Vintage Charm & Coastal Bliss: The West Coast’s Oldest City Is Waiting To Be Discovered

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Do you know there was a “San Francisco” earlier than San Francisco? It is true.

Again within the early 1800s, manner earlier than Amazon Prime, businessman John Jacob Astor wished to capitalize on the thriving fur buying and selling market and based the primary official West Coast metropolis.

This Oregon hideaway is positioned alongside what stays a gorgeous bayside city the place the Columbia River meets the huge Pacific; clearly superb for a buying and selling publish again then.

Quick ahead a bit of over two centuries, and what’s left of those lofty goals is a timeless city of roughly 10,000 individuals – a far cry from San Francisco’s almost 900,000.

Although reminiscent of San Fran with a sightly bridge over tranquil waters, but with out the tacky 90’s sitcom landmarks, up-and-down crime waves, and sky-high actual property market, this forgotten metropolis extra generally often known as heading the shipwreck-laden “Graveyard of the Pacific”, is a pleasant retreat oozing classic vibes and coastal bliss.

Mr. Astor’s goals could not have lived as much as turning into a West Coast icon like “The Golden Metropolis”, however Astoria, with its delicate winters and historic attraction, is ready to be rediscovered by these in search of an escape from the bizarre.

Time Journey Is Actual After All

With the speedy growth of AI, who is aware of, time journey could also be doable within the close to future. Regardless, exploring downtown Astoria is as shut because it will get for now.

This stuck-in-time gem could have adopted the moniker “Little San Francisco”, however there’s one thing intangibly magnetizing to this old-timey city freed from towering skyscrapers, the winding maze of Chinatown, and the zombie-apocalypse Tenderloin District.

Exploring downtown Astoria offers guests a glimpse of the previous by Victorian buildings and quite a few museums chronicling the town’s basis of seafaring historical past and what’s change into of this distinctive nook of the Pacific Northwest.

Downtown Astoria is worthy of a postcard in its personal distinctive manner. The quaint classic streets are lined with pleasant outlets and stopping factors for photo-ops, such because the Flavel House Museum, Heritage Museum, or allegedly haunted Liberty Theatre.

Like all downtown space, locals have their favourite go-to spots. Right here, you will need to seize a espresso on the Rusty Cup, browse for brand spanking new reads at quirky Portland-esque Godfather’s Books, and in case you’re round on weekends, peruse the Astoria Artwalk and Sunday Market (reopening in Could).

Seaside Serenity & Nostalgic Stays

When you faux Alcatraz is floating off-shore, the backdrop is uncanny compared to what San Francisco seems like along with your again turned towards the skyline.

Visiting Astoria is among the finest spots on the West Coast to expertise seaside serenity away from the town grind, and locals these days appear content material with how their beloved hometown turned out.

Dwelling to pleasant, laid-back locals, you will shortly uncover the way it’s laborious to not be surrounded by such gorgeous pure magnificence.

There are a number of designated lookout factors for unbelievable views. Examine these out:

• Pigeon Steps
• Astoria Column
• Astoria Riverwalk (do not skip the trolley ride!)

The latter can be thought of the place the motion is at, however do not count on overwhelming crowds because it stretches 12 miles dotted with widespread eateries like Bowpicker Fish & Chips and marked with insightful tidbits of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, an important part of Astoria’s storied timeline.

The Riverwalk makes for a fantastic base, too, with ample lodging ranging from upscale resorts to extra modest digs aligning with the city’s classic attract.

The Cannery Pier Resort & Spa could not have a greater location, whereas Bowline Resort is arguably the chicest and trendy, with equally fascinating views, and the Commodore Hotel seamlessly blends historic attraction and fashionable luxurious.

However, in case you’re the Mattress & Breakfast kind, take a look at Benjamin Younger Home, holding a 4.9 Google score.

A Hoppy Haven For Beer Lovers

One may surprise how Astorian locals bide their time. The reply is obvious: beer!

You may discover flannel-rocking locals having fun with extra than simply scenic drives of their Subarus; the craft beer scene is prospering and a hub for social gatherings.

Whereas the meals scene definitely isn’t missing both, breweries are the place to be. 

Fort George is most notable amongst locals, Yelp really favors Breakside. 

Following Fort George, Yelp ranks Buoy Beer, Obelisk Beer Co., and Bridge & Tunnel Bottleshop and Taproom rounding out the highest 5.

Do not fret, wine lovers. There’s one thing for you too.

Try WineKraft Wine Bar, holding a powerful 4.8 Google Score, overlooking the idyllic Columbia River.

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Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the publish.