Cannery Pier Hotel Review. Astoria part 2!

Sunday we started the first of a five day trip down the Oregon coast. We have a list of places to see stop and check out, all the while staying at the most beautiful ocean front properties to check out and enjoy. Our first stop was Astoria Oregon.

I feel so lucky to have been asked to go and review the Cannery Hotel in Astoria Oregon.  To make it even better they allow you to bring your  "fur babies". There amazing pet friendly amenities include an oversized doggy bed, two bowls, and a basket generously filled with treats, bottled water and baggies for you to clean up after them. Ours even came with two organic stuffed animals.

The experience, is a way for you to truly get to know the rich history of this botique hotel that was built onto the historic site of the "Union Fish Packing Coopperative, a  cannery that is built  600 feet out into the Magical and Mighty Columbia river. When they built the new hotel in this location they took the time to make sure that the architecture of the building was designed to resemble the original cannery.

They have three types of rooms. The Pilot House is a private fifth floor residence, breathtaking full river views, an elegant master and one guest bedroom with a picturesque view, master bath with a hot tub, guest bath, full kitchen, large living room and a spacious dining area, two private viewing decks. This is the only one on site.  A stay made out of your dreams beckons you to enjoy your stay for the night or you might decided to do a long term stay and run away from home just to stay here.

A one bedroom suite are all corner rooms, a private bedroom, sweeping river views from living area and jetted bath tub, a full wrap-around viewing deck, There are seven of these types of rooms that are on site.

The room we were lucky enough to be able to stay in was the deluxe room, It was set up in a classic manor, with all the fixings of a studio apartment, a large master bath with a vanity and a two person stand up shower,  a beautiful clawfoot tub that I spent a few hour in soaking and watching my shows was the highlight of my stay! There are 38 rooms like these on site, some our with King beds like ours was and others are double Queen bed rooms. 

While we were relaxing in our room we were able to experience the exciting ship traffic that goes in and out of the Port of Astoria to the Pacific Ocean. A unique experience that the shipping channel will provide you with the best ship watching. Along with the copy of the daily ship report that the front desk will be all to happy to give you. If you really want to get into the spirit of ship watching you can turn on the in room radio station KMUN 91.9, where they offer a report of the river activity at 8:45 each morning. They even provided you with your own Binoculars in the window seat ledge just for you to enjoy.  You are also encouraged to use the telescope in their library on the second floor for another option for you to enjoy.

You feel like you can reach out and touch the Astoria bridge from the private balcony that you are able to enjoy the views from.  I feel like I have to for warn you.  You know when you are in a parking garage and you feel like you have to bob your head down to avoid hitting the top of your car?  Well that is how close up you are. You might just feel like you have to do that with your head when a ship passes under the Astoria bridge, I know I did.


There is a complimentary continental breakfast that consist of finish delicacies. Fruit, beverages, beagles, cream cheese, you can also make your own waffles with batter they prepare and so much more.They also have a complimentary wine and lox social daily.

Another luxury is a complimentary, chauffeured 1939 Buick, 1938 Packard, 1945 Cadillac. They will take you all over Astoria so you are able to enjoy some of the fine dinning that Astoria has to offer.  A great addition to an amazing stay.

Even more fun for two is to jump on the hotels 1950's replica bicycles, they have two. They are available to guests for FREE!!!! A fun and exciting way to explore the city of Astoria by taking a ride on the river walk. This is a four mile path, along the Columbia river, that stretches from one end of the city to the other. Follow the river walk along the old railroad trestle where you will find so many things to explore.

There is also an on site laundry room for when you move into the Pilot house or for you to use for your over night stay. It is these added details that the staff puts into the comforts to their guest that make it a special stay.

 The on site spa is amazing. They are open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM everyday. They offer a wide range of treatments. The best treatment is the couples massage for $270.00 ( Remember No tax!) a soak in their mineral therapy pool, enjoy a Dead Sea Salt polish and 55 minute relaxation massages in our couple's treatment room then finish by relaxing in our cedar sauna. The other treatment that would be to die for is their Walk the beach treatment for $190 ( Again no Tax!)Marine Minerals foot therapy, full body Dead Sea Salt polish & 55 minute relaxation massage. If you can't afford a treatment all guest can use the use of the hotel exercise room and hot tub overlooking the River, as well as use of the authentic Finnish sauna, complimentary with your stay or spa treatment, so you can still enjoy so much needed you time. I know I enjoyed it.

Our night stay was above what I expected from the wine greeting when we first walked in to the amazingly quiet the hotel was as if we were the only two people there. The fact that they allowed our fur babies to come with us and enjoy this nice place to rest our head. The memories we made in just that 24 hour period was amazing and for that this will be a place we will go back to again and again.
Making more memories each time we are able to take a vacation there.

Brookstone Review and discount.

You all know how much I love to travel. The travel reviews that I get to do is such a dream job for me. It allows me to mix the two things I was born to do and what truly feeds my soul. If you know anything about Brookstone you know that they have so many things to choose from, so many things to help traveling be a lot more enjoyable. 

Here are some of my favorite on the go traveling must haves. 

For me over packing is just something I just do, always have. 

 I think I pack just in case I decided half way through my weekend vacation and do a tour of the world. What a great idea to avoid paying for over the weight suitcase and bags. 

I know I have had to buy another bag just to even things out at the airport to avoid paying more! 

Their portable Digital Luggage Scale lets you weigh and measure your bags before departure. Here is a quick and simple way to avoid over-weight bags and possible check-in issues. Our handy scale weighs bags up to 75 pounds, and helps you comply with airline requirements. The digital readout locks so you can easily read your bag's weight. Comfortable, easy-to-grip handle. Lightweight and compact. Fits in your luggage. Uses 2 AAA batteries (not included).

 The Dreamsack 

Truly a dream come true for those of you that have to rip off the comforter and throw off the top blanket. Simply to avoid the feeling that the bedding never gets changed and you then start to itch! 

It folds up small and can transport inside its own bag.  

fitting neatly in to your purse, briefcase or carry-on. 

It unfolds at night to serve as a clean, comfortable sleeping surface. 

All you need to do is to easily place the Dreamsack 

between the hotel sheets, and slide the hotel pillow into the pillow pocket.

Now when you slide into bed, your skin will touch nothing but your own clean and luxurious Dreamsack.
Made out of 100% silk is an ultra-light extra layer that adds warmth when it's cold and feels cool and soothing when it's warm. Dreamsack is roomy and has a wide side opening that lets you slide in easily. 42" w x 7'9" l.

The Flashlight Umbrella

A great must have for strange dark place to walk your dog to their business,

 when you are staying at a pet friendly hotel. It is also handy to have when you are walking from the parking lot to the hotel lobby in the dark. 

The umbrella with a super bright, built-in flashlight.
Now you’ll never have to struggle with rainy walks to your car in the dark. Our Flashlight Umbrella is the perfect all-in-one solution for both rainy days and poor visibility at night.

Ultra slim—fits easily in your coat pocket or purse.
Our Flashlight Umbrella folds flat when not in use, for easy portability on the go. And the generous 43" arc is perfect for one.

Brookstone was so fun to work with and can't wait to work with them. 

For a thank you they have offered my readers a discount. 

So now YOU can get some great travel gadgets to try and love. 

The Brookstone webpage.

The Brookstone discount.

Enjoy and please tell them Kingstongirl sent them. 

Wordless Wednesday......

Seaside Oregon.......

By the time you read this.......

THE SALE OF THE YEAR WILL BE ON! Enjoy your visit & please tell them Kingstongirl sent you!!



Here is official notice - Great Wolf Lodge launches their best sale of the year on Wed. morning (Sept. 29th).

It will be a 48 hour sale, and will launch at 10am Wed. morning.  The sale is good on stays from Sept. – Dec. and would be great for anyone wanting to visit this fall or during Snowland, which begins in early December.
You can go here starting at 10 am on Wed. morning to find deals.  You will need to enter promo code 48HOUR to access the deal (it will not go live until 10am Wed. and I will post another reminder that morning)!

They are keeping pricing on the down low for now and were not able to provide me with detailed pricing, but they did confirm that it is the BEST sale of the year.  I am looking forward to seeing what the deals look like.  Maybe a great opportunity for a Christmas present for the kids (a weekend at Great Wolf Lodge). 

Our start of our week at the Oregon Coast.

Last week “Hub’s” and I packed the car with our things (yes I over packed.) I some how always think I need to pack everything and the kitchen sink when we do a road trip. I think my new rule is going to be an over night bag for a weekend and a cary on suit case for the two of us when we are on a road trip. Not over packing will totally be the next thing I start to work on. 

We started our travel of our week long down the Coast adventure, rolling down the road in our Land Rover Rosie ( yes I named my car!) with the Fur babies. Our first stop down the coast is Astoria. 

Astoria is rich with history nestled against the hill along the Columbia River, a city centered around the maritime industry surrounded by natural beauty, It is full of character and it is one stop that you don’t want to just pass by or drive through un-noticed. The Oregon trail that Lewis and Clark traveled on ended here in 1805.  A historic waterfront where you can observe barges and freighters navigating the river in the course of their duties. Watch sailboats and evening cruises sail by without a care in the world enjoying the sealions as they swim and play.
  

We decided to do some of the tourist “trap” activities that Astoria has to offer. The first place we tried to explore is a place I have been to now three times. Once when my mom was 7 1/2 month pregnant she made it to the top and I was 3 days later, I was born.  

The next time was roughly two years ago when they were doing repairs to the column so I didn’t make it to the top that time. This time we made it to the top. All 125 feet and all of the 165 stairs later, all the while I was huffing and puffing, and throwing myself down in a fit as big as any two year old would do. When I opened the door I was slapped in the face by a gust of wind but that isn’t what took my breathe away it was the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Oregon and Washington coastal hills it was like what I would imagine heaven would be like for you to look down on all the beauty that is all around you from the top of the Column.            

The Column was built in 1926 and has art work of the trials,triumphs and turning points of the Pacific Northwest.  More then 400,000, visitors are drawn to this beautiful art work on top of Coxcomb hill yearly.  One thing that the shopper in me enjoyed was the gift shop, they had many things to choose from. The Column park is open from dawn to dusk the gift shop and information center is open during the winter 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Summer hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This is a place that everyone can find something for them to enjoy, There is a $1.00 parking fee. It looks out upon the city of Astoria and acts as a protector. It is a must see when you visit the coast. 

The Second thing we checked out was the Columbia Maritime Museum. The Museum features interactive exhibits that combine history with cutting-edge technology. Visitors of all ages will experience what it is like to pilot a tugboat, participate in a Coast Guard rescue on the Columbia River Bar, and live in Astoria during the height of the salmon fishing. Huge windows make the Columbia River a living backdrop for classic fishing vessels and Coast Guard rescue craft. This was "Hub's" favorite being he is in the maritime profession himself. Seeing these things with him and all that him, my Dad and Grandpa did and continue to do in this profession of the sea, makes me only love them and appreciate them so much more. 

 The best part is the fact that you can see an interactive first hand how the Bar Pilots work the dangerous wind and waves during a fierce winter storm in the award winning orientation film The Great River of the West.

The coast guard is on hand to show you along the bridge of a WWII era US Navy Destroyer, see the world class collection of maritime artifacts, and then walk out to the dock to explore the Lightship Columbia, a floating lighthouse

The third thing we checked out that was my favorite thing was the Sunday Farmers Market. Like most farmers markets Astoria Sunday Market features fresh and locally grown artists each week performing on its Music Stage located in the Food Court. The one thing that Astoria farmers market had is four blocks of vendors selling their goods. It is amazing the way they work their farmers market. The people that work on it do it in a way that makes this a destination all on its own.

The fourth thing that we checked out was the beautiful Liberty Theater with it’s start dating back to 1925, the building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. After a renovation in 2005 it opened back up and it had brought to live many movies, plays and lectures of history all on the Liberty Theater Stage.  

 

Last but not least the 5th thing we did was take a tour of the Goonies, This year being that it was the 25th Anniversary, I never have watched the entire movie all the way through until we sat in our hotel room at the Cannery Pier Hotel.   I did think it was funny when the part that the kids rode their bikes from Astoria to Cannon beach in a quick bike ride, which if you haven’t been there let me just let you know that it is miles apart. 

So that is the few things we did while we were in Astoria I will be writing about the Hotel we got to stay in and enjoyed so much! So please stay tuned!

Bavarian Ritz Review

In wrapping up our cascade loop vacation we decided that Leavenworth was a must for the trip. After leaving Winthrop we traveled through the most beautiful country side. Passing through the quaint little town of twisp,f ollowing alongside the river the entire drive as if the river was guiding us to Leavenworth, through the winding roads. We decided to take a detour through Lake Chelan. Having it been such a long time that I have been in Chelan I felt like somethings have changed and some of the town has remained the same. I have been asked to go and review a few places in Chelan at the end of October and I can hardly wait. It was a great place to rest up before making the final leg of the cascade loop.

Pulling into Leavenworth is always something that makes me smile its such a cute and fun town. Who couldn't love a place that has a Christmas shop open year round? I know I love it! If you haven't stayed in Leavenworth Washington yet, you are missing out. A charming little village town, nestled inside the majestic Cascade mountains and decorated with beautiful Bavarian architecture, hanging flower baskets on every windowsill, and a plethora of little shops and restaurants to keep you entertained.

Finding the Bavarian ritz hotel was so easy, feeling lucky to get to review a hotel in the heart of the main drag of Leavenworth, we were able to park easy in the hotel owned parking lot located right across the street, which is an easy walk from your car to the hotel.

 

Feeling like you are in a episode of the Tutors the King Henry feel of the room was nice, much bigger then I expected it to be with a king size four poster Bed, a gas fireplace with a flat screen TV & DVD  player along with an I-Pod docking station and CD player, A separate private spa room with a jetted tub away from the main bathroom with another tub shower combo. It really seems like a very large room for the price. They even had some great little extras, like a microwave, refrigerator, toaster and coffeepot.

It could use a make over to update the room, it is a little on the tacky side and just a bit over priced for what you get, but it was a very comfortable stay and the bed was great. It did get a little hot so make sure you open a window. The room we stayed in had a little 1980's feeling to it with the pink carpet and the black jetted tub. There are definitely issues with the floor of the room. There was at least a one inch difference in the levels of the floor. I always felt like I was leaning whenever I walked in there. The floor to the rest of the room had height changes that felt a little unsettling when you were trying to walk at the same time making sure not to trip.  Take in to consideration that this building is over 100 years old and that only adds to the uniqueness of this hotel. It really reminded us of a hotel room you would find in older parts of Europe. 

The hotel staff went above and beyond to make sure that everything was just perfect for us and that our stay was everything we would want it to be. Don't let their website fool you or distract you from the stay you will experience here. The website is a little out dated and could use a make over as well.  I felt safe in the hotel in general and liked the fact if I needed anything the staff was ready and able to help with any of my needs. 

They really try to come up with fun ideas for packages like the Romantic Packages, A Romantic Dinner for two, a $50.00 value, in one of the romantic fine dining restaurants in town. One dozen roses or flowers of your choosing will be waiting for you in the room upon your arrival. Along with a bottle of champagne, or wine, or you can get a Non Alcoholic Sparkling Cider, Whatever your choice is, they will be in your room upon your arrival ready for you to enjoy.

Leavenworth has so many fun events to be part of and staying at the Bavarian Ritz makes it the perfect place to be where you are right in the heart of everything that is going on in town. Two of the big events are coming up are the Autumn Leaf Festival going on September 24 and 25. Then the other is Oktoberfest, the three weekend event starts on October 1st & 2nd October 8th and 9th and the last weekend is October 17 and 18.

When you step out of the hotel you are in the heart of downtown with the wonderful shops and the best restaurants within just steps from the hotel. A great place to eat is located downstairs is the The Duck and Drakes  where from the beautiful patio deck on the back of the hotel you have your own entrance to this one of a kind Pub like restaurant with a eclectic pub grub menu with reasonable prices, quality food and generous portions, it is hard to go other places then this while you are staying just step's away in the Ritz. 

Another great place to get a This little stand at the end of the main street had a variety of sausages and beers as well has soft drinks and lots of yummy beer. We each ordered something different to try each others. I loved the pretzels the condiments included about 10 different mustards, chopped onions, fresh Apple Cider Saurkrauit, sweet pickle relish and dill pickler relish with onions both were excellent & the service was cheerful and friendly and the place had some great atmosphere and a very clean bath room and did I mention that they have the water spritzers for you to stand under to cool off in from the heat.

We were doing the girls weekend so some girls shopping was just what we needed to do and we enjoyed Mapel   What is Mapel you ask? Mapel is located across from Gustav's in the Haus Wunderbar building adjacent to d'Vinery Tasting Room & Haus Dog coffee shop. This is what they say about their store. "Whether trying on a pair of jeans, picking out the perfect summer dress or finding a new fall jacket you will soon understand why Mapel insists that "fashion is sweet". Buyer beware, you will be encouraged to savor a locally crafted signature "Mapel" truffle from Schocolat."

Another fun clothing store is called Fashion for 12 a place for casual clothing fun Souvenir T-shirts and sweatshirts for men, women and children. Nothing in the shop is priced over $12.99.

Magenta, Leavenworth's newest fashion boutique specializing in the latest goodies for the fashionesta at heart. There's everything you need to frost yourself plus home decor and more. I fell in love with the fun unique gifts and things you couldn't find any where else.  This is my new go to shop when I need that something special.

One thing is for sure no matter what you do in Leavenworth you are going to have an amazing time. You will experience something different with the four seasons you might not get in Western Washington. I know that I will go back and stay in Leavenworth during the tree lighting in December. Maybe the next time "Hub's" will join me.

Sun Mountain Lodge Review.

The drive over to Winthrop from Kingston was a beautiful drive. We decided to do the cascade loop a drive that I had yet to ever do as someone that was born and raised in Washington State. 

Being a native from Washington, I know what it's beauty has to offer. A wealth of natural beauty and generous quality vacation spots and resorts that we have to offer to the people that truly want to see something amazing. You are in luck Sun Mountain Lodge is one I had heard that I needed to try and check out. Nestled in the Methow Valley in Eastern Washington. 

When my Mom and I made the turn on the Arlington exit off of I-5  we started to drive towards Eastern Washington. We realized that it didn't take very long at all to leave the Western Washington's rainy gray skies behind us. Amazingly Winthrop Washington is located only 200 miles northeast of Seattle.The baby blue skies and warm sunshine made us feel like we had jumped on a plane to get this sunshine but we just had to drive a few hours to reach it. A great trip to our back yard is all we needed. 

Stepping back in time in the frontier town of Winthrop Washington with it's old wooden sidewalks. Winthrop is a popular destination for visitors from all around the country. The Cowboy town is fun to explore especially the downtown very quaint old out west feel and appearance. Despite it's small size, hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, make their way over the Mountains just like My mom and I did just to check it out. Walk down main street where you can get  a taste of the old West! The great shops and ice cream cones are just the tip of the iceberg for a fun vacation spot. If you don't already know, Winthrop offers a variety of outdoor activities. The area offers 150 miles of trails, busy with bikers, hikers and horse back riders during the summer months. Cross country skiers and snow shoers leave their tracks during the winter months. There are many great fishing and hunting area's within a short drive of Winthrop. 

We were able to check out some great places to shop Trails End Bookstore where we were able to get some fun books to read while staying at Sun mountain lodge. Red Hen Trading Company a great little consignment shop that mom and I were both able to find a new treasure to take home. I got a new dress for $2.50 and Mom got a beautiful scarf for $1.00. Aspen Grove Gifts was a wonderful place to check out, with such fun things it was hard to just choose one thing to buy. Mom found a pink cast iron flying pig and I found a the perfect clock to go in my Paris themed office. There were so many wonderful places to shop at but I don't want to write about them all in this review because I am very excited to go back again. 

After we were done looking around we got a bite to eat at the Duck Brand Cantina where mom and I both had a wonderful lunch. I can only hope to one day be asked to stay in the hotel that they have on the same site as the Duck Brand Cantina at this is a great place with a funky themed environment. We also tried the School House Brewery, the place where your husband will be happy to sit and relax all the while enjoying a brew and the sound of the river rolling through the outside patio. It is a perfect way to end a fun day in the wild wild west. 

On our drive up to the lodge we were amazed with the beautiful views of the sun soaked mountains glimmering in the gold tones that the rolling hills only eastern Washington has, the entire time the road followed the river. Wild life was everywhere you looked. Eagles flying over head, baby deer close to their mommy's and the Buck's leading the way. The entire time I was thinking what it must look like when its blanketed in snow. How amazing a trip up to Sun Mountain must look like in the middle of winter.  After about a half hour we made it to the lodge and the view just continued to get better.

I received a frosty greeting at the front desk, when asking for a little more detailed direction for how to get to my room. I felt that I was a bother when I asked about it after I had checked in. Being that the resort is so well known and such a destination for people to travel to I would think that their hospitality would be a little bit better. The housekeeping staff was above and beyond helpful and sweet, making me forget about the first impression of the front desk. All was forgiven right then and there. I am sure that they do a lot for making things right. The gift shop was over the top and was far above expectation with hand picked details and all the things you might have forgotten at the bottom of the mountain in town. They even had Ting's my favorite vegan chips. 


Our room was amazing and the decor didn't take away from the natural wonders of outside. The little patio with a table and two chairs were just prefect for mom and I to sit out and enjoy the sunset between the mountains and the valley. A doe and her fawn's came right to our patio and if we would have reached out our hands we would have been able to pet them. Something in my life I had never been so close to before in their own natural settings.  The bed was comfy and the linen was rich and enjoyable to sleep in. I am always so worried about the sleep I am going to get on a review. It wasn't a disappointment at all.  The I-pod dock allowed us to listen to the kind of music we like and enjoy but the room had a built in radio with stations that were pre programed for us if we didn't have an I-pod.  The bathroom was big and had a jetted tub and free standing shower. In the living area there was a coffee table, desk and couch along with a rustic feeling chase lounge. All in all the room was beautiful and comfortable.


We ordered room service and both wished that we would have just gotten out of our Pj's and gone to the 5 star restaurant to enjoy the food prepared there instead of having cold food brought to us in our rooms. For only about $15.00 more we could have really enjoyed a nice meal. The next time we go we will know now to do this.

If relaxing in a peaceful environment free of the noise and clutter of every day life and distractions is what you are looking for this is your place. If you are a TV girlie like me it was a little hard to take the no TV resort.  Although I know it was really good for me, and Mom and I were able to enjoy some great conversations and a lot of laughs. So once in a while it pays to have a no TV night. They do have WiFi allowing me to catch up on some Hulu time.

Sun Mountain Lodge is the kind of resort that when people think of Washington they think of this, a place where people can come relax & enjoy being front and center with the wilderness. For those who are looking for a true Northwest escape from your everyday life this is the place.

They say that this is a fun filled family vacation spot, although I didn't see one child at the resort during our visit. I don't know any children at a young age that would enjoy this, and I don't think the couples looking for romance would enjoy the not so peaceful moments with a little one screaming or crying about the lodge.

Guests have so many activities to choose from including fly fishing, river rafting, canoeing, tennis, and nearby golf. When winter approaches, it turns into a winter wonderland, cross-country, ice skating and sleigh rides. 

For a added relaxing touch,  one can enjoy some of the many spa services or a dip in one of the two pools on site. If you are looking to enjoy a great backyard escape, Sun Mountain Lodge is the first place you should look to plan your next getaway. I know I will go back with my girlfriends for a wonderful girls get away next Spring.  


Remember when you book your trip there tell them Kingstongirl sent you!