Astoria on a Budget: Where We Stayed + What We Did

(Me, in front of our hotel. Note the Columbia river just blocks away!)

You guys, I have not done nearly enough travel in the last decade of my life. The last ten years or so have been spent building our family, building our careers, relocating to Portland, and just plain ol’ trying to get stuff done. I am so ready to enter a new chapter in my life that involves more travel and fresh places. Not the kind that takes a lot of money or even planning, but the kind that brings fresh air, vibrant experiences, and true relaxation. My hope is to share those experiences with you.

Last weekend Mr. Seasons and I stole away for two nights and three days to Astoria, Oregon. The food was good, the town was fun, and the views were AMAZING! We didn’t have to drive our car once, which was pretty awesome. AND, for the first time ever, I relaxed on a vacation, instead of my usual go-till-ya-drop pace. The fresh air on my face felt great and so did the sun. The only problem is, it left me aching for more!

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ASTORIA QUICK FACTS + (WHY WE WENT THERE)

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Astoria is about two hours away from Portland. It’s a small, coastal town located where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. Most of the coastal towns in Oregon are tourist-trap and strip mall heavy, but Astoria is different. It’s an old city (older than Portland!) so it has a regular city grid, beautiful old buildings, and it’s entered a new era of restaurants, breweries and young people. Basically, it’s the new cool place to kick it in Oregon.

We were drawn to the easy pace of Astoria, the convenience of getting around without a car, and my favorite, the views of the ships passing through the Columbia River.

Fun fact: In the 1980’s and 1990’s several films were shot in Astoria, including: Short Circuit, the Goonies, Kindergarten Cop and Free Willy.

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WHERE WE STAYED

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We booked our stay at Norblad Hotel and, I will admit, I chose it pretty much on aesthetics alone. But the location and price point didn’t hurt either.

THE GOOD: The hotel is just a few blocks off the riverfront (and riverwalk path) and right in the middle of ‘downtown.’ It also happens to be just a block or two away from our very favorite brewery. So, location, location, location. Every detail of the design was on point, even in the bathrooms, which featured amazing wallpaper. The staff was very friendly, and helpful when asking about things around town. Norblad also has a kitchen and washer and dryers, neither of which we used, but it’s nice to know there are options.

THE BAD: The walls were a bit thin. I noticed this mostly when I heard a few people coming and going in the hall. Nobody was excessive or loud, I just noticed it a few times. Conveniently, there were two packs of ear plugs nestled amongst our room provisions.

THE NEUTRAL: We stayed in a Euro-style room, which means it we didn’t have a bathroom in our room, and used the shared ones down the hall. I didn’t mind this at all, I never had to wait for a toilet or a shower, and both were in private (non-stalled) rooms. Mr. Seasons says next time he wants to spring for the extra $$ and get a corner suite with a better view and a little more breathing room.

WILL WE RETURN? Probably, the value is hard to beat. We are also interested in checking out their sister hotel the Commodore, which features a super cool lobby and free happy hour. (More on that below).

PRICE TAG FOR 2 NIGHTS INCLUDING TAXES: $166.94

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WHAT WE DID

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DAY 1:

We arrived on Saturday afternoon and, after parking our car for the weekend (for free! the beauty of a small town), we dropped our bags off and decided to find some dinner. On the way out, the concierge informed us that the Commodore, just down the street had a free happy hour featuring a local IPA on tap.

jacket | jeans (vintage) | shoes

We spent some time unwinding from the day and chatting about what we wanted the rest of the weekend to look like.

After ogling the decor at the Commodore we headed up the street to our very favorite brewery, Fort George.

Lucky for us, warm weather meant we could hang out on the rooftop patio and watch the sun set and the ships pass by. I think this was my favorite part of the weekend. It didn’t hurt that I was sipping on some summer fresh, 3Way IPA, a limited batch release from Ft. George each year. It’s hazy, juicy, hoppy and delicious.

Eventually, our table was ready and we feasted on caesar salad, wood fired pizza and a continuous stream of uninterrupted grown-up conversation.

PRICE TAG (includes 2 beers each and dessert + tip): $71.40

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DAY 2:

The next morning, we headed out in search of essentials, read: COFFEE, and popped into the Blue Scorcher Café. The line was out the door, and the bread was fresh, so we were happy to land here in search of our next meal. However, it took a good 30 minutes to get the scrambled eggs and bagel and cream cheese we ordered, which was less than ideal. If you’re planning a visit, consider this as a walk-in destination for a pastry, not necessarily a sit down meal. The rest of the menu felt limited and featured mostly overpriced eggs. (However, the croissant I bought the following morning for breakfast was divine!)

PRICE TAG (including tip): $30.19

Next we headed to the Sunday Market, which featured typical market fare – crafts, flowers, handmade goods and food vendors. I was particular taken by the maple cutting boards and these wall hangings (or rugs) made out of retired commercial fishing ropes. I love a good repurposed item.

When we were almost finished at the market, I came across a man weaving beautiful baskets on the spot. It was amazing to see how fast his hands worked. His baskets and bags were truly one of a kind.

After getting our fill of the market, I was eager to stretch my legs and take in the views along the Astoria Riverwalk

jacket | tee, c/o | jeans | shoes

After 11 years of marriage, we are starting to hit that ‘we dress like each other phase.’ I’m not complaining, our his and her’s Vejas were perfect for miles of walking.

The river walk is one of the best attractions in Astoria. There is so much to see (along with a fun trolley to ride). The river walk provides a front row to the ships and plenty of open spaces. I really enjoyed it because I’m a big fan of walks, which are usually peaceful and full of continuous conversation. It’s hard to have your nose in a phone when you’re going for a walk.

Eventually we made our way down the river walk to the Columbia River Maritime Museum.

Fun fact about me: I grew up as a Coast Guard brat, and spent the first decade of my life moving between duty stations for my father’s career and being around all things boats. The Martime Museum talks a lot about the Coast Guard and, particularly, the USCG’s Motor Lifeboat School, which is situated on the mouth of the Columbia River at the Pacific Ocean, on the most dangerous bar in United States. It’s called Cape Disappointment because so many have died there. The Coast Guard uses this bar to teach its seamen how to navigate their vessels in the worst conditions.

I’m proud to say my father went twice as a student in the 1980’s and my brother teaches at the USCG’s Motor Lifeboat School today. Needless to say, I hung over every word of the Coast Guard exhibit. The museum also features a deep history of maritime travel, trade and industry in the Northwest.

MUSEUM PRICE TAG: $14 (my husband’s entrance was free because of his own military service).

After the riverwalk and the museum our dogs were barking (figuratively speaking), and this is where we got to my (2nd) favorite part of the trip. Mr. Seasons and I popped back into our hotel room (I changed into my beloved Birks), we grabbed our novels, and we headed to the nearest coffee shop. There, we shared a giant brownie al fresco and just sat and read and relaxed for as long as we felt like. Something that NEVER happens in real life. It was perfect. And I’m keeping the memory close to my heart because I plan to repeat it as often as I can, especially when taking trips.

jacket | jeans | shoes, c/o | backpack, c/o

Our biggest debate of the day was where to eat dinner. He wanted seafood and I wanted a view. We ended up with both at Buoy brewery + sea lions in the waiting area!

The food was spectacular, we had caesar salad with smoked salmon, local oysters, and rockfish and chips. I passed on the beer, Buoy is not my favorite, but I did enjoy some lovely Washington State rosé.

PRICE TAG (includes 1 drink each + tip): $61.00

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DAY 3:

On Monday morning, it was pretty much time to pack up and re-claim our kiddos. But first, we snagged free coffee coupons from the front desk of our hotel and headed over to the local grocery co-op for some morning jo, with our KeepCups in hand. Reuse is important now more than ever with the ripple down effect of China’s changes in recycling rules.

jacket | shirt | pants | shoes, c/o | backpack, c/o

We grabbed blueberries from the co-op and then popped back into the Scorcher Café for some to-go pastries. We took our breakfast and headed down to the waterfront for one last viewing, and watched the ships while we ate.

BREAKFAST PRICE TAG: $13.49

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BUDGET

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Our goal for the weekend was to stay under $200 (not including gas and hotel). After totaling up our expenses (including a few snack purchases not listed above plus $30 for a cutting board) we came to $243.78. We would have hit pretty close to the mark, if we hadn’t purchased that cutting board! Overall that brings the total bill to $410.72 (plus one tank of gas)! Not bad for a weekend getaway!!

Overall, it was a wonderful trip. I learned that slowing down makes me a better traveler. It goes against my very nature, but slowing down the pace, or stopping in the middle of the day to pause, makes it easier for me to truly soak up what’s going on around me. I can see sights, taste food and, best of all, enjoy my company better.

I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into Astoria, Oregon. If you didn’t get enough, there’s a little treat for you down below.

Cheers!