I've been reading all the comments and cant wait to visit next summer!!! We want to soak up the beauty of the area, seeing the sights, the beach, some hiking, shopping, etc My questions are:
-When we arrive in Portland how long is the drive to the following areas-
Seaside,Gleneden, Newport
- second- of the three areas listed above which would be the most convenient to stay in for day trips throughout the area? I want to spend some time in Astoria- how far is it from these areas?
-Reading comments it sounds like Seaside & Newport are both nice areas. If Astoria is more than a couple hours away we'll just spend a nite or two there.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.-Thanx - Mo

Mosby - It would help if you put the state in the title of the post, or even in the text. Are we supposed to guess where you are going?

I am guessing you are talking about Oregon, but being from the east, here is what I first think:

Portland=Maine. Newport=Rhode Island. Astoria=Queens, NY.

I am sure that is not where you are intending to go on this trip, so consider this post an effort to top it for others to read.

Have a great trip, either way!

Karen

A lot depends on how much time you will have for this trip. Regardless...it is about 2 hours from Portland over to Seaside. Gleneden and Newport are south of there...I would allow for about an hour. It can be hard to judge, but depending on time of year, weather, and traffic its either somewhat fast or extremely slow. Astoria is north of Seaside, but not far at all.

Everyone has their personal preferences, and I am sure you have noticed that since you said you have been reading comments...so I will throw my .02 in. Cannon Beach, just south of Seaside, is our favorite. I was born and raised in OR and we finally moved back after many years and for us it is still a wonderful place to stay.

You mentioned hiking and shopping...is this just for the coast area or are you looking inland at all?

MMS - I had originally considered only the coast, not knowing much about distance etc inland. I did get a travel book today on the area so that should be helpful. Any suggestions of inland areas that might be especially interesting? We were thinking of spending a day or so in Portland and plan to spend about a week in the area. THanks so much for your help! Mo

Definitely try to spend some time here in Portland, and also a day or so on the Columbia River Gorge and/or Mt. Hood. We are big hikers/backpackers/climbers and so know the area pretty well as far as that. The Gorge has lots of nice hikes with waterfalls, but the trails are very busy usually. The Mt. Hood area has some great trails and you could also visit Timberline Lodge there. If you want to do a short hike and are fairly short on time, there is Forest Park in Portland that has 40-50 miles of trails to hike and it is really pretty. Go to www.friendsofforestpark.org and you can see the trails and things to see. A nice easy hike is one that starts near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (near the zoo) and goes through Hoyt Arboretum and then up to Pittock Mansion. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy the views of the city.

Downtown Portland is good for shopping, but if you want a mall then go to Washington Square in Tigard (on the west side of the metro area).

My favorite book for the state is called "Trips & Trails Oregon" by
William L. Sullivan. It covers everything that is worth doing and is detailed enough to give a tourist the information to go explore. It has hikes, places to stay, towns, parks, museums...you name it. We bought our book at REI and even living here have used it often.

The Gorge area is beautiful, you could stay at the Columbia Gorge Hotel, our favorite.

As far as Seaside, it's a little over an hour from Portland, depending on traffic. Astoria is twenty minutes from Seaside.

Seaside would be a great place to stay, right in between CB and Astoria. In Astoria, I would recommend the Hotel Elliott to stay, it's a gorgeous property.

If you like spas, right across the street from the hotel is The Columbia River Day Spa which is gorgeous and very reasonable on their prices.


Let me know what kind of cuisine you're interested in and I could recommend some great places to dine on the coast. Going over the bridge to the WA coast is also very much worth the time, it's very scenic over there also. Any specific questions on the northern coast, ask away and have a great time!! www.oldoregon.com ***kim***

One more thing on shopping: The Woodburn Company Stores are wonderful, I know MMS enjoys them, also. www.woodburncompanystores.com

Also, Seaside has a great outlet there, www.seasideoutlets.com and Pioneer Place in Portland is a must-do for the world class shopping there.

In Astoria, don't miss the Sunday Market on 12th Street, for lots of local artwork, yummy foods and lots of fun! It's a little Pikes Place and very nicely done. It runs through October. The fresh bouquets of flowers are just gorgeous, mine lasted over ten days. ***kim***

The outlets in Woodburn are nice...but if I were limited on time that would be the first thing to go. There is nothing else to see/do there, but if you are driving past then it can be a nice stop. I live fairly close so am fortunate to be able to enjoy them, but if I were on vacation I would do all the other great things in the area before I went out of my way to shop in Woodburn, lol!

Downtown Portland is great though...even just strolling around is really fun. Then up around NW 23rd is another great area for shopping. Definitely go to the Moonstruck Cafe if you like chocolate...very dangerous! lol!

Definitely stop if you're driving by, the Chateau Benoit Wine shop is really nice for a sandwich and a little wine tasting.

The Moonstuck Chocolates are really good, but Godiva is still my favorite. We did have some really good chocolate milkshakes there once.

Also in Astoria, there are some really cool dress shops. Check out the Four Seasons and Steven's Fine Clothing. We usually hit these places after we've visited the Sunday Market in Astoria.

MMS, haven't you been to the Sunday Market yet? It's great fun! I actually enjoy it a lot more than the one in Portland. ***kim***

Kim, I haven't been to Astoria since last summer. Too much going on in our lives this year...retirement, new career, relocation, etc., lol! The Saturday Market in PDX is fun, but I prefer the farmers market at PSU right when they open on Saturday mornings. I do like Moonstruck...but still dream of the chocolate we had in France that I forgot to get the name of. That and a particular cheese. We still joke about trying to find both over here, lol!

I dont think I can wait till next summer after reading your responses!! We plan to stay in Portland, (Oregon) a day or two (upon arrival) before going to Seaside. We are staying at a timeshare there, built last year. From there we will do day trips. I have heard so much about Astoria - and plan to hit the areas between Seaside and Newport area. Between the beauty of the sights,hiking, eating and shopping I may not come home! ANy suggestions of the most convenient area to stay in Portland? THanks for all the help!!!! Mo

Mo, we don't want to come home when we're there! LOL Is the timeshare by any chance the Trendwest on the prom in Seaside? It's quite a place if it is, right on the prom with gorgeous views of the beach. Very busy area through there, tho.

If you get tired of all the crowds,go down by Ave 12,it's less populated and really pretty there. Avenue U is also a favorite spot. We recently acquired six surfboards and are headed back to Seaside next week for a quick surfing/business trip.

In Portland, we really like the Riverplace Hotel. My son stayed there last month, and the renovations are complete. He raved about the place. Even got engaged on a carriage ride through Portland that the hotel arranged with a wonderful meal at the Portland City Grill after, so Portland now holds special memories for our family.

We really enjoyed the Bluehour and Paley's Place for fine dining in Portland. Still want to try Higgins and Clarklewis.

If you like to crab, we recently bought a crab cage, lots of people drop them in the river there in Seaside, it's great fun! You'll see them all along the 12th street bridge when you go there.

There is also a place to rent paddle boats, kayaks, etc. Have fun and let us know how it goes! ***kim***

Kim-thanx for the info- I will check out the hotel in Portland! We plan to rent a car there-any particular car rental suggestions? The time share is the Worldmark Seaside/Trendwest. It was completed in 2003. It looked pretty nice-while I usually prefer something quaint, I hope to see "quaint" as we travel around the area- THanx again- Mo

The Trendwest is really nice, I can't believe how many are buying into their timeshares!

Go to Cannon Beach for some shopping, I would call the shops there, quaint. Also, if you enjoy afternoon tea, there is a new tea house in Astoria called the Windsor House of Tea that is gorgeous, located by the Wine Shop on 10th Street which btw has really nice Oregon wines to taste.

We recently discovered the Mueller Thargau wine that we like very much. Have fun! ***kim***