A walk through a town that boasts the most!... Albany, Oregon

I'm training for the Portland Half Marathon "walking" and once a week I do a very quick almost run of only about two miles on the same exact route each time.  It's funny because depending on the day, the way the light hits the tree lined streets and my mood of course, I see the same things each time but in very different ways.  This morning was normal as I set out with my iPod with an audio book from the local library, had my birthday gift from Ray on my left wrist, a Nike TomTom by the way, and my phone set to camera mode.

I really do love it when it's bit overcast outdoors because whatever color there is out there really pops.  This was a very good morning to take some photos and I swear I had never noticed some of these homes before even though I have walked passed them many many times.  It could be the light, the blooms of huge hydrangeas, the green grasses and trees that seemed to say... hey let's get this show on the road!  Tomorrow is our Historic Home Tour here in Albany and many people don't know this but ALBANY BOASTS THE MOST IN NUMBER AND MOST VARIED HISTORIC HOMES AND BUILDINGS IN ALL OF OREGON!  So, it makes sense to show them off of course, as we should!

Whether you are a Queen Anne lover or a adore the organic feel of a Craftsman Bungalow are in to Gothic Revivals or even an Eastlake, there's a home here for you to tour.  Tomorrow is our Albany Historic Home Tour and you really must see what we have.  A collection of homes and buildings that for the lack of a better word, will make you swoon!  Yes... swoon!  They do me anyways.  I happen to live in a Craftsman Bungalow and I'm kind of a historic home freak and I get giddy every year around this time as I TAKE THE TOUR. And... being taken to each abode via horse and wagon or by the vintage style trolley kind of adds to the allure of it all.  It sounds like all the homes and buildings on the tour this year are walkable as well.  So, however you see them, enjoy yourself and take your time enjoying our sweet quintessential Albany!

For more information on our Albany Historic Home Tour, please go to www.albanyvisitors.com It begins at 11am and you can get your tickets at the Two Rivers Market on 3rd and Ferry!

They don't call it a ROBUST CRAFTSMAN BUNGALOW FOR NOTHING!... An Albany, Oregon Historic Home!

When we purchased our 1908 Craftsman Bungalow in 2005, we quickly called it the "cottage!"  At 5600 sq. ft., this bungalow seemed massive in it's interior but was hard pressed to convince others it was that large as they viewed it from the outside.  We invited them in!

The now Pfeiffer Cottage Inn, has been on tour several times throughout the years and although it is not on tour this year, it is often open to folks wanting a peek inside.  We have over heard people saying they can't believe how big it is or "it sure doesn't look this big from the outside," or even... "who cleans this thing?"  We laugh because we do... we maintain, we clean and take care of the gardens all by ourselves.  To make these jobs easier and less exhausting, we have taken the Craftsman Bungalow lifestyle to heart and have made this organic oasis very comfortable, uncluttered and stress free.  It is a place for relaxation, rejuvenation and a reconnecting to a time gone by.  Simple clean lines, original features of hardwoods and built-ins, this Robust Craftsman Bungalow feels like home!

"House Styles: The Craftsman Bungalow

by Patricia Poore on December 5, 2011

The word “bungalow” may seem today like a synonym for “cottage,” but in its heyday it was prized both for its exotic, 
Anglo–Indian associations and its artistic naturalism.

While most often made of wood, bungalows incorporate local materials and vernacular building traditions. 

A bungalow nestles into its site, low and spreading. It was inevitable that the form would be embraced by tastemakers and builders of the Arts & Crafts movement. The architects Greene and Greene in California called their millionaires’ chalets bungalows. Gustav Stickley sang their praises. Dozens of plan books between 1909 and 1925 promoted “artistic bungalows.” 

Most bungalows are low and spreading, not more than a story-and-a-half tall, with porches, sun porches, pergolas and patios tying them to the outdoors. 
The A&C bungalow follows an informal aesthetic; it is a house without strong allusions to formal English or classical precedents.

Look for artistic exaggeration in columns, posts, eaves brackets, lintels, and rafters. Inside, too, you’ll find ceiling beams, chunky window trim, and wide paneled doors. Horizontal elements are stressed.

EXOTIC INFLUENCES

These appeared in builders’ houses and the pages of style books and magazines: stick ornament in the manner of Swiss Chalets; Spanish or Moorish arches and tilework; and orientalism, especially Japanesque."

"Craftsman bungalows appeared in Pasadena, California in 1903 and continued to be made all across the country until about 1930. The "founding fathers" of the Craftsman bungalow were brothers Charles and Henry Greene, whose architectural designs caught on like wildfire. Wherever you are, you're likely to find a Craftsman bungalow in some variation. Bungalows made in the Craftsman style were immensely popular, particularly since the designs were well suited to small houses. They spread across the country by way of magazines and pattern books and many were assembled by local carpenters from mail-ordered parts ordered from catalogs. The legacy of the Craftsman style lives on in the United States of America in houses with built-in wooden interior elements. It was partly the Craftsman influence, with its attention to natural, well-crafted materials, that gives some houses the appearance of being a massive sculpture, inside and out."

Chandelier Tour on Friday, July 27th... Albany, Oregon

In just a few days, we will venture out in to Albany's historic Monteith District to view some chandeliers from the outside in!  On Friday, July 27 at 8pm, we will meet at The Pfeiffer Cottage Inn and view two chandeliers.  One of which was purchased in California several years ago and placed in the dining room of a 1942 Cape Cod Cottage.  It is a vintage chandelier and has been "redone" and painted white.  Other than that, I have no idea of its history but it is quite lovely hanging in the inns kitchen nook.

The chandelier hanging in my garden as of this evening is believed to be the original chandelier and was found in our basement a few years ago.  It is very heavy and I think it's solid brass.  I plan on putting taper candles in the lites and hopefully it will be a beautiful addition to our garden and the tour!

We have eight stops on this very first Chandelier Tour.  Continuing here, I will share with you what some of the homeowners that have joined us have to say about their chandeliers.  If you plan to come along, please be sure to be at the inn by 8pm and print this blog as your guide.

From:  Melissa

The Veal/Epperley house was built in  1951 by the owners of the longtime Albany Veal Chair Factory. The style of the house could be called "vintage modern ranch style". Some features include the original GE refrigerator and stove from 1951, original hardwood floors and fireplace, large picture windows and inset brick porch. The small chandelier in the dining room was there when the owner purchased the house in 2009, the living room chandelier was purchased  at a local antique store and added, as there was no original overhead light source in the living room. The owner loves decorating with items found at garage sales and thrift stores, so the bedroom light was purchased at a garage sale for $2 and painted. Other  vintage and schoolhouse lighting throughout the house was added by the owner.

From: Julie

Not sure I know anything about it. I think someone once told me it came from NYC.  My house was built in 1915 and as far as I know, the chandelier has been here since then.

From: Karen

Entry Way:  Brass 5 light fixture with Quezal Yellow Pulled Feather over white opalescent art glass shades.  The interior is gold iridescent with a ruffled bottom rim.  Original to the home, the Quezal Art Glass and Decorating Company was incorporated on March 27th, 1902.  The factory was located in Queens, NY.  Quezal art glass ranks right alongside the iridescent glass of Louis Comfort Tiffany and Frederick Carder of Steuben Art Glass.  In a 1907 catalog, shades retailed between $7.50 and $22.50 per shade.

Dining Room:  Brass fixture in the Arts and Crafts style, Multi color slag glass with gold bead fringe also original to the house.  Note the individual matching fixtures around the perimeter of the room.  

Karen's neighbor is also on tour and we will get the info on her chandelier Friday evening!

From: The Hults

We don't really know anything about our chandeliers. They were in the house when we purchased it. Best guess is that they date to the 1950s. They are brass and appear to be covered with lead crystal. The center one hangs 3 feet from the ceiling to the bottom prism, and is about 2 feet across. It has 6 arms with cut glass candle cups. The two smaller ones are about 10 inches wide and about 18 inches tall, and don't have arms. Instead they are small cages with three small lights in each. The Center lamp has a silk tassel that disguises the electrical connections. The other two hang on decorative chains.

About the house:  It was built in 1876, by Perry Conn who was 16 years old at the time. It is a Western Farm house with Eastlake elements. The house was wired for electricity in 1905 at a cost of $65. It was lifted up in the early twenties to put in the basement which included a garage for Perry's Model T Ford. Perry Was partners with Mr. Houston, they had the Houston Conn grocery where First Burger is now. Perry married his business partner's Daughter Ella. They had one daughter Nita. Perry lived here until his death in June of 1935. Ella lived in the house until her death in September of the same year.

From:  Jeannie

When Bob and I moved into our house we had a very plain dining room fixture that was obviously not original to the house.  My good friend Mellissa Saylor had this beautiful chandelier and thought it was way too fancy for her home.  I purchased her chandelier and it is perfect for my dining room.  I love all the crystals and I like to think it is exactly what Will Crawford would have purchased for his wife when the house was built in 1921.

From:  Elizabeth

The Chandelier in the living room is original to the house, Cast bronze with custard glass shades, The porch is coin dot Fenton, Parlor  light is cast bronze with carnival glass shades.  The dining room chandelier is crystal with ruby and cranberry glass accents and  belonged to "Fern" a beloved piano teacher from Albany.  The kitchen has a lovely slip shade chandelier which will be visible on the Christmas tour.  All the sconces are cast bronze.  

Please wear comfy shoes as this a walking tour.  It should remain light for the duration however, feel free to bring a flashlight.  We will do our best to see the chandeliers however some may be a little harder to view than others.  Our Chandelier Tour owners will have their homes lit up and their drapes drawn so to enhance our view!

I am looking forward to this very first Chandelier Tour!

Albany Historic Home Tour... revisited!

Just an FYI on our Albany Home Tour this Saturday!

By Cathy Ingalls, Albany Democrat-Herald

"Owners to open doors during 35th tour of some of Albany’s best old houses

ALBANY — Those who visited the Cathey House on a parlor tour six years ago might not recognize portions of the residence on Washington Street if they take the Tour of Historic Homes on Saturday.

The house, along with five others, two churches and three museums, will be open to visitors during Albany’s 35th annual tour that runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The 116-year-old Georgian Revival home, built by renowned Oregon architect A.C. Ewart, has a new front porch, new wallpaper and a remodeled kitchen, said owner Karen Engel. She also has acquired more than 500 pieces of carnival glass.

The tour is self-guided, and many of the homes and buildings are within walking distance of each other. Those who prefer can take a trolley or a horse-drawn wagon to the sites.

Ticket prices are higher this year. The cost has gone from $10 to $15, but people who belong to the Monteith Historical Society can take the tour for $10; seniors can see the houses for $12. Children under 12 can attend free as part of an adult’s admission price. Individuals touring with groups of 10 or more pay $12.

Tickets are available starting at 10 a.m. the day of the tour at Two Rivers Market, 300 Second Ave. S.W.

Proceeds this year benefit the Monteith Historical Society.

Rebecca Bond of the Albany Visitors Association said the tour will raise awareness of the Monteith House and give the group the extra funds it needs to help maintain the landmark that dates to 1848 and is believed to be the first frame house in Albany.

“It’s considered the most authentically restored pioneer home in the state, and talk about maintenance costs! Just imagine if everyone was required to maintain their home to the authenticity bar it is and on top of that open it up to the public,” she said.

On the tour this year are a 1906 Colonial Revival; a 1908 Rural Vernacular; an 1898 Queen Anne Cottage; an 1889 Western Farmhouse with Stick-style elements; a circa 1875 Classic Revival; and a circa 1880 Western Farmhouse that is undergoing restoration.

The churches on the tour are the United Presbyterian and Whitespires. Refreshments will be served at the Presbyterian Church, which is celebrating its 100th birthday.

The museums on the tour are the Albany Regional Museum, the Monteith House and the Historic Carousel.

Several downtown restaurants will have quilts on display throughout the weekend.

Presenting the tour this year is the Albany Historic Interior Home Tour Committee, and it is sponsored by the Monteith Historical Society."

Cemetery Tour.. Albany, OR! This Wednesday, July 25th!

PRINT THIS and take it with you Wednesday, July 25th at 7pm to Riverside Cemetery in Albany, Oregon!  I have some questions that will send you on hunt through the cemetery!

1)  Find the name of the oldest person buried

2)  Find the name of Oregon's very first Senator (yes, he's buried here in Albany!)

3)  Find the name of the youngest person buried

4)  Find the names of the most family members buried along side of each other dying all within a few days of each other.  Then... find someone that knows the story.  It's quite interesting and a hint... stay away from those home canned green beans!

5)  Find Charles and Catherine Pfeiffer's grave sites and tell me the dates of their death!  They built our home in 1908 and lived here until their passings.  Charles was actually "laid out" in the very parlor I'm blogging in at this very moment!

I'm kind of a CEMETERY FREAK and I love visiting old ones.  The photos taken here were from our trip to England about a year and a half ago.  Pretty cool and very, very old!

I'll be riding my bike with Ray down to the Talking Water Gardens on Wednesday about 5pm.  We are going to Calapooia Brewing for dinner and beer of course, then we are riding down to Riverside Cemetery!  Hope to see all of you there!  Have fun with the questions and enjoy the awesome tour the Albany Regional Museum puts on!

A Historic Home in Progress...Albany Historic Home Tour Saturday, July 28th!

We bought our 1908 Craftsman late fall 2005.  We really loved everything about it.  It's large stature, the "craftsman" style and the ideally situated rooms that would prove perfect for a B & B... with a little tweaking of course.

We painted the kitchen this brownish mustard color before we ever moved in as it was way better than the neon green the previous owners had applied and we needed to subdue the large area and make it real workable as an "inns" kitchen.  Therefore, all the upper cabinet doors were removed, some sanding and painting ensued and a few personal touches were made to "make do" until I got my NEW kitchen.

Hard and loose tiles on the floor filled with concrete grout made working in the kitchen very difficult.  Feeling those tiles crack under my feet and cleaning them was a task no one wanted.  Then if that wasn't bad enough, the tiles on the counter were smaller but were made of the exact same materials.  The 1970's still lived in my kitchen along with some unskilled previous homeowner DIYer projects so... it was time!  Some planning, some saving and finding the right down time for the inn came and the walls came tumbling down and the all the ugly hard tiles were ripped away too!

I am going to admit that we barely meet the minimal requirements to even be considered for the DIY crowd so yeah... we hired a contractor and watched as things were being demolished in our old kitchen.  Excitedly we cleaned up dust, vacuumed drywall out of the carpets and waited to prepare that first meal in our new kitchen.

A few surprises came about as the remodel ensued.  After pulling five layers of flooring up, the original fir floors were found.  Some repairs were made and the floor was sanded and treated and wow... the kitchen floor alone is the most stunning part of the entire home.  Well, some may not agree but I really love it.

About two months later and new walls of drywall, some light lemony yellow paint, new Hickory "lower" cabinets, new countertops, a close to "commercial" monster of a sink, two dishwashers, two ovens and a new stove later, our kitchen was complete!  If it's even possible, it looks bigger now than it did before just because of the way it is situated.  The dark counters and hickory cabinets only provide as sidekicks to the gorgeous fir floor.  The nook is still sweet with the original bench and windows that let in tons of bright light all year long.  That is now where one of my vintage chandeliers hangs and guests at times are treated to breakfast.

I am still not sure how I worked in the "old" kitchen.  Looking back at photos makes us really glad we bit the bullet and had the remodel done.  We enjoy cooking and having two ovens is a dream come true for an innkeeper.  And the two dishwashers... perfect!  Well, except when both are full of clean dishes anyways.

Besides our huge sink, I really like the vent over the stove.  We looked everywhere for that thing and found it finally on Overstock.com for under 400 bucks.  Awesome deal and it really gives the kitchen it's "industrial" feel.

On the Albany Historic Home Tour this coming Saturday, there will be a historic home IN PROGRESS.  A perfect chance to not only see some of the most beautiful homes in Oregon, it's also a perfect chance to see how a historic home is brought back to life with a little hard work, some hard cold cash and of course love for the preservation of the vintage lifestyle.

For more info, go to www.albanyvisitors.com 

We hope you can join us Saturday!  The tour begins at 11am on Saturday and goes till 5pm.  

Radiators... just on the second story... an Albany historic home!

I was upstairs watching Ray and Steven put up new 1 X 6's on the railing outside on the landing and decided the lighting was perfect for some photos. I love the radiators in this house!  I counted five just on the upstairs level and they are all very different.  When we bought this 1908 Craftsman Bungalow almost 7 years ago and until early 2008, all the rads in the home were operational.  The boiler wasn't too old either.  In the basement, you can see the area it took to house the original boiler with one of the homes three chimney's right beside it.  Until a few years ago, it still had some soot in the drawer.  That has since been cleaned out and all remnants of the boiler are gone.  All the water has been drained from the rads and that process alone took over 6 months.

In early 2008, before opening our inn, we replaced the boiler and rads usage with a heat pump.  Not only is it more efficient and affordable, it is zoned on three levels letting us use the heat or air conditioning on each three levels as needed.  Cost effective, comfort effective and now the radiators are used for aesthetic purposes and maintain the beauty and original 1908 "feel" of the Craftsman Bungalow era.

Found in the landing upstairs this rad is a muted shade of green and looks like the patina has proved to make this now "piece of art" stand out!

Most of the rads in the home are filigree and very detailed as you can see.  This smaller rad can be found in our Mt. Bachelor Guest Room!

This one is almost a creamy yellow.  Very pale and goes well with the decor of the smaller half of the Sister's Suite down the hall.  I love this color and size for this room.

A longer rad sits in the larger half of the Sister's Suite as the rooms size affords it's statement of detail and "off white" shade is perfect for stacking volumes of "Romantic Homes" magazines or even pillows!

This wee rad can be found in one of the upstairs bathrooms.  I love the way the old paint or patina has settled in to the groves of the filagree.  It's like it's been that way forever... well, I guess it almost has.  104 years old... no spring chicken for sure!

Watch for more blogs this week on our 1908 Robust Craftsman Bungalow.  We are entering our Albany Historic Home Tour Week with the big tour on Saturday, July 28th beginning at 11am.  

If you'd like a "pre tour" of sorts, join us at the inn Friday, July 27th for a walking "Chandelier Tour" in our Monteith Historic District.  It begins at the inn at 8pm!

Home for sale in Albany, Oregon!... 1908 Craftsman Bungalow!

If you are going to be in Albany for our Annual Tour of Historic Homes and Gardens on Saturday, July 28th, let me know!  We'd love to give you a tour of our B & B!

A little bit of history:

Charles and Catherine Pfeiffer built the Craftsman Bungalow in 1908 and lived out their remaining years here.  Since then, it has been a private home until 2008 when we turned this robust bungalow in to a B & B.  Our guest rooms are large and each has a private bathroom.  The basement is 2k sq ft with two bedrooms, a newly renovated bathroom, laundry room, summer pantry and a very large shop with walk out.  

The upstairs/third floor has three guest rooms, one of which could be considered a master bedroom, two bathrooms with a landing and a railed porch.  There is 12ft. wide hall area that houses the guest fridge, a settee and bookshelves.

The main floor consists of another master bedroom complete with a full bathroom that is centered between the small front parlor and the bedroom.  The small front parlor is now being used as a large office.

Continuing on the main floor, the big parlor/living room and large formal dining room boasts the original fir and white oak hardwoods, original leaded and stained glass built-in hutch and coffered ceiling.  The TV room or den, two very large closets, powder room and newly remodeled kitchen complete this level.  The owners found the original fir hardwood kitchen floors under 5 layers of tiles, particle board and linoleum.  They had never been sanded or treated until now.  They certainly make the kitchen the most spectacular room in the house.  Note:  high baseboards and thick moldings original to the home adorn each room on the main level.

The lot is moderate size for a downtown lot and the home sits close to other historic homes in the Monteith District of Albany, OR.  Trees, native plants and grasses add to the grandeur of the Craftsman Bungalow organic "feel" and the complete package exudes all that is of the period.

Please call Rob Brillon with Remax at 541-990-8552 

For further questions or descriptions, feel free to call Debbie at 541-971-9557

Molly Mo's... Sublimity, Oregon!

Molly Mo's sale is very sweet but my favorite part about it is that it's in SUBLIMITY!  The word "sublimity" is a noun and it is defined as:  "nobility in thought or feeling or style"  I think it's a great name for a little Oregon town in the Willamette Valley!  My second most favorite part about Molly Mo's is that PanezaNellie can be found in Sublimity too!  Open the back screen door and walk in to order the best pizza sticks you have ever tasted.  


Located right downtown Sublimity, it's not hard to find but go slow... you might miss it!  Dine on the patio or in the tiny dining room where the tables are adorned with cookbooks and it feels like home only its scents are way better.  Have a some peach cobbler for me and enjoy the food, the town and the sale at Molly Mo's!


More Info:

Save the Date - Don't Miss This! 7th Annual Antique Faire Tons of vintage, antique and super quality hand-crafted and repurposed goodies to satisfy your junk'n appetite!    Enjoy a beautiful drive through the Sublimity countryside, only 20 minutes east of Salem and about an hour from downtown Portland. Grab a coffee, smoothie or yummy homemade lunch from Cafe Venae at the faire while you stroll through the fabulous vendors in the garden and barn.  Hope to see ya there!  See where we're located in Sublimity.  friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright

Morning in Portland, Oregon... don't close your eyes, you might miss something!

My morning latte' at Lovejoy Bakers!

I think they love me!

Walking from our loft in the Pearl, we get to swoon over these beautiful small gardens in the town homes next to us.  Someday when I'm rich, I want to live in one but I'd be happy to be invited in for tea!

Vintage is all the rage and I love it in wedding dresses in Portland!  Shops, boutiques and galleries... enough to keep me busy for days!

Rustic seems to be "in-style" too and that's a good thing cause after my seven mile walk yesterday, I'm feeling RUSTIC today!  Only did about 2 miles so far today and I'm so glad I did cause I got to see this cute baby in the backpack pictured below!

Just a little snack cause we don't want to fill up before heading to Besaw's on 23rd.  Almond and Sweet Cream Gelato outdoors watching the people go by.

Ray had this delicious looking brownie!  I wanted a bite but I was good and just stuck to my sweet treat.  I didn't walk nine miles for nuthin!

Training for the Portland Half Marathon... WALKING, has been fun and I feel so good after a walk.  I love trekking though Portland because I don't need  my iPod or my earphones.  There's so much to see and watch that I just don't get bored.  I am looking forward to walking the 13.1 miles in October!

Travel Oregon AskOR Willamette Valley Ambassador answers this... OMGosh!

I recently rec'd this question and wow... their trip sounds like so much fun!  But, where do I begin???  Well, here goes... 


"Hi Ask Oregon: We can't wait to come to Oregon. Here is my handful of questions!!!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!! We are staying at the Marriot Residence Inn when we arrive in Portland on July 19, then River Run in Bend, then back to Portland (to drop some of us at the airport). We plan to stay in Portland sunday evening, (after having spent the day in Sisters) How much time to leave to get to Portland for a 10 pm flight to NY? Also, what route from sisters to Portland is pretty but doesn't take long? Also, what is a highway route and how long would that take? In Portland where do you recommend going and staying? We could stay again at the Marriot Residence Inn, or do you think Best Western has a better location? We want to spend 100 to 150 a night. Which is a better town to stay in--Astoria, Cannon Beach or Seaside? Also, in Seaside or Cannon Beach, what hotels do you recommend? Surfsand? Ocean Lodge In Cannon Beach? Benjamin Young Inn B and B in Astoria? Is there another hotel comparable but not as expensive?"


Here's my answer:

I am the AskOR Willamette Valley Ambassador and wow... what a trip!  Looks like you have a ton of fun ahead of you!  I am going to help as much as I can however, I suggest for the timing to the airport, etc., that you check out:  www.maps.google.com/  I love using this site and it really helps when I am planning a big trip or even just a walking trek through Portland.  However, if I may suggest a route from the Sisters area, I would def take hwy 20 W and head toward the I 5.  Talk about a scenic drive... rivers, streams, forests... the route is called, "Over The Rivers and Through the Woods Scenic Byway!"  There are tons of places to stop for photos and small hikes if you need to stretch your legs.  

Now... instead of getting on the I 5, I would suggest continuing on hwy 20 and take it through Albany and Corvallis where you will see 99W that goes up North toward Portland.  That route will be the best place to see and experience some awesome wine and food!  A few of my favorite places are Van Duzer Winery:  http://vanduzer.com/ Left Coast Cellars:  http://www.leftcoastcellars.com/ and Sokol Blosser:  http://www.sokolblosser.com/  Now, this is the route that is pretty but it will take a while esp if you stop to taste the wine and smell the delicious scents of the Willamette Valley, (stop at The Blue Goat Cafe... you'll love it:  http://amitybluegoat.com/)!  I have driven from the Sisters area before up through Redmond and eventually to Portland but it was winter and very long.  I will let you do the checking on google maps to see which is the best way for you to go.

You may hear from Dave our Portland expert as well but since I do have a loft in Portland and I LOVE IT THERE, I will let you in on some of my most favorite places.  For lodging and for a true "Portland" experience, I would check out Ace Hotel:  http://www.acehotel.com/portland  I'm not sure what their summer rates are but seriously... the location is awesome and the "real" feel of Portland is there!  Powells Books is close by as well as my fav breakfast place, Kenny & Zukes.  In my opinion, if you are going to stretch the lodging budget anywhere, I'd do it in Portland!

Ok, now for the coast.... I love Astoria and you must visit the column while you are there:  http://www.astoriacolumn.org/  and homework for you... when you get home, email me and tell me what you learned about what a BAR PILOT is!  You will be amazed at what you learn at the Columbia River/Astoria Maritime Museum after you visit the Astoria Column:  http://www.crmm.org/  From Astoria, I would travel along the Oregon Coast and be amazed all the way to Seaside as you see our beautiful beaches and enjoy some local cuisine!  Stop for chowder and enjoy the shops and coffee houses in our coastal towns.  It's always fun hanging with the locals and they love to share ideas and experiences for further adventure!  

Cannon Beach is my most fav Oregon Coastal town but I have to say, I stayed in Seaside last September at the Sandy Cove Inn:  http://sandycoveinn.net/  Oh my gosh... what a place.  So cute and comfy and the owners are really nice.  I believe it was an old Travel Lodge Motel refurbished and now it's darling.  We really enjoyed our stay there.  It's about a mile south of Seaside but we walked along the boardwalk along side the sandy beach to town each day and it gave us a chance to see some pretty beach houses, meet some local folks and work off the ice cream cones and waffles and latte's and all the other food we had to try.  Renting bikes is a fun way to see Seaside as well.  There are several places in town to do that!  Seaside is a great place to stay and see more of the coast from.  And again... the Sandy Cove Inn is really the best place for your money in my opinion.

I hope I covered everything but I'm sure I left something out.  Please let me know if this info has helped and if you'd like more ideas on places to see and things to do and food to eat and beer/wine to drink, let me know!  Thanks for your question!

Debbie
Travel Oregon AskOR Willamette Valley Ambassador


I'm still wondering if I answered this completely but time will tell.  This is probably the most difficult question I have rec'd.  Partly because I REALLY WANNA GO TOO and party because I wanted to be sure to help them get the MOST out of their OREGON EXPERIENCE!


If you have a question for Travel Oregon about your upcoming trip, go to www.traveloregon.com and ASKOR!