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Oregon Coast Travel Tips: Astoria Buzzing with New Features

The Astoria-Megler Bridge spans 4.1 miles across the Columbia, and hovers over part of downtown

(Astoria, Oregon) – The north Oregon coast town of Astoria has a lot going on these days, and is overflowing with new places to enjoy food and fun, or some interesting events that spotlight this glittering burgh and its history.

The newest hotspot in town is the Fort George Brewery and Public House, at 1483 Duane St. It promises good memories with every visit. After opening their doors this spring to rave reviews, the brewpub serves up hearty, seasonal food, a large variety of craft beers and live music. See http://fortgeorgebrewery.com for details. 503-325-7468.

New to Astoria is the Lewis and Clark RV & Golf Resort, at 92294 Youngs River Rd. It’s designed for big rigs who appreciate luxury. Located on a waterway next to a nine-hole golf course, the park provides Wi-Fi, TV, phones and amp service, all accompanied by golf at your front door, a native plant walking trail and golf-side cottages for rent or sale. They even provide concierge service – offering everything from guided fishing trips and tours of historic Astoria to laundry service. Call (503) 338-3386 for more information.

Piers along Astoria

The highly anticipated Bridgewater Bistro is set to open its doors this summer in the new Red Building near the famed Cannery Pier Hotel. The bistro will feature a variety of fresh Pacific Northwest cuisine, posh cocktails, wine tasting and romantic fireside service. Veteran restaurant owners Tony and Ann Kischner are bringing their fine dining to Astoria after a 26-year run at the acclaimed Shoalwater Restaurant & Pub in Seaview, Wash. See www.bridgewaterbistro.com for more information.

The new Overbay Museum and Antique Autos, located at 1233 Exchange St., provides interactive entertainment for the entire family. The exhibit features more than 13 mechanical works of art – including a Chinese royalty carriage from the eighteenth century and Charlie Chaplin’s 1928 Packard automobile. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Mother’s Day through September.

The bridge as seen from Coxcomb Hill

Astoria and Warrenton are experiencing a tremendous revival of arts and culture, but the communities also boast a strong link to their maritime pasts. Still home to a working waterfront, Astoria’s riverside is populated by old fish canneries hinting at what was once a booming fishing industry that drew thousands of workers from across the country and across the world with promises of decent pay and consistent work.

One of the largest canneries, Bumble Bee Seafood, closed its doors in 1981. The facility, now called Pier 39, will be hosting the 3rd Annual Cannery Workers Reunion, together with local nonprofit organizations. On Saturday, August 11, from 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., former cannery workers will come together and celebrate their shared heritage with food, drinks, raffles, souvenirs and live music by the String of Pearls. The entire community is invited to join in this year’s reunion. For more information, visit www.canneryworker.org.

There’s more in the works for the Astoria area with a new national heritage area designation.

Beaches of Long Beach, near Astoria

A region rich with history, culture and natural beauty, Astoria and Warrenton are located in the heart of the newly proposed Columbia-Pacific Heritage Area, which is currently working its way toward a National Heritage Area Designation. Destination: The Pacific, an organization committed to creating a national awareness of the region, is leading the charge to receive this honor. Their efforts have captured the attention of the U.S. Congress, who recently introduced a bill to authorize a study of the region for future designation.

Destination: The Pacific offers travelers a journey of discovery, adventure and ever-changing landscapes. Visitors can explore the Columbia Pacific through a virtual tour and online slide show, or use the travel planner to chart their own course of discovery. Visit www.DestinationThePacific.com for details.

Downtown Astoria

The buzz is already starting up for the 26th Annual Great Columbia Crossing 10K Walk/Run in October.

It happens Sunday, October 14. Experienced athletes and amateurs alike will enjoy the rare opportunity to cross the mighty Columbia River on foot during the 26th Annual Great Columbia Crossing 10K walk/run. Participants will start the race in Washington, cross the 4.1 mile-long Astoria-Megler Bridge – typically open to vehicular and cycling traffic only – and finish in Oregon. The longest continuous truss span bridge in North America, the Astoria-Megler Bridge rises 205 feet above the river, offering a challenging incline as well as beautiful views of the historic Astoria and Warrenton communities below. An awards ceremony and chowder lunch for participants immediately follow the race.

The race begins at 9 a.m. Starting from the West End Marina race registration station in Astoria, walkers and runners can catch the shuttle bus to the starting line.

Registration is $30 before Oct. 5 or $35 after. Entry fees include bus shuttle to the starting line, a souvenir t-shirt designed by a member of the local community and a clam chowder lunch. For more information or to register, contact the Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce at (800) 875-6807.

For more on Astoria, see www.oldoregon.com.

Inn at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms. Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly. Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.atcannonbeach.com.

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