Help w/ Portland trip!

Old Feb 13th, 2008, 08:40 AM
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Help w/ Portland trip!

A friend and I are headed to Portland for the first time in August 2008. We aren't sure of the weekend, but it will definitely be the 2nd or 3rd weekend in August. We will arrive on a Thursday and leave on Sunday.

However, we are having a hard time planning our trip. We don't know where to stay or what to plan. The only thing we know we want to do is drive to the Columbia River Gorge so I can test out my new Nikon SLR camera!

Can anyone help with ideas on places to stay and other things to do? What part of the city should we stay in? What part should we avoid?

We both love live music and a fun scene. All ideas are appreciated!

Thanks!
West Texas Gal
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Old Feb 13th, 2008, 08:44 AM
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I should have clarified Portland, OREGON. Thanks!
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Old Feb 13th, 2008, 10:19 AM
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You will want to stay downtown. There are many hotels for all kinds of budgets, and most are near the MAX or streetcar lines (MAX is Portland's light rail system. It's awesome). I'm assuming you will have a car since you said you're driving to the Gorge, but you won't need it downtown at all. It's a very walkable city, especially with the MAX. Most of downtown is in Fareless Square, so you don't have to pay to ride the MAX, streetcar or bus in this zone.

When you go to the Gorge, definitely stop at Multnomah Falls. It will be beautiful in August (but also crowded). Keep going down the 84 to Hood River. It's a cute little berg with cute little shops and restaurants. It would be a good day trip.

In Portland proper, you'll definitely want to hit Powell's. It's a renowned bookstore with every book you could ever imagine. From there, wander to the Pearl District, where there are all kinds of trendy shops and restaurants. NW 23rd is also within walking distance, and the shops there are fun and have more reasonable (at least for my budget!) prices.

Portland is a hot restaurant town right now, with myriad cuisines to choose from. There are a plethora of options in terms of budget; from street carts to 4* dining, and everything in between. I am the happy hour queen, and like to sample the more expensive restaurants this way. Portland has tons of great happy hours, if that's your thing.

You'll have a great time on your trip. Portland is a great city. In August, you should get the best of our summer weather, but don't be thrown off by a rain shower here and there. It just makes everything clean!
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Old Feb 13th, 2008, 10:31 AM
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Thanks so much for the info!

Any recommendations on where to stay? I looked at Jupiter Hotel but not sure about it being in the part of Portland we would need to be in order to walk around during the day. I also looked at the Monaco..it looks fabulous and at the opposite end of the spectrum from Jupiter.

Any advice on hotels is appreciated!

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Old Feb 13th, 2008, 10:54 AM
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Okay, first things first. Pack a wide angle if you've got one. And don't miss Wahkeena Falls. As vicgoddess said, you'll want to stop at Multnomah Falls too, but at that time of year, you'll have to take a number for your turn to photograph. ;-) Not really, but it will be crowded....

Are you planning any time at the coast? It is THE best reason to visit Oregon, and more so with a camera. Think Cannon Beach and Ecola State Park, only 90 minutes away. Or Cape Meares St. Park, Oceanside, and Cape Lookout, also about 90 minutes from Portland.

What else.... Parks, gardens.... Lots of both around here including the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park, and nearby Japanese Garden. More good stuff for photographers.

Yes, you'll want to stay downtown. Lots of good options. What's your budget? And food? Heck, if you want, there are a few of us locals on this forum who could plan every meal for you. ;-)
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Old Feb 13th, 2008, 10:59 AM
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Didn't see your post before I hit "post".

Jupiter probably isn't the right location - you'll want something on the west side of the river - but it does have the advantage of the Doug Fir next door. If Hotel Monaco fits into your budget, grab it. It might be the nicest place in town. For something more contemporary/modern/funky have a look at ACE Hotel.
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Old Feb 13th, 2008, 11:06 AM
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You might consider a visit to the McMenamins Edgefield hotel/resort complex in Troutdale. It's at the western edge to the Gorge and a unique destination: a converted "poor farm" that is now a complex of restaurants, bars, and a hotel. Even if you don't stay overnight, do stop in for a visit. The hallways in the main building are covered with interesting murals. McMenamins is an Oregon institution - a chain of local pubs.

www.mcmenamins.com

Make sure to visit the other falls not just Multnomah Falls. Take the old Colubmia River Scenic Highway east of Troutdale to get the best views of the Gorge and then a nice windy drive through the woods and numerous waterfalls - unsurpassed.
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Old Feb 13th, 2008, 11:09 AM
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Wow! I'm loving these responses! Before I found this site, I felt nearly helpless in planning our little get-away. Budget isn't really a problem, as we've saved for this trip and want to do it right. We will arrive sometime Thursday afternoon and will have to fly out Sunday after lunch.

We are definitely open to any/all suggestions for what to do while we're there. Is Friday or Saturday a better day to drive to the Gorge? Due to time restrictions, I don't know if we will make it to the coast, but if it's not too much further of a drive, I don't see why we couldn't fit that in.

Yes, I will take you up on your offer to help us with our dining choices! We will want to dine somewhere nice one night, but other than that, we're open to some fun, local spots.

Would the Monaco put us in the right location in Portland to walk around and see a few places?

If you can, shoot me a message at sheila dot robinson at ttuhsc dot edu so we can discuss further plans!

Again, thanks for all the advice..keep it coming!

West Texas Gal
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Old Feb 13th, 2008, 11:26 AM
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The Edgefield is a very fun place to stay and they have live music frequently and outdoor concerts in the summer - and its right at the beginning of the Gorge- beautiful grounds and a good restaurant.
There is a winery and a brew pub and show free movies
Last time I stayed there they had outdoor BBQ's too -
The disadvantage of course is that you have to drive to downtown Portland -

Down the road on the other side of the Columbia River is Maryville Winery - they also have outdoor concerts in the summer and fabulous views



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Old Feb 13th, 2008, 12:19 PM
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The Monaco is right downtown, and if you stay there you will be close to everything. And again, you will be near the MAX and streetcar lines, which makes getting around a snap.

I would go to Multnomah Falls on Friday as to avoid the weekend crowds. It will still be crowded, but maybe not as much.

Let us know what kinds of restaurants you're looking for and you'll get some great recs.
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Old Feb 13th, 2008, 12:22 PM
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We definitely want to stay in Portland - somewhere that's very accessible to public transportation and all the "happening" places for singles to enjoy.

How long is the drive to the Gorge and then to the Coast fpom downtown Portland?

Let's hear some good dining choices, both in Portland and then along the drive to the Gorge - include breakfast places in Portland.

Also, any suggestions for fun/hip places to hang out in the evenings? Maybe hear a live band, enjoy the crowds, etc.

You guys rock...I appreciate all your responses!
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Old Feb 13th, 2008, 12:25 PM
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Monaco and most other downtown hotels are within walking (or streetcar) distance of a fair share of Portland's attractions. Others to consider: Lucia, Vintage Plaza. Even Inn at Nortrup Station would work, though it's more on the fringe.

Take the drive up the Gorge on Friday, when crowds are likely to be lighter. And if you decide against the coast, check out Saturday Market: http://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/. Interesting shopping and "dining" and great people watching.

Food.... I like Mother's and Byways Cafe for breakfasts. For lunches, I'd suggest Paragon, Everett St. Bistro, Piazza Italia, or the upscale Fenouil. All these have sidewalk dining, which, during August in Portland is the way to go.

If you want a linen-tablecloth-fancy dinner, Ten 01 (or Fenouil) are hard to beat. Le Pigeon likewise has great food in a much more casual atmosphere. Something like Park Kitchen would be in between. Then there's Caffe Mingo, Clyde Common, Toro Bravo, Alberta St. Oyster Bar... tell me when to stop! ;-)

And you'll find a lively bar scene at Bay 13 or Henry's Tavern.
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Old Feb 13th, 2008, 12:26 PM
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I posted before I read the last response re: dining preferences.

We would like to eat somewhere semi-nice one evening, but within walking distance, and the other times, we are not picky -- just no chain restaurants please. Give us some choices for cool, local places to grab some food.

We haven't decided exactly where we will stay, but are definitely considering the Monaco unless you have other suggestions that would put us closer to public transportation and the "happening" part of Portland. If you have suggestions on somewhere else to stay that would make more sense to us being able to walk to dinner, walk around and see the sights during the day, let me know.

Thanks!
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Old Feb 13th, 2008, 12:35 PM
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Oh, and the Gorge plus the coast would be hard to do in one day as they're in opposite directions. Pick one. I think it's a toss-up. You obviously want to see the Gorge, but in my opinion, the coast is the best reason to visit Oregon.
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Old Feb 13th, 2008, 12:45 PM
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For breakfast, I love the Daily Cafe. They also have a killer Sunday brunch. Like I mentioned, there are tons of great places for happy hour. If you're looking for a happenin' scene to people watch, this is a great way to do it.
Some great happy hours:
*Oba
*Vault--this is a martini bar and will definitely be hoppin' on the weekend evenings. They have a happy hour on drinks that goes 'til 7, which is later than most.
*Henry's
*Portland City Grill--you should head up here just to check out the view
*Manzana
*Jake's--this is a bit of a Portland institution
*Clyde Common--I haven't been here, but it's a very new, hip restaurant
*The Teardrop Lounge--they mix all their own cocktails and come up with some pretty amazing stuff
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Old Feb 13th, 2008, 12:51 PM
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The Monaco definitely puts you in a good place in town.

Count on spending a LOT of time in the Japanese Gardens..regardless of the weather, they are just breathtaking.

Friday is better than Saturday for the Falls...when we moved to Portland, mms and beachbum gave me all the advice that I now give myself..they never steered me wrong .. their directions to the Gorge are good..
It is about 30-45 min from downtown..Cannon Beach is about 90 min, all depending on traffic.

In no particular order, my favorite restaurants and eating spots..
Pearl Bakery
Fenouil
bluehour for lunch or Happy Hour - outside..only outside
Vault Martini..Happy Hour
sit outside, people watch, believe me, you will enjoy it.
Silk
Wildwood
I like the views of Portland and beyond from the Japanese Gardens and avoid Portland City Grill..but maybe for a drink but then get out of there! lol..

Google Portland Streetcar and you can get the map of their route - a big loop through downtown Portland.. when you arrive at your hotel..there will be free maps etc. It is a Most hospitable town and I miss it
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Old Feb 13th, 2008, 01:01 PM
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Another vote for Mother's for breakfast. If they are too full, go up a block to Lorn and Dotties.

For the gorge, you head out of Portland going east on I-84. There are two exits you can get off on to get to the old scenic highway. Exit 17 at Troutdale, or exit 22 at Corbett. A couple must stops on the old highway are the Portland Woman's Forum (odd name, but fantastic views), the Vista House, and of course Multnomah Falls. There are many other great spots to stop at, and if you enjoy hiking at all, even better. You could continue and do a loop from there to the back side of Mt. Hood, head up to Timberline Lodge, then head back to Portland.

In downtown, Henry's is a lot of fun. Over 100 beers on tap, with an ice trough in the bar. Upstairs is a billiards room, with another bar in there. The restaurant takes up most of the space. PCG is good for the views, but I don't care for it as it is a meat market atmosphere. So if you want the views, go earlier.

Southpark is another place that has really good food, as well as good drinks. And outdoor seating in the summer, which on a nice day is heaven.
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Old Feb 13th, 2008, 01:08 PM
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The Inn at Northup Station might be a place you'd like
its very retro - wild colors -
each room has small kitchen area and its walking distance to
23rd st area and also on the trolley line
Very close to many of the happening bars and restaurants
I stayed there over Xmas-
Its definately not as upscale as the Monaco - but served our purpose for a 1 night stay and parking is included

http://www.northrupstation.com/



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Old Feb 13th, 2008, 01:34 PM
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Thanks for the great ideas! We are so excited about this trip! I think we are now going to go a day earlier and stay Wed afternoon and leave Sunday morning. There's just no way we can do the few things we want to do in just 2 days.

We are loving the Inn at Northrup Station! This is a great possibility for us. Again, just want to make sure it's a good spot for tourists to get around in the day and evening. We just don't want a "shady" neighborhood! (who does, right?!)

What "district" or part of Portland is Inn @ Northrup in vs. Monaco?
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Old Feb 13th, 2008, 01:42 PM
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When we stayed at the Inn at Northrup Station I felt quite safe walking around even in the evening
Walked down to the the shops and restaurants on 23rd St
Also great restaurant across the street - the Wildwood and Paleys Place around the corner

Lots to do in the area without even driving your car




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