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Did you realize there was a “San Francisco” earlier than San Francisco? It’s true.
Back within the early 1800s, approach 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 stupendous bayside city the place the Columbia River meets the huge Pacific; clearly splendid for a buying and selling submit again then.
Fast ahead a bit over two centuries, and what’s left of those lofty goals is a timeless city of roughly 10,000 folks – a far cry from San Francisco’s almost 900,000.
Though 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 changing into a West Coast icon like “The Golden City”, however Astoria, with its delicate winters and historic allure, is ready to be rediscovered by these in search of an escape from the extraordinary.
Time Travel Is Real After All
With the speedy improvement of AI, who is aware of, time journey could also be attainable 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 provides guests a glimpse of the previous via Victorian buildings and quite a few museums chronicling the town’s basis of seafaring historical past and what’s turn out to be of this distinctive nook of the Pacific Northwest.
Downtown Astoria is worthy of a postcard in its personal distinctive approach. The quaint classic streets are lined with pleasant retailers and stopping factors for photo-ops, such because the Flavel House Museum, Heritage Museum, or allegedly haunted Liberty Theatre.
Like any downtown space, locals have their favourite go-to spots. Here, you may wish to seize a espresso on the Rusty Cup, browse for brand new reads at quirky Portland-esque Godfather’s Books, and in the event you’re round on weekends, peruse the Astoria Artwalk and Sunday Market (reopening in May).
Seaside Serenity & Nostalgic Stays
If you faux Alcatraz is floating off-shore, the backdrop is uncanny compared to what San Francisco appears like together with your again turned towards the skyline.
Visiting Astoria is likely one of 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.
Home to pleasant, laid-back locals, you may rapidly uncover the way it’s onerous to not be surrounded by such gorgeous pure magnificence.
There are a number of designated lookout factors for unimaginable views. Check these out:
- Pigeon Steps
- Astoria Column
- Astoria Riverwalk (do not skip the trolley ride!)
The latter could be thought of the place the motion is at, however do not anticipate overwhelming crowds because it stretches 12 miles dotted with common eateries like Bowpicker Fish & Chips and marked with insightful tidbits of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, a significant part of Astoria’s storied timeline.
The Riverwalk makes for an amazing base, too, with ample lodging ranging from upscale resorts to extra modest digs aligning with the city’s classic attract.
The Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa could not have a greater location, whereas Bowline Hotel is arguably the chicest and trendy, with equally fascinating views, and the Commodore Hotel seamlessly blends historic allure and fashionable luxurious.
But, in the event you’re the Bed & Breakfast sort, take a look at Benjamin Young House, holding a 4.9 Google score.
A Hoppy Haven For Beer Lovers
One may marvel how Astorian locals bide their time. The reply is obvious: beer!
You’ll 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.
While the meals scene definitely isn’t missing both, breweries are the place to be.
Fort George is most notable amongst locals, Yelp truly favors Breakside.
Following Fort George, Yelp ranks Buoy Beer, Obelisk Beer Co., and Bridge & Tunnel Bottleshop and Taproom rounding out the highest 5.
Don’t fret, wine lovers. There’s one thing for you too.
Check out WineKraft Wine Bar, holding a powerful 4.8 Google Rating, overlooking the idyllic Columbia River.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.
