Flavel House Museum — Attraction in Astoria

Although originally drawn to Astoria because the Goonies movie was filmed there, we found Astoria to be packed with history and surrounded by more history. We first stopped at the Flavel house because it's in the movie as where Mikey and Bran's dad works. But what we discovered was this amazing Victorian (I believe) home, built features ahead of their time. Gorgeous wood detail, on two floors, with a "crows nest" on the roof, so Captain Flavel could watch for ships coming down the Columbia River, that would need a river bar captain. (Much more about that is explained at the River Time Museum.) Walking through the Flavel house, you self-guide through basically the whole house, with different narratives posted throughout. Everything has been restored to its original style and purpose, including clothing in closets, brushes on vanities, and wash basins. Incredible attention to detail, so you get a real feel for the way the Flavel family lived. Start your tour at the carriage house, in the southwest corner of the property. (Note, there are very nice and public restrooms at the carriage house.) Also, ask about the pass, when buying your ticket. If you plan to do more activities, like the Oregon Film Museum (which is across the street and a fun must see for movie fans) there is a pass that will get you a discount. One more important note: the Flavel House carriage house is one of my favorite places to pick...

Great historical house! If you've been to Pittock Mansion in Portland, OR then expect a similar experience of self-guided tour. The plaques throughout the house are informative and the decorations are awesome. The house itself has been well preserved and maintained, giving great insight to the life of Captain Flavel and his family. There are some nice touches like music playing from the living room where the piano and violin are.

Of note, photography IS allowed, just no flash. As the building is a touch dim, you may want to bring a tripod for your SLR camera to ensure it can get a nice long exposure. Also, there is a 'hands on' room for kids to see what kind of things young children did to keep occupied during the time period (mid to late 1800s).

You should plan on arriving before 3:30PM, as that is when tickets sales are stopped. We arrived around 3:20PM, the gentleman at the carriage house (where the tickets are sold) mentioned we would need to be at the house by 3:30PM or else we may not be allowed in. We arrived at the house at 3:25PM and the lady was a touch grumpy about us entering late, mentioning we may not have enough time to properly view the house before closing at 4:00PM.

I would say approximately 30 minutes for casual viewers is enough time to sufficiently view and appreciate the house, though enthusiasts might want to plan on a longer visit.

All in all an enjoyable...

We went to this incredible Queen Anne Victorian house in Astoria yesterday called the Flavel House. I'll spare you the history, which is fascinating, and only say that it is filled late 19th century luxuries, including hot and cold plumbing and some gas lighting (which still works). In looking at the intricately patterned door hinges, the flowering medallions around the ceiling lamps, the wrought iron, the finely painted frames and wainscotting a thousand other details, I was struck by the disparity between all this and our current decorative fashions. An old lady from the Historical Society sits near the entrance to greet visitors, and in the video you can watch about the home, the Historical Society members who saved the home from government bulldozing 50 years ago were quite old back then, too. As I left, I found myself wondering if these people volunteer their precious hours in an effort to keep such artisanry and detail alive for future generations as a point of contrast. As if to say, "You see? Once upon a time, it was different. Hands made this, not machines. Hands that cared about flow and beauty and posterity, even in the smallest things. We need to remember this and do this again, even if I won't be here to see it." I was dazzled but also a bit sad and left to question my world and how I live in it. For me, this is what travel...