Stop two on our week long trip.....

We left Astoria and headed for our second stop on the coast Seaside.We walked around and found many great stores and places to check out and tons of things to dIf you didn't know Seaside is a great family destination.  Thing's that set Seaside apart from other beach communities along the Oregon coast is that Seaside is a  everything is within walking distance and very easy to explore.

Oregon's first seashore resort was Seaside remaining a popular vacation destination, a place to take the time to slow down, relax. It is a place that you almost feel like you have gone back in time, even for a brief minute. The best place to bring your children and take them to the beach so they can build sand castles.

When looking out into the ocean, it is magical and it creates an abundance of activities. With  Amusements, arcades and shopping this town will entertain everyone that comes to Seaside. 

"Hub's" and I truly enjoyed our sunset beach walks with the dogs, the ocean views, the pleasure to enjoy the intimate dining that seaside has to offer. Seaside is much more then than just a day at the beach. It is an endless opportunity for countless memories to be made and I am so happy that "Hub's" and I were able to make many new memories. 

The history of Seaside starts when it was founded in 1937, Seaside is home to the oldest aquarium on the West Coast. 

 

 So this is stop #1 the Seaside Aquarium, Founded in 1937, it is privately owned by descendants of some of the founders that are still active in the aquarium and how it operates to this day. Hosting an amazing touch tank, a family of seals that they have had sense 1983! Along with an amazing under water viewing area making this a must for your Oregon Coast and your stop in seaside.

Stop # 2 : Another fun thing to take note in the landscape of Seaside is the very visible is the Tillamook Head, which Tillamook Rock Lighthouse sits on top of the rock and enjoys guiding ships to safety while approaching the Columbia River past the dangerous jutting headland, being note worthy it is one of the Pacific coast’s most interesting lighthouses. Sitting atop an outcropping of rock surrounded by ocean on all sides, the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse was completed in 1881.

 

Stop #3 is  Fort Steven's. When we were there it was pouring rain it was still so much fun. We even decided to take the time in the rain to walk around and explore. Explore it we did.  Fort Steven's is Located in Warrenton, about 30 minutes North of Seaside, the fort is part of a large park with lots of beaches, hiking trails, lakes, paved bike paths, old army bunkers, and even the remains of the Peter Iredale Shipwreck!( Check below for Stop #4!) Another great place to visit is the the South Jetty in Fort Stevens State Park. Built in the late 1800s, the jetty extends about 2.5 miles into the waters where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. From the observation deck, you can enjoy a spectacular view of waves pounding against the rocks of the jetty. This area is also a favorite location for birdwatching and the  Coffenbury Lake is also a great location for fishing, wildlife viewing, or you can do what we did and walk the 2 mile trail around the lake. Fort Stevens is an excellent place for the whole family to spend the day a weekend or a week long camping trip, with many camping spaces & yurts to rent this is the place to camp!  The KOA there is amazing as well. Located right across the street from the 1st entrance to the park. Both are wonderful to spend some fun with your loved ones in.

 

 Stop #4  When we reached the end of the drive out to The Peter Iredale Shipwreck, you can still see the few parts left of the original ship, that started as a  287 feet long ship that ran aground about 100 years ago during a horrible storm. Thankfully we were able to make our visit there during low tide that makes the shipwreck is easily accessible to park visitors. Just looking at what is left of the ship you can see how amazing it was in its prime. We didn't walk down to it but we got a few shots and to gaze at it through the rainy, windy, weather passing through my window wipers.

Stop #5 shopping on the Prom, this was my first time to Seaside and I have to say I was pleasently surprised when we drove downtown and seeing so many great things to do and so many great things to see. I was delighted in dozens of unique boutiques, specialty shops, art galleries and antique stores. My favorite shop to go to and spend lots and lots of money at is the Beach Puppy Where you can get all your "fur babies" all the things you need to spoil them. We also got our portraits done by oregon coast portraits and it was a great thing to do and a way to always remember our time together. Also we enjoyed the seaside carousel mall.

After a day of shopping we enjoyed the 1.5-mile long ocean front Promenade is perfect for strollers, joggers and bike riders. The “Prom” The wide and sandy beach is available for all kinds of activities, from low rider beach bikes, beach volleyball, and watching the sand castle building, kite flying. You will enjoy such amusements as the carousel, arcades, miniature golf, bumper cars and boats, tilt-a-whirl, paddle boats and canoes.  Seaside is more than just a day at the beach! It's a place to make wonderful memories. 

So these were the top 5 things that you need to do on your trip to Seaside. 
Next stop on the Oregon Coast trail is Cannon Beach......

The Paws event tomorrow night.

Tickets to the Spotlight on PAWS dinner/auction and gala that is happening tomorrow- Oct 9th at Kiana Lodge in Poulsbo. We will have over 200 items up for auction, including trips, experiences, local art and handmade jewelery, and gift certificates to services. All in the company of animal lovers. Tickets are still available can and can be purchased at our website - -www.pawsbainbridge.org

I was given this information and wanted to pass it on to all of the animal lovers out there. If you are not in the area you are more then welcome to donate anything you can. In this hard time we are facing as a country we often forget about our four legged friends. Take a moment to read this and remember them and all the unconditional love that they give to us.

On the heels of the economic melt-down two years ago, PAWS conducted a thorough program assessment, interviewed dozens of animal supporters, and made some tough decisions. Despite the temptation to pull back on services, PAWS decided to draw on its reserves to address critical needs in our animal-loving community.

In this economy, even seemingly routine veterinary necessities are resulting in neighbors faced with the unthinkable -- having to give up their cherished pet, or euthanize it, purely for financial reasons.

PAWS of B.I. and North Kitsap is proud to be one of only two animal organizations in all of Western Washington to offer direct veterinary financial assistance for pets of low-income residents. In coordination with four area food banks and seven veterinary clinics, PAWS provides up to $125 in veterinary care per year, per pet, for up to two pets of qualifying low-income residents. Costs for this program have skyrocketed, but it has provided a financial and emotional lifeline for hundreds of local families and the pets they cherish.

The new Pet Food for Food Banks program has offered additional support, in the form of high-quality donated pet food that we deliver to four local food banks. When picking up food for their family, low-income pet owners can also pick up food for their pet. More than nine tons have been delivered so far.

As part of our ongoing 35-year-old commitment to reduce pet overpopulation, PAWS has continued free or low-cost spay/neuter services to low-income families. We've seen a large spike in requests from families newly on the brink, including many families unaccustomed to asking for help -- small business owners, military families with loved ones deployed overseas, elderly whose retirement income has shriveled.

In addition to the critical services mentioned above, PAWS has initiated two low-cost volunteer-based programs that both serve to “strengthen the bond of companionship between pets and their people.” Pet Remembrance Gatherings offered by local counselor Jeremy Mays address a family's emotional response upon the loss of a beloved family pet. And the PAWS Buddy Brigade is beginning visits to nursing homes, libraries, and other facilities, where their compassionate visits bring well-documented physical and emotional benefits.

In all, these programs comprise an economically efficient and very well-focused effort to direct compassionate care where it is most needed. We humbly ask for your financial support to help us continue meeting community needs with confidence. In sum, these program expansions have added over $40,000 to our annual budget. For 2011, we do not expect the need to subside.

In case you missed the article in the BI Review last Friday about our new program the PAWS Buddy Brigade. Here's a link: http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/bir/lifestyle/104114774.html

I truly hope that you will take a few minutes and tell a few people about this amazing event. 

The Inn At The Four Winds

The Inn at the Four Winds is a small Inn with fourteen beautiful rooms. It is in the most beautiful location in all of Seaside. It is located 9 blocks from downtown Seaside, It is only a quick stroll down the Prom that escorts you to the center of the action, with cafes, seashore boutiques and so many more things to do and see.

If gazing into the ocean is your only agenda then you have come to the right place to see the forever changing landscape that the Ocean has to offer.  For me the best way to pass the time is from the front lawn, in a lawn chair reading a book or just staring out into the sea with a nice glass of wine.  It is truly up to you if you ever even leave your room because you might just want to truly enjoy the panoramic ocean view, from your rooms sun porch.

  
Having captured the very essence of beach living for you they boast sunny and bright, with a homey feel, Instead of feeling like you are in a hotel, you feel as if you are someones guest. A comfortable room that instill a breezy mood with and warmly glowing fireplaces. Decorated in colors that are calming that don't take away from the fact that you are on a relaxing vacation trying to take in the rest that you so very much need.

Arriving to the Inn you feel as if you are pulling up to a cape cod house that your family could live in during the summer months, I was warmly greeted by the staff every I went. Then to top it off when I  walked into the lobby I instantly smelled the warm homemade baked cookies that all the guest are encouraged to eat, because when you are on vacation no need to count calories or carb's right?  They also have a major selection of DVD's for you to choose from, not like some places that I have seen that only carry the Disney movies or the movie Ghost from the early 1990's on VHS tapes. Nope not them they have most of the new releases you would find in any of the redboxes.

Our room was located on the 2nd floor, like more common in most rooms the Inn has a microwave, coffee pot, refrigerator, DVD player, gas fireplace and a balcony with an ocean view. Our room had a private bedroom with a queen bed, king bed and double sofa sleeper in living room, The beds are The DREAMSPA BED by Tempur-Pedic. You don't have to worry about a good night sleep when you have that kind of bed.  Also in the room is a wet bar with all the things you would need to make you feel at home.  When you are going all over for hotel reviews it can get pretty pricey to eat out all the time so we try to find places to stay that you are able to have a microwave and a small fridge so you are able to make a few meals without leaving your room or paying for the high price dinners.

 I can not wait to go back and I can't wait to have my friends go down and spend a few nights here. It is like they are a home away from home. A place to come rest and relax to take some time just for you. Remember to make sure that you do not smoke or have pets with you. This is a property that you can't do either of these things and in a way this is a blessing because you don't have to think of anything else besides yourself or the smoke of someone that is staying under you so you can really smell the sea air.

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).