A Mother & Daughter Adventure in Astoria, Oregon

May 2, 2007

By Ashley Moran
These days, because of our jam-packed schedules, I rarely have time to get away with my mother and sister. Which is exactly why we decided to travel to Astoria, Oregon for a girls-only getaway.

Day 1: Friday
We started our voyage by fueling our systems with mochas and lattes, and enjoyed a gorgeous drive to the Oregon Coast. We later checked in at the fabulous Cannery Pier Hotel, which was graciously provided to us by Donna Quinn, their director of sales and marketing.

Our room was exceptional: My favorite part was the bathroom, which included a claw foot tub, located next to a window with shutters that opened to a view of the Columbia River. Not only that, but each room also included a balcony, which directly overlooked the river and passing boats (literally).

We spent our first afternoon perusing the art galleries and adorable, authentically-Oregon shops (Oregon Coast gear, quaint coffee shops, and much more).

Photo: The view from our Cannery Pier Hotel room balcony.

Day 2: Saturday
Our day began bright and early (with another set of mochas and lattes of course). We met up with Michelle Godfrey and her mother, to explore Astoria's many museums. Our first stop was the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which featured a replica of a U.S. Coast Guard rescue mission (below), and exhibits and fascinating information on the coast guard, shipwrecks from the early 1800s and the fishing industry. I was particularly fascinated by an eagle-shaped masthead, found on a beach from the early 1800s.
We also had the opportunity to step inside an actual coast guard boat, and see first-hand what life was like at sea. The boat contained a number of compartments, including bunks, a kitchen, dining tables, bathroom etc. And it even smelled like the ocean!
After our adventure at the Maritime Museum, we ventured over to the Flavel House. Flavel House was owned by Captain George Flavel, one of Astoria's Columbia River bar pilots and first millionaire. You can tour the entire mansion, which is furnished with authentic items from the period. You will even have the chance to see where George himself, his wife and two daughters slept. Truly fascinating!

Photo (left): My sister Heather tries on some coast guard gear.
After stopping for delicious chocolate chip cookies and hot tea from T. Paul's Urban Cafe, we headed back for some r&r at the hotel. Then our Travel Oregon crew geared up for a special Live Wire! performace in Astoria's Liberty Theatre. This was both my mom and sister's first Live Wire! experience, and they summed up their experience in one word: hilarious! Each of us even tried writing haikus for the show (I was so proud). This show was a great accent to our girl's weekend, as we were able to relax, listen (and watch!) live comedy.

Day 3: Sunday
On Sunday afternoon, after sleeping in and grabbing a bite to eat, the three of us strolled through Astoria one last time, soaking up the sunlight. We decided to make one last stop before the trek home, and shopped and ate in Cannon Beach. We left with full shopping bags, feeling fully relaxed. And on the way home, we began making plans for yet another mother/daughter getaway...

Looking for ideas to treat mom this mother's day? Take a similar roadtrip to the Oregon Coast, full of shopping, sightseeing and great food. For a list of events taking place on the coast over mother's day weekend, visit our Upcoming Events section.

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Comments (1)

Vivian Moran:

What a wonderful trip. It's been years since Grandpa and I have been to Astoria and after reading your account of the weekend we must go to Astoria in the near future.

Posted by Vivian Moran | May 16, 2007 9:30 PM

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