Eight Months in Astoria: Is This Love?

I love you, Astoria. And I'm not one to toss that word around lightly.

Astoria, you're special to me. You're not like the other places I've been.

I had this idea that I was going to move to Guatemala for a few months. Because I get restless and bored and I really, really want to learn Spanish.

Then I had an idea that I was going to move back to Colorado, despite my dislike for the climate - I even applied for a job and had an interview.

Then, three days after publishing my last blogpost, everything changed at whirlwind speed.

I met an amazing man and we got married. We bought a house. And now we’re expecting our first child! I'm settling down!

No, no. Just kidding.

About that last part.

But I did officially take my paint and sip business to the "next level" (I got a business license and made a website). Check it out here! And if you’re local, come to one of the events! You’ll have a blast!

Here's how that happened to a girl who swore she'd never pursue or commit to anything like that: a newly established business in town reached out and, what I thought was going to be either a job offer or a cease and desist, turned out to be an invitation to buy the business. Long story short, I did not takeover that business, but decided it was time to bulk up what I was already doing.

And here we are.

I discovered, accidentally, business-stuff gives me the same rush I get from traveling and moving to new places. If I can satiate that high, then I might even be able to stay in one place. But I'm even more excited to learn, maybe, I can actually do something with it! This is could be life-changing.

In addition to my exciting, new endeavor, my parents came to visit for 8 days last month and I had the honor of playing tour guide. I was trying to trick them into moving here, so I wanted them to have the best time!

For 8 days, we explored a lot of places! It was amazing and deepened my love for Astoria. So, if you’re ever at a loss of ideas for things to do (at least when the weather permits), go ahead and reference this list - it’s worth it:

• Youngs River Falls
• Wreck of Peter Iredale
• Lewis & Clark National Park
• Sunday Market
• Cannon Beach
• Fort George
• Maiden Astoria
• Wander slowly on Commercial Avenue
• Eat breakfast on the water at Coffee Girl (order something with lox)
• WineKraft for KnitNight
• Trivia at MerryTime
• Climb up the Astoria Column
• Maritime Museum
• Favel House Museum
• Ride the Astoria Riverfront Trolley
• Breakfast at Arnie’s
• Second Saturday Artwalk
• Buoy Beer for food and sea lions
• Cemetery at 14th & Madison

There’s so much more to do than we could fit in the time they were here, but I think they liked it, and I think I did too.

So, Astoria, if you’ll have me, I think I’d like to stay a little while longer.

With love,

Chelsea

And on their 2nd day, we rode the Astoria Riverfront Trolley

Sea lions!

We threw tiny airplanes off the top of the Astoria Column!

My mom and I taking selfies at the top of the Astoria Colunm

My dad and I playing dress-up at the Flavel House Museum

Flavel House Museum

We didn't check out the Oregon Film Museum

I brought my mom to KnitNight at WineKraft - one of my favorite weekly activities in town!

Family photos in Cannon Beach

Family selfie at Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach

May as well be an engagement photo.

"Gittle 2017"

Checking out some history at the old cemetery

Fort Stevens' Battery Russell

Dad discovers his shirt doubles the fun at the Maritime Museum

Mom and Dad Do Astoria

I think this was their first time at the Pacific Ocean, ever?!

The Wreck of Peter Iredale

This picture was not posed...

Novelties at Moe's Chowder

The smiliest, RVing, old man, Toby

How Lucy hangs at the KOA

Youngs River Falls

Oregon Chapter of the Gittle's 2017 RV Trip Across America