Astoria Getaway

I took my mom on a short getaway before the craziness of my schedule really sets in. We drove up to Woodland, WA to take in the Lilac Festival. Both of us were expecting fields of lilac bushes, but instead it was a lovely farmhouse and it's surrounding gardens. The house and it's contents were largely intact from when it's original owner was alive. The property was purchased by the garden club from the heirs. They've maintained it ever since. I think mom and I especially enjoyed seeing the vintage clothing and talking to the lady docents that were there offering historical information and family lore.

After the Lilac Festival, we made our way back to Oregon via the Longview bridge. Then, headed to Astoria. Weather cooperated, with only one or two brief cloudbursts. When we arrived, we stopped into Riversea Gallery say hello and see what work they were showing. Then we checked into the charming Elliot Hotel. We had a nice room with a view of the bridge. We relaxed a little, then headed for the Columbia Cafe for dinner. Dinning is an experience at this place. It's a hole-in-the-wall diner, made a dining destination. You can count on a unique and delicious meal at a reasonable price. It's pretty amazing.

We headed back in the morning after a brief, but worthwhile stop at the Astoria Column. I'm glad we took the time to drive up the hill. Oh, and we stopped for coffee, of course at a great local coffee shop a block from the water. They have the best looking pastries and Stumptown coffee. We had a raisin bread grilled cheese with fruit. Perfect.

On the return trip we made a couple of photo stops. What beautiful country! And such a great time of year. The light was great and the trees still have some of that light green of spring before they turn bright green for good. The pastoral setting was right out of a luminist painting.