoria is brewing with some amazing new coffee joints plus a historic theater!
Like the name of this locally owned spot!
A trip to Astoria is not complete without breakfast or dinner here:
and don’t forget this view from your room at the Cannery Pier Hotel  www.cannerypierhotel.com)