Alyssa is the Field Marketing Coordinator at Fort George Brewery. She was born and raised in Astoria and, fun fact, her dad helped pour our original brewery floor. Years later she made the jump from customer to beertender to the marketing department, where she has worked for close to 5 years. She settled back in Astoria because, as she says, “Does it get much better?” Join Alyssa for her typical* day off in her charming little hometown.
*Disclaimer: On a sunny summer day, she might really be this active. On the average day, she might opt to drive instead of walk to Coffee Girl and opt for a hike, or bike, depending on what she and her dog are feeling. Get those steps in, people!
8:00AM – a morning walk to coffee girl
In Astoria, we walk. But if you’re driving in – park at the Columbia River Maritime Museum and walk east to Coffee Girl (an easy 3 miles round trip). When you arrive at the end of the historic 147 year-old Hanthorn Cannery Pier, grab coffee and a pastry or breakfast sandwich from the Coffee Girl and enjoy uninterrupted Columbia River views on the back deck.
9:30AM – take a hike (literally)
Drive from Astoria to North Netul Landing (near the Fort Clatsop entrance) to find the entrance to the South Slough Trail in Lewis and Clark National Park. It is an easy-to-moderate 3-mile (round-trip) hike that is quintessentially PNW. Take your time, hunt for fungi if the season is right, stop to sketch some moss or spy on wildlife, soak in some nature sounds, get your boots muddy.
12:00pm – live the high life (also literally)
Just a few minutes away from the South Slough Trail is Highlife Adventures. It’s a zip-lining course, axe throwing spot, and also a restaurant – they have one of the best craft tap lists in the county. You’ll be pretty famished after a few hours of axe throwing but luckily Highlife always has a yummy soup on special and the best beer bread on the coast.
2:00pm – More Riverwalk! More views!
Stop by Bikes and Beyond to rent a bike (they even have electric bikes). You’ll want to head west on the Riverwalk toward the ocean to explore the side of town you didn’t see this morning.
(Afraid of bikes? You can walk or take a ride on the Historic Riverfront Trolley.)
3:30pm – Head to town
Head to Commercial Street and take a tour of the downtown shopping district. Visit Pat’s Pantry to stock up on spices and tea, Raintown Vintage to browse of all their vintage fare, coffee from Sleeper Coffee (don’t knock their Pumpkin Spice Latte) Godfather’s or Lucy’s for books, Riverdog or Pet Works for puppy treats and cat toys, and Luminari Arts for local art, cards, decor and activities. Check out Brut Wine Bar for a world-class selection of wines to taste and take home.
4:30pm – to the fort George
You’re not done shopping – you just need a little pick-me-up and the perfect place for a break on a cold mid-winter afternoon (or a brisk spring afternoon – it works in all seasons) is Fort George’s Lovell Taproom. Cozy up by the fire and take your pick of over a dozen beers on tap. When your strength has returned – head next door to the Lovell Store for Fort George Merch and beer to go from a wall of fully-stocked coolers.
5:30pm – Are you hungry yet?
Head up the hill to Peter Pan Market & Deli for sandwiches and deli fare to-go. If you didn’t already stock up on beer at the Lovell Store, be sure to check out Peter Pan’s well-curated beer, wine & cider selection to go with your dinner. If you want to hang out for a bit, grab a glass of wine, cider, beer, kombucha or cold brew on draft.
6:00pm – To the column we go
You’re already at the top of the hill. From here it’s an easy walk to the trail head that will take you to the Astoria Column and Coxcomb Hill. But it’s also a quick drive from Peter Pan. There’s no better place than the Column for a picnic while you take in the view. There are chairs and picnic tables at the base of the Column, but I love to grab a blanket or two and sit on the lawn.
7:00pm – if you’ve got the energy, go for a night cap
We’ve all heard it before – Astoria is a drinking town with a fishing problem. We’d argue that we simply have too many great places to grab a drink and engage with our community (we do love to drink, but a lot of the bars in town also have great NA selections and tasty food menus.) If you’re feeling up for it, join the crowd of locals at the Merry Time, Portway, or Worker’s Tavern for a night cap.
