Astoria: a mini-San Francisco?

Okay, I know it's a stretch - San Francisco and Astoria, OR in the same group!  But, think about it, both places are very hilly, covered with cute Victorian homes on the shores of the water (a bay or river) where bridges and water dominate the view.  Astoria usually has a few ships anchored just offshore, and an active (albeit small) port.  There's a tourist trolley that runs along the river's edge, complete with ringing bell and friendly conductor.  It has a long history of fires, and much of the downtown area was built on pilings.  The fishing industry is still present, but renovated canneries now host a lot more espresso shops, breweries, and museums.  Sounds more and more familiar, huh?  Okay, Astoria only has about 10,000 people, and is certainly not a thriving cultural center, but I can't help but think of San Francisco when I go on my morning run or meet friends downtown for coffee.  This article from the NY Times got me thinking, so there you have it - my waxing poetic about my current hometown!


http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/03/27/travel/27overnighter-astoria.html


http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2011/03/27/travel/0327ASTORIA.html