For my husband's birthday this year we ventured north to Oregon to visit his best friend from birth, Jeff and his wife, Carol. They decided to host a dinner party with a few of his other college friends. One friend I had never met was Robert Jacob, known as Jake, who studied architecture at the University of Oregon in Eugene. He invited us to spend a night at his speciality hotel, The Cannery Pier Hotel. Jake was born in Astoria, Oregon, a small town on the Columbia River which was known for its salmon fisheries. It took Jake 13 years for his vision of building a top notch boutique hotel in his native city. The result is breathtaking! Built on the water on 100 year old pilings, the architecture celebrates the legacy of the 1900's Union Fish Cannery Building with updated amenities including a full service spa and 46 spectacularly designed guestrooms all overlooking the river where one can watch ships passing. The room rate includes a delicious nutritious morning breakfast, afternoon wine, cheese, Finnish smoked fish, and impromptu lectures. I admit I eavesdroped on the conversations of guests who were all enthralled with this lovely establishment. I also spent relaxing hours sitting in the window seat of my bedroom, warmed by the fire, watching the birds on the water. What a fabulous way to spend a birthday celebration in style with friends.

Give yourself a treat of history and elegance and visit The Cannery Pier Hotel in Astoria, Oregon. Visit www.cannerypierhotel.com or call Toll-Free: 888.325.4996
Direct: 503.325.4996
Fax: 503.325.8350
email: info@cannerypierhotel.com
When you make your reservation, ask if Jake will be lecturing. He's a fantastic speaker, very humorous and explains the history of salmon fishing, the ladies of Astoria with flair. The interior design is by artist Sarah Goodnough whose original paintings decorate the walls of the common rooms. All art is for sale and very reasonably priced.

A couple of extras-the hotel offers complimentary transportation in a vintage car or you can ride 1950's bicycles through town. A Historical Picture Museum Walk tells the story of Astoria and the hotel. Ask the front desk for a schedule of the passing ships that you can watch from the lobby, your room, or from any common areas. Bring an umbrella as Oregon weather can be wet and don't worry about dressing up. It's casual, friendly, and fun. Many restaurants dot the waterfront offering local delicacies. Tell Jake and Sarah "hi" from Cynthia!
ENJOY!