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September 2007-

Our recent romantic getaway took us to the Oregon Coast. First up was Astoria, the oldest US Settlement West

of the Rockies. From our hotel room, Mike and I heard the adorable sea lions barking, and had a fantastic view of

Old 300 - Astoria's riverfront Trolley built in 1913. On our first night, we hit downtown, strolling about streets and the river walk, taking in old historic buildings, Liberty Theatre --opening night 1925 -- and ending up at The Wet Dog Cafe, which is also Astoria Brewing Co. est. 1997. A fun, fun place offering a grand view of the Columbia River Bar, live music, excellent food and drinks.

After more starlit touring, we headed up a hill where the glow of a

Queen Anne style mansion came into view, and across the street

moonlight danced over an old jailhouse. Of course, this piqued our

interest and knew we had to visit in daylight. That is to say after

somehow my man and I got separated briefly, and I went in search

of him along the dark upward sidewalk, occupied by a full block of the

3 story house, and vast tree branches moving in the breeze. Spooky.

Next day, upon waking to spectacular blue sky, grabbing coffee from Starbucks, in the forenoon we ventured straight away to The Historic Flavel House. At the Carriage House, we purchased our 'calling cards' --true to Victorian etiquette -- and headed across the grounds to the house, once home to Captain George Flavel, one of Astoria's most influential citizens in the late 1880's, his wife Mary and their two daughters Nellie and Katie. (Their son was already grown and married.) The house was completed in 1886 after being designed by a German-born architect, and the family lived there for seven years. Inside, we were free to stroll about our walking tour, but no flash photos, as over time the light will destroy the grand furnishings. Thus, some rooms I could not get pictures, as the rooms were dim, due to authentic lighting. This house was beyond gorgeous, and the grounds breathtaking -- the original pear and Camperdown Elm trees, vintage flowers and the Sequoia Redwood that we fell in love with, where we later learned was planted by Captain Flavel over 115 years ago.

The lazy afternoon later found us on the Pier viewing the sea lions, then heading across the Astoria Bridge toward Seaside, lunching at Bigfoot's and then over to Cannon Beach with the famous Haystack Rock dominating the sand.

As our long weekend getaway winded down, we hit more fun places in between. One of which was McMenamin's Imbrie Hall at Cornelius Pass Roadhouse, a laidback place where we drank Ruby ales under exposed beams and rafters of this charming century old barn. (To read more about the McMenamin's we've visited this summer, click here.)

Needless to say, we had a blast and are already planning our next getaway!