Astoria

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Stopping in Astoria

An August 2000 trip to Astoria by Kerry

A look in on a small town with more than meets the eye.

  • 5 reviews
  • 1 story/tip

Stopping in AstoriaBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Astoria's most famous landmark is the Astor Column. At 125 feet, it's patterned after the Trajan column and is hollow. A spiral staircase leads you to the top and a good view of the surrounding area.

There is a maritime feel to the town, which began life as a fur trading port. There are antique stores and neat small shops, as well as some decent dining. Most people push through on their way to Seaside or other points south and entirely miss what Astoria has to offer.

Quick Tips:

As with many small towns, this is a good place to park and walk, though be patient. It's a major stop off in coast traffic and at times the crush to get through town is maddening.

Best Way To Get Around:

Getting there is simple. Take hwy 30 from Portland and just keep on going.

Pig 'N Pancake RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Another in the Pig 'N Pancake empire, this one is the same basic formula. It's essentially a breakfast spot and a good one if you're on your way to points elsewhere.

At least once in your life, you MUST visit a P&P if for no other reason than to tell people you've done it.

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Kerry on January 21, 2001

Pig 'N Pancake Restaurant
146 West Bond Street Astoria, Oregon 97103
(503) 325-3144

Captain George Flavel MuseumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Built by Captain George Flavel, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this is one of the places my mother loved to visit when we were growing up. It's a carefully maintained Victorian house that was built by one of the leading ship captains of the day. It's a short tour and worth a look in, though not high priority.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by Kerry on January 21, 2001

Captain George Flavel Museum
441 8th Sttrry Astoria, Oregon 97103
(503) 325-2203

Columbia River Maritime MuseumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

As regional Maritime Museums go, this one is of the better class. Now undergoing expansion, the museum holds several galleries and is home to the Light Ship Columbia. I liked the old location very much, though mainly as a child hood memory. The current building is oddly shaped but is intended to look like a cresting wave (I think).
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Kerry on January 21, 2001

Columbia River Maritime Museum
1792 Marine Drive Astoria, Oregon 97103
(503) 325-2323

Fort Clatsop National MemorialBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This is a recreation of the camp where Lewis and Clark wintered in 1805-06. It's always been a family favorite. There are interpretive activities and they do a decent job of demonstrating what life would have been like for the explorers.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Kerry on January 21, 2001

Fort Clatsop National Memorial
92343 Fort Clatsop Road Astoria, Oregon 97103
(503) 861-2471

KMUN 91.9 fmBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

I love small town radio stations, and this is community broadcasting at it's funkiest. It's basically community access with NPR news thrown in. The coast can be a wasteland for Radio, but this station seems to fill all the gaps.

About the Writer

Kerry
Kerry
Portland, Oregon

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