Travel to Astoria in Oregon This Labor Day

Three day holiday coming to you this Labor Day? Why not travel to Astoria in Warrenton, Oregon. The oldest American settlement in the west, Astoria provides the perfect three ingredients for a Labor Day getaway: history, beauty, and the beach.

Fort Clatsop
Lewis and Clark and their crew of 33 rested in Fort Clatsop, named after the American Indians who spent the winter teaching the Lewis and Clark expedition survival skills. In November 2005, just before a major Bicentennial celebration, a fire raged through the replica fort. However, the fort has remained open and functioning. It is a great opportunity to bring you family to watch rangers dressed in traditional clothes smoking meat and carving out canoes. Be sure your husband doesn't try to take home any of the back-to-nature skills as mine did and smoke out the house.

Fort Stevens Park
For those more military minded, Fort Stevens Park was a Civil War fortification guarded from 1863 until after World War II. Take a guided tour on a military vehicle, walk, or bike to the museum of military artifacts. I have to admit that I skipped the military section altogether and had a wonderful time in Fort Stevens. Now Oregon's largest campground, the park offers miles of beaches, bike trails, and picnic areas. I found the wreck of the Peter Iredale particularly haunting as its rusted frame curved from the beach sand. My family also enjoyed biking the shady trails to the tip of the peninsula to watch the mouth of the Columbia River open into the ocean. My four-year-old cooled off at the end of our ride by swimming in the small lake located near the park entrance.

Astoria
When you enter Astoria, before you do anything else, hop the Astoria Riverfront Trolley. For only $1, you can ride from the Port of Astoria to the East End Mooring Basin and back again. For $2, you can disembark as often as you like. The renovated Trolley is fun way to see the growing city of Astoria. I've been to Astoria many times in the last six years and each visit I'm pleased at how much more beautiful it becomes. The love of its citizens is so apparent in this small city. The town center is neat and small, locally owned shops are charming and well kept. We love just strolling around the shops. I especially liked the antique shops. My husband's favorite activity in Astoria is to climb the 164 steps to the top of Astoria Column-an artistic tribute to Astoria's rich history. Personally, I experienced a case of vertigo as I looked out from the 125 foot height.

Eateries
Whenever I head out to Astoria, a friend suggests a new place for me to eat. So far, I have been extremely pleased with the cuisine. For one thing, for a coffee-addict like me, Astoria offers several good coffee shops. I especially liked the taste of the Astoria Coffee Co. Brews sold at Brockhoff's Coffeehouse. As far as restaurants, there are several nice places in town. There is a Rouge Ale Public House, or if you'd prefer more history, try the Portway. Built in 1923, it even boasts a Shanghaied door. My absolute favorite place to eat dinner is Sanctuary Restaurant in nearby Chinook, Washington. I'll admit it felt a bit strange to be talking - never-mind eating! - between two pews in an old Methodist Church, but, the food, written up in Sunset Magazine, and the unique ambiance are worth the side trip. In addition, the drive over the 4.1 mile bridge from Astoria to Washington, where the restaurant is located, is a delight. The bridge's claim to fame as the "longest continuous truss" in the world is nothing compared to the beautiful sight of the Columbia stretching out around you.

If a relaxing few days of puttering around beautiful shops, strolling quiet beaches, or visiting points of history float your boat, then Astoria is your drive-to destination this Labor Day.