The wife and I just celebrated our first wedding anniversary, and as a gift, I decided to surprise her with a trip to Portland, Oregon over July 4 weekend. Any CFers out there have any recommendations as far as sights, sounds, food, and just some general debauchery?? I've already gathered from the small amount of research I've been able to do so far that taking a microbrew tour should be in our plans, as well as giving the International Rose Test Garden and the Japanese Gardens a look. We're both vegetarians, so I'm assuming food won't be too big of an issue given the big vegan scene up there. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Blue Star donuts Salt and straw ice cream Kure juice bar Deschutes Brewery Buy clothes and or jewelry among other small items you can take back since there's no sales tax. Bring warm weather clothes in case it rains. The Pearl district is really trendy and upscale it's in the NW area. Cross the bridge and go to the Eastside and it's a whole new world of hipsters. SW waterfront will have lots of stuff going on 4th of July weekend. Portland is rather small so you can explore quite a bit. Have fun!
The Japanese gardens are great. Wasn't too impressed by the rose garden, but that's not really my thing. If you've got a car, it's only half an hour to Multnomah Falls. And it's like an hour and a half to Oceanside, where you can see those cool rock formations just off the coast. Stop for cheese at Tilamook. Debauchery is easy to find. Just walk around for 10 minutes.
It's a good city to be. Walk around the Pearl district -- see galleries, entertainment etc Eat from a food truck Stop into Powell books and browse Have a local craft beer or three Hang out with hippies. It's a good place.
Timely thread. About to move to pdx and there are a few good things listed to keep the family occupied. One of the things we enjoyed during one of our try-out trips to Oregon was suggested by one of my wife's relatives...The Pittock Mansion. We didn't actually tour the mansion...but we did show up right at dusk before they closed the gate. If you go there at dusk, walk around behind the mansion, it is perched at the top of a hill that has an open view of downtown Portland and beyond to Mount Hood. Very beautiful setting. Google the pics and you'll get an idea of what there is to see in regards to this view. http://pittockmansion.org/
Take a drive down the 84 through the Columbia River Gorge - very nice drive Stop in Multnomah Falls for a few quick pictures Lunch/Brews in Hood River then head south to Mount Hood Mount Hood - head up to the Timberline Lodge (featured in The Shining) and enjoy the views Alternatively you could head west and check out Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock (The Goonies) but Oregon beaches are cold Or, if you like history, head north and check out Mount St. Helens Portland Rose Test Garden - smack dab in Washington Park, your wife will like this, nice views on a clear day McMenamin's - any of them. Kennedy School - is an old school that has been turned into a theater and bar/restaurant; the one in Trousdale has a 9-hole course Dinner at Portland City Grill Brunch on Alberta St in NE Portland Ditto on Powell Book Store Catch a show at Doug Fir Skip Voodoo Donut, and check out one of the many food trucks instead Bar hopping in the Pearl
No. Haven't been to either of those locations...either for leisure or for moving to. I tried getting my wife to consider either for relocation as the housing markets in both locations are pretty good for buyers. She preferred to stay closer to a larger city...which Portland is going through a housing explosion right now...so boo for my pocket book. But the married guys know the saying...happy wife, happy life.
I was there last 4th of July. Food Trucks. Salt & Straw ice cream - they have crazy flavors like Bone Marrow and Cherries, but it's absolutely incredible. Hit up Willamette Valley Wineries if you have the chance...it's like a 45 minute drive south, but wife and I had a great time there. Powell's Books - my favorite bookstore. As Baqui just mentioned, Voodoo should be a pass. It gets a ton of hype and it's decent, just nothing crazy that you cant get anywhere else. We waited in line for 45 minutes. Not worth it.
There's nothing in Eugene except for university of oregon. There's absolutely nothing to see or do in Salem. It's the pits. No need to go there.
If you like nature, drive the Columbia River Gorge down to Astoria. It's about as picturesque a drive and destination as exists.
