We’ve been through Astoria, Oregon several times on this leg of the journey. The town is on the path to our razor clam hunt in Fort Stevens Park and our after-hunt breakfast at the Pig N’ Pancake. But we made an effort this weekend to explore Astoria without checking the tide charts.
Sunday Market
On Sundays, downtown Astoria shuts down 12th street to let local producers and artists set up shop for the Astoria Sunday Market. We’re fiends for fresh produce, so we made sure to stock up on all the Yakima strawberries, Rainier cherries, and Oregon blueberries we could manage to eat. We have no room for local knick-knacks, but it was still fun to look. Somehow we managed to make it home with a loaf of orange & honey challah bread, and turnips. I’m all about the turnips.
Astoria Column
Jan thought I might enjoy the views from the Astoria Column, so we made our way to the hilltop 600′ above town. The column itself is another 125′ before you reach the platform. We decided to get the huffing and puffing out of the way and headed there first.
I wish we had hit the gift shop before our spiraling hike because I didn’t know they sold balsa wood planes for people (kids) to throw off the top. I found one in the parking lot later, but the launch wasn’t nearly as impressive as it could’ve been. So FYI…get your plane first.
The pano at the top of the post is one of the shots from the column which gives you a spectacular view of the Columbia River and the Astoria Bridge.
Scandinavian Festival
Jan is of Norwegian descent, so we swung by the local ScanFest to connect with the spirit of his people. Through pastries. Or pastries are the spirit of his people? It was unclear to me. Anyway, we shelled out $8pp to listen to some Nord music (no death metal), and peruse the arts and crafts. It was nearly a bust until we found butter cookies and the cinnamon toast from the Home Baked Co. The main bakery had closed after 50 years, but they’re still selling Jan’s favorite treat through a distributor. Score.
Rogue Public House
Since we didn’t want meatballs for lunch, we headed to the Rogue Public House for burgers and to sample the delicious beer. The burgers weren’t bad, but the beer is the show. I would recommend the Marionberry Sour or Combat Wombat which is a dry-hopped sour, but honestly I haven’t had anything from Rogue that’s missed the mark. The public house is right on the docks, so it’s a great place to watch boats or even browse through the free cannery museum that’s set in the building.
Astoria Bridge
Whether you’re coming or going, the bridge spanning the Columbia River is a spectacular marvel more than four miles long. I keep trying to get a decent picture of it, but the best spot I’ve found is the on-ramp leading back to Washington. It’s a great view at the end of the day.
Scandi Stop
Astoria is a fishing village that’s upgraded itself to a cruise ship port of call. Parts of it are still grungy sailor, but it’s trying rise above its slow slide into the Columbia River with an emphasis on heritage, breweries, and festivities. Try it for a half-day visit either as your cruise stop or if you’re making time along the 101.
Rainier cherries? Oh, so jealous! It’s been so not warm here that I’ve mentally passed on farmer’s markets. As for the dude with the “woolly” legs and bare feet? You do you, dude.