This will be a port stop from 7 to 5 on the 5th of May. Do you have any must-see places for us to visit? I'm afraid that the gardens won't be at their peak this early in the season.

We enjoy music, art, food, wine, history, art, folk culture, just almost anything and also enjoy walking.

Thanks

topping

Hi, if you like history, you will love Astoria! We have a second home in the area and have watched this little sleeper town become very popular over the years with tourists.

I don't know what gardens you are speaking of, but as far as the food and wine go, make a visit to Shallon winery. There is also the Cellar on 10th Street for wine tasting and the Vintner's Room at the Hotel Elliott. The Silver Salmon Grille also has a nice place to wine taste adjacent to the restaurant.

The Maritime Museum, the Flavel House and the Heritage Musuem are all fun places to visit. Astoria is set on the Columbia River and the views are gorgeous here. If you want water views while you dine, the Cannery Cafe and the new Bridgewater Bistro are both wonderful places to dine.

The Silver Salmon Grille, the Ship Inn and Fulio's are also good. For something different, you may want to choose a lunch or dinner at Drina Daisy in downtown Astoria, they are a Bosnian restaurant.

Stroll the riverwalk for your walking, you can start by the Maritime Musuem and stroll as far as you want to go, the Pier 39 area is also a nice place to spend some time. The Rogue Public Ale House is good for a bite to eat with pretty river views in this area.

Have fun and further questions feel free to ask! ***kim***

Wow, Kim!

Thank you so much for replying and for ALL THIS INFO! You ROCK!

I will print all this out and carry it with us. It sounds just like what we are looking for.

If you can find a way to get up to the Astoria Tower, go there. Fabulous views of the whole area. Not for walking up from town, that's for sure.

If you've never explored the area around Astoria, you might enjoy Cannon Beach--about 25 miles away.

It has a great beach for walking, interesting shops, great restaurants (especially Gower Street Bistro). Just north of Cannon Beach is beatiful Ecola State Park.

Fort Clatsop!

You're welcome and I agree about the Astor Column, gorgeous views from the top of Coxcomb Hill here! We are lucky to be able to see the column from our front doorstep, it is beautifully lit at night. ***kim***

kimamom,

For future reference, you might want to know that small wine bar in Hotel Elliott changed its name to the Crabernet Room over a year ago. You haven't mentioned your "second home" in Astoria for a while. When were you last there?

If you're still reading, Brahmama, I'll add a suggestion to visit Cape Disappointment State Park, 15 miles north of Astoria near Ilwaco, WA. The Interpretive Center there is better than any around Astoria in my opinion, and it's situated on a bluff overlooking the mouth of the Columbia River. Awesome view, both from there and the North Head Lighthouse, also in the park.

The downside is that you'd need a car for some of what's been recommended, and want a car for the Astor Column and Pier 39. If you do take a walk along the riverfront, stop by Josephson's and pick up some of the best smoked seafood you'll taste anywhere. You'll have a mini-fridge in the stateroom, won't you?

Oh yes, still reading!

A car might be the smart way to do this. One question? What is the traffic/parking situation in Astoria?

All these suggestions were just what I was hoping for and reading over them, I develop a spectacular appetite - esp for the fish/seafood possibilities.

Thanks, everyone.

http://blog.oregonlive.com/terryrich...elling_me.html

This article may give you some ideas. Why, it appears that our own ***Kim*** is quoted. Regardless, I hope it helps.

Regardless, I hope it helps.

Tess!!

Traffic and parking are not a problem in Astoria, Brahmama, especially in May (off-season). If you decide you want to rent a car, make reservations early. I believe Enterprise and Hertz both have offices there, but they might be your only options.

One more comment..... Re Shallon.. this is not your typical Oregon winery. They're more noted for berry and fruit wines. And stuff like chocolate-strawberry-apricot or some such. Not my cuppa, but it is a fun place to visit.

Hi Beachbum! Nice to see you.

I hope Brahmama has a nice trip.

I thought you were talking about Astoria, Queens, New York City! who knew there was another one!