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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 26, 2017)
JANUARY 26, 2017 // 9 BEST CHEAP DATE The Beach Runner-up: Columbian Theater, Astoria Honorable Mention: Second Saturday Art Walk, Astoria By DWIGHT CASWELL It was an unseasonably warm day when I last spoke with the object of my affec- tions. I watched a flight of pelicans go by, and as I sat on a log by her side gulls drew near, looking for hand- outs. She reclined gracefully, her toes splashing in the foam and her back against the wooded cliffs. A gentle breeze stirred the grass and PHOTO BY DWIGHT CASWELL A colorful sunset at Indian Beach in Ecola State Park. caressed her shapely dunes. I gave her the news, “Beach, once again Coast Weekend readers have decided that you are the Best Cheap Date.” For a moment a cloud veiled the sun and a look crossed the popular figure’s face. She seemed wistful and perhaps peeved. “Again?” she asked and then, resign- edly, “Again.” “It’s a great honor, Beach.” “It’s just that people are so fickle. Last year I was Best Place for a Picnic. Now I’m back to being just an- other cheap date. It’s not my fault we had a wet summer. Go talk to Sky.” “But you’re the Best Cheap Date.” “Is that any better, being really good but cheap?” The cloud darkened. “Maybe it’s the econo- my,” I suggested. “Perhaps young people are looking for a frugal alternative to $10 cocktails.” The cloud passed, and Beach brightened. “Or maybe it’s demographics,” I continued. “A lot of young people are moving here from places like Portland, where beach- es are covered in goose poop.” “More young people. Yes, I have noticed more surf- boards lately.” She positive- ly glowed. “I like the sound of that.” “And what happens to young people?” I asked. “They have a very good time. Sunning, surfing, running and playing frisbee with their dogs. Walking hand-in-hand. And eating organic lunches from the co- op and drinking craft beer.” “What I mean, Beach,” I said, “is that young people fall in love and get married and have children and get more dogs, and then what happens?” “I know! They visit me and we have family pic- nics!” A great gust of wind blew sand all about. “I like it! I like it!” BEST GARDEN CENTER Brim’s Farm & Garden W E T HA NK o u r c o m m u n ity fo r vo tin g S treet 14 Ca fe w in n e rs in the fo llo w in g to p c a te go rie s : • Best Cu stom er S ervice • An d rew Catalan o , Bes t Chef • Best Coffee W e a re a ls o thrilled a n d tha n k you for votin g u s a s on e of you r F avorite Bakeries an d Breakfast S p ots , K at Zaro a s on e of you r F avorite Baristas , a n d Allyx O ’Con n or a s on e of you r F avorite S ervers ! N EW Ho u rs: 6:30 to 4pm d a ily D in n er Thu rsd ay throu gh S atu rd ay 5 to 9p m Learn m ore at w w w.s treet14cafe.com Find u s on Facebook: facebook.com / s treet14as toria 503-325-5511 L ocal, Handcrafted, Seas onal 1410 Com m ercial S treet | Astoria Astoria, Oregon Runner-up: Dennis’ 7 Dees, Seaside Honorable Mention: Basket Case Greenhouse, Long Beach, Washington By LYNETTE RAE McADAMS Tucked in on the south side of Astoria, across the Old Youngs Bay Bridge, this family owned and operat- ed nursery and feed store has been offering the same superb service and products since 1986. Bursting with essentials for every farm and garden, Brim’s has become a staple for both rural and urban plant and animal lov- ers, so it’s no surprise that for the ninth year running, Coast Weekend readers have rewarded its standard of excellence by naming it Best Garden Center in the Columbia-Pacific region. Packed with specialty plants and seasonal favorites, the Brim’s greenhouse never disappoints, offering beauty and color year-round but also rot- and disease-resistant Sale on the almost ENTIRE STORE! PHOTO BY LYNETTE RAE MCADAMS Daniel Lacy, a crewmember at Brim’s Farm and Garden, shows off his excellent customer care skills by insisting on carry-out service for a 50-pound bag of goat feed. PHOTO BY LYNETTE RAE MCADAMS Even in the depths of winter, the greenhouse at Brim’s is full of texture and color. varieties that speak to the company’s 60-plus years of gardening on the coast. When spring rolls around, stop in to avail yourself of their wide selection of seeds (all non-GMO), as well as flower and vegetable starts in 4-inch pots or 6-pack containers, and all the tools you’ll need to get going. (There’s even a special sec- tion in small sizes for kids.) Also a one-stop spot for farmers, Brim’s takes pride in carrying high-quality fencing, food and supplies for almost any animal you could think of keeping, including horses, cows, lla- mas, goats, pigs and alpacas. Small animals aren’t for- gotten either, with specialty fare for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and more than a few feathered friends. Dog and cat lovers will appreci- ate the enormous selection of food, toys and treats, and anyone with a backyard flock will delight in all the provisions for poultry — chief among them the fresh batches of baby chicks and turkeys that arrive each year with the promise of spring. Whatever you need for your farm or garden, there’s a good chance Brim’s has it, and best of all, you can be sure it will always come with friendly service and advice you can trust. Up to One day only! 75 Clearance Items (503)325-5720 • 1-800-851-FINN • 1116 Commercial • Astoria
