Vancouver, WA

I was born and sort of raised just west of Astoria, Oregon. I have family who live there still and frequently pass through the town of Astoria but seldom stop. My whole life the town didn’t have a lot to offer passersby so it was not in my “places to stop and hang out” paradigm. Until now.

On my way to visit the grandparents just as I entered the city limits on Highway 30 I spotted a Rogue Brewery sign and arrow pointing me to a newly opened franchise of one of my favorite breweries. Surprised, hungry and curious I veered onto the road which lead over some train tracks and onto a huge wharf called Pier 39. There was indeed a Rogue Brewery as well as a charming array of offices, a coffee shop and a sail loft. I could smell the salty air and hear sea lions barking from under the wharf.

First things first I went in to eat some lunch. The brewery seemed to be a great fit with all the old planks and lofts of the original structure accentuating the amazing view of Tongue Point and the mouth of the Columbia River. Tasty as always and offering a beer brewed with heather instead of hops the Rogue is a great addition to the area.

After lunch I went exploring and found a great coffee shop at the end of the wharf with a million dollar view and some great decorations reminiscent of the wharf’s original purpose: the original Bubble Bee Tuna cannery which closed in 2001. Heaps of historical fishing and canning paraphernalia adorned the businesses and offices. On my way back to the car I found an interpretive exhibit of the cannery and the historic fishing industry in Astoria and specifically the Bubble Bee Tuna cannery. An old fishing boat outfitted with netting and buoys, old photographs, scales, even harpoons where on display to illustrate the industry in its prime.

By the time I was finished exploring I had learned more about my birthplace than I had ever known and experienced sea air, creaking planks, tar, and sea lions seamlessly linked into one of the most unique ambience.