Astoria, Oregon has a wonderful way of getting under your skin. The small city is like a new song from your favorite performer. You indulge in it as much as you can, and then you can’t get it out of your head. The town is famous for many things. The award-winning movie, The Goonies, was filmed in Astoria in 1985. The seafood is always fresh and delicious, and the historic district of old town looks like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting. But it’s the feeling that sticks with you the longest. It’s like you’ve come home after a long journey. Astoria is a vibrant community where river meets the sea.
Unlimited Recreational Activities
The view from the Astoria jetty
Perhaps my favorite thing about Astoria is the never-ending opportunity for year-round recreational activities. In the summer months the average high temperature is a comfortable 69 degrees, and in the winter it’s 48. So, the mild climate is an outdoor enthusiasts dream. From kayaking to hiking, razor clam digging, camping, and mushroom hunting, there is never a shortage of fun things to do in nature.
Charming History
The Astoria Column
Astoria was named after John Jacob Astor. In the early 1800’s his American Fur Company was the largest company in the area and helped him become the first multi-millionaire in the United States. His father died on the Titanic, but his mother, who was pregnant with John at the time, survived.
Fort Stevens, The Columbia River Maritime Museum, The Heritage Museum, and the Astoria Column, are just some of the many rich historical experiences available to both curious tourists, and serious history buffs. These intriguing landmarks make it easy to visualize the struggles of the past and provide us with a humble perspective of the present.
Lively Art Community
Mixed in amongst the charming history of Astoria, and the stunning natural beauty, is a lively arts community. Many renowned artists now call Astoria, and the surrounding area, home. Wander through some of the many local art galleries, and you’ll see everything from pottery, to photography, bronze sculptures, and extraordinary glass art from one of the best-known artists in the area, Claude Kurtz. Astoria inspires creatives of all types. Performing artists, writers, and film-makers are also drawn to the slower pace, and the picturesque landscape of the region.
Thriving Commerce
The Port of Astoria
Docked along the Port of Astoria you’ll see enormous cruise ships from Disney and many other favorite cruise lines. Tourists from around the world emerge upon the city and are welcomed with open arms. Their fresh energy and currency are like a B12 shot to the town. New restaurants, cute boutiques, cafes, and coffee shops are popping up all over the place, and the Astoria Sunday Market is a favorite hot spot for both residents and visitors.
Astoria is the perfect place for a day trip, long weekend, or extended vacation. It emulates the spirit of the Pacific Northwest and will leave you feeling renewed and relaxed. Make sure you bring your camera and some sturdy walking shoes, and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy it all.
