On this episode of Big Blend Radio, travel writer Debbie Stone talks about her adventures in Astoria, Oregon. This Columbia River port town, where grit meets hip, has often been referred to as “Hollywood North.” As to why Astoria is sought after by everyone from Steven Spielberg to Arnold Schwarzenegger, the answer is obvious as you explore this jewel of a destination.

Astoria is picturesque from all angles. It’s surrounded by forests, overlooks the Columbia River, and is a stone’s throw away from the ocean. Quaint Victorian homes dot the town’s steep hillside, while the Downtown Historic District has numerous buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. The city’s roots are deep, as it was founded in 1811, and has the claim of being the first permanent U.S. settlement on the Pacific Coast. Additionally, it was formerly the salmon and tuna canneries’ capital of the world. Read Debbie's story and see her photos here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/astoria-is-a-northwest-gem/