WINTER GUIDE THE ASTORIAN SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021 • 11 Continued from Page 10 showed up!” Patricia Fagerland at Forsythea agrees. “Astoria has really come back. Not only have we had the support of locals, we now see visitors who seem to arrive purposely to shop in a small town.” “It’s amazing, I have people come in almost every day and ask for unusual items,” says David Kiedrowski at Fruff els. “I’m having to expand the store into my offi ce area. I could have a whole block and still need more space.” Even amid shipping challenges, and vendors unable to fulfi ll orders, shop own- ers have remained undaunted, using inge- nuity seeking local and regional outlets and searching the i nternet for alternative sourcing. Across the board, shop owners and locals seem to agree: Astoria is having a renaissance of vitality. For fun, then, grab you coat and take a stroll through the historic center of down- town to see a few of the shopping options. Starting out on Duane Street, it’s cards, puzzles, notebooks, and crazy-wonder- ful games, and stuff you didn’t know you See Page 12 Photos by M.J. Cody A yarn display inside Candy Skein. The jewelry wall at A Gypsy’s Whimsy Herbal Apothecary. Fruff els owner David Kiedrowski has a knack for selecting the best in barware, kitchen gadgets, gourmet items and much more. Loop-Jacobsen Jewelers, Inc. Go Loggers! Knappa Office (503) 458-6671 42894 Old Hwy. 30 Knappa, OR 97103 Rainier Office (503) 556-0410 29191 Dike Road Rainier, OR 97048 www.teevinbros.com • CCB #133907 Ari Freitag caught in the act of hanging new clothing selections at her eclectic shop, Short Wave. A family owned and operated jewelry store since 1919 Indoor and Outdoor Dining. Takeout Watch Batteries Quartz Clock Movements Replaced Engraving Trophies & Jewelry Pearl & Bead Restring & Knotting Frank’s Custom Made Jewelry House Calls For Grandfather Clocks as business allows. Reservations 503.325.6777 Open Daily • Lunch & Dinner BridgewaterBistro.com 20 Basin Street, Astoria OR (503) 325-6181 1360 Commercial Astoria, Oregon