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05/18/08

Secrets of the Season

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North Oregon Coast Runneth Over with New Features, Eateries

(Astoria, Oregon) - There's much that is new at the very northwestern tip of Oregon. The little big town of Astoria is brimming with bunches of new features, including music festivals, some of its residents featured on a national TV show, a new hotel and a few new restaurants.

The Astoria Music Festival is celebrating five years of singing sirens and captivating compositions, and the 2008 season starts on June 20, running June to 29.

With plenty of local support, this year's plans are more extravagant than ever. Past performances have included The Marriage of Figaro and the invigorating opera Fantasies of Carmen, along with a rousing concert from the Siberian Chamber Orchestra. Tickets for the 2008 festival are available for as low as $10, so it's accessible for almost everyone to enjoy these classical tunes. For more information, please visit http://www.astoriamusicfestival.org/ or call (503) 325-9896.

Concerts take place at the historic Liberty Theater in downtown Astoria

Astoria is again in the national media spotlight. Following in the steps of the Discovery Channel's hit show, Deadliest Catch, the History Channel launched a reality show series called Ax Men in March 2008, featuring the tumultuous and dangerous lives of career loggers throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Astoria's Gustafson Logging Co. and JM Browning Logging are two of the featured companies, and episodes follow the work of these brave loggers before, during and after the winter storm of 2007. Catch these local celebrities every Sunday at 10 p.m. on the History Channel.

There’s a new luxury inn in town. Offering an enchanting entertaining space for up to 50 people and elegant overnight accommodations for two, the Banker's Suite is located in Astoria's downtown historic district. The suite, housed in what was once the Astoria National Bank, sits above the full service Columbia River Day Spa and features a luxurious master bedroom, gourmet kitchen and cozy fireplace with ample seating and dining areas.

If you’re hungry, there are catered meals from Fulio's Pastaria and Tuscan Steakhouse. Music lovers will adore the newly tuned baby grand piano which sits in a cozy corner of the 4,500 square foot space. For more information or to make reservations, visit http://www.thebankerssuite.com/.

For lovers of fine food, there’s a lot to love about the north Oregon coast river town now, with a load of new features for the foodie.

Say "ciao!" to Astoria 's new downtown gourmet deli, operated by the beloved local restaurant Fulio's Pastaria and Tuscan Steakhouse. Opening soon, the Italian Deli will feature a wide range of gourmet cheeses and charcuterie meats. Enticing everyone from discerning Italian shoppers to high quality meat lovers, stop by for exotic items imported from Europe or a delicious sandwich to go.

With murals of the maritime past and plenty of TV screens to catch the big game, the new Shipyard Bar and Grill offers fresh food and drink, plus a variety of entertainment including live performances and music in the adjacent events center. The Shipyard also plays host to performances from the annual Fisher Poets Gathering, thanks to its authentically salty atmosphere.

Clemente's, a small, unassuming restaurant offering fresh local seafood and delectable nibbles from the surrounding area, has a new location in downtown Astoria. Housed in the space formerly occupied by the Valley Bronze Gallery, the new restaurant will open faster than anticipated – fresh, mouthwatering seafood dishes will begin hitting tables this month.

Northwest Gourmet Gifts opened this April in Astoria 's newly remodeled Red Building. The shop creates luxurious, custom gift baskets including high quality jams, jellies, crab, seafood, cheese, Northwest wine and beers, and more. Northwest Gourmet Gifts also carries seasonal items with fun personalities and flavors for many occasions, all of which are designed to embody the best of the Pacific Northwest. Call (503) 325-1440 for more information.

For more on Astoria, see http://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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