One night in Portland...
Jun 3rd, 2003, 07:17 PM
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One night in Portland...
We are going to a wedding in Bend at the end of July and we are flying into Portland. Any experts out there want to give us suggestions for one fabulous aftenoon/night in Portland? We would like to stay in a location that is convenient for our morning drive to Bend, but that is not absolutely essential. A great activity during the day and a nice dinner...We don't want to spend a fortune, but we aren't on a tight budget either. Thank you! Oh, and how great is the zoo?
Jun 3rd, 2003, 08:19 PM
#2
Not everyone's taste, but for something fun, affordable, and absolutely, positively memorable, turn left coming out of the airport and in 5 min. you can be at McMenamin's Edgefield in Troutdale. The Edgefield is the former Multnomah County Poor Farm, converted with great creativity to a hotel/restaurants/bars/brewery/winery/golf/garden/movie/art... center. Whew. www.mcmenamins.com
The next morning, travel out the Historic Columbia Gorge Highway, which virtually starts at the Edgefield, to Hood River, then south on SR36 past Mt. Hood to US26 to US97 to Bend. This route has it all - waterfalls and the great river, glorious orchard country, deep forest, a snowy volcano, an Indian reservation, cowboy country and...Bend.
The Portland zoo is okay.
The next morning, travel out the Historic Columbia Gorge Highway, which virtually starts at the Edgefield, to Hood River, then south on SR36 past Mt. Hood to US26 to US97 to Bend. This route has it all - waterfalls and the great river, glorious orchard country, deep forest, a snowy volcano, an Indian reservation, cowboy country and...Bend.
The Portland zoo is okay.
Jun 3rd, 2003, 08:28 PM
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The Oregon Zoo has a wonderful summer concert series on the lawn. Here's the web site:
http://www.zooregon.org/
Check under events.
Visiting the Japanese or Chinese Gardens in the day, is a wonderful experience. The Japanese Gdns are near the famous Rose Gdns and zoo.
Bend is four hours. You can go over Mt. Hood and south, and visit Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood, if you have time, and the excellent museum on the Indian reservation on your way. (Add two to three hours) It's a fascinating trip over the mountain, from lush, green on the west to dry desert on the east.
http://www.zooregon.org/
Check under events.
Visiting the Japanese or Chinese Gardens in the day, is a wonderful experience. The Japanese Gdns are near the famous Rose Gdns and zoo.
Bend is four hours. You can go over Mt. Hood and south, and visit Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood, if you have time, and the excellent museum on the Indian reservation on your way. (Add two to three hours) It's a fascinating trip over the mountain, from lush, green on the west to dry desert on the east.
Jun 11th, 2003, 03:06 PM
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I second the Gorge recommendation as well as Edgefield (haven't been but like their other properties). The zoo is good, the Japanese garden world famous. OMSI is fun even for adults (at least I still like it).
Pearl district is fun but mostly shopping and gallery looking. There is good walking on the riverfront after dinner if you stay downtown.
The zoo is nice, doesn't compare to the big zoos in the country but I like it. A nice day trip. We enjoy zoos and this one is good.
Probably weather-wise I would want to be outside so go through the Gorge or the zoo. If you want specifics let us know what you decide.
Pearl district is fun but mostly shopping and gallery looking. There is good walking on the riverfront after dinner if you stay downtown.
The zoo is nice, doesn't compare to the big zoos in the country but I like it. A nice day trip. We enjoy zoos and this one is good.
Probably weather-wise I would want to be outside so go through the Gorge or the zoo. If you want specifics let us know what you decide.
Jun 11th, 2003, 03:54 PM
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The zoo, the rose garden in Washington Park, the Japanese Garden, the Chinese Garden, the river front, and the pearl district are all within 5-10 minutes of eachother. I'd pick from your favorites of those, and keep going as time permits. And stay downtown.
The gorge is beautiful, but if you're looking for a taste of Portland, save it (and Edgefield) for another trip.
Lots of good restaurants from which to choose. I'm not as excited about Bluehour as others, but it is good. My current favorites are Laslow's, Paley's Place, and Fratelli's.
There are a couple routes from Portland to Bend: out I-84 through the gorge to Hood River, then south over Mt. Hood; Highway 26, which is a more direct route over Mt. Hood; or, I-5 south to Salem, then Highway 22 east along the Santiam River. You'll enjoy the scenery whichever you choose.
The gorge is beautiful, but if you're looking for a taste of Portland, save it (and Edgefield) for another trip.
Lots of good restaurants from which to choose. I'm not as excited about Bluehour as others, but it is good. My current favorites are Laslow's, Paley's Place, and Fratelli's.
There are a couple routes from Portland to Bend: out I-84 through the gorge to Hood River, then south over Mt. Hood; Highway 26, which is a more direct route over Mt. Hood; or, I-5 south to Salem, then Highway 22 east along the Santiam River. You'll enjoy the scenery whichever you choose.
Jun 18th, 2003, 12:52 PM
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the japanese gardens are a must; the pearl district and NW 23rd and fun areas for shopping, cafes and people watching; if you prefer the mall setting check out pioneer place.
For food there are many good resturants and I suggest checking out citysearch.com for reviews depending on what you are looking for by food type.
Also for a place to stay I recommend a suite at 5th ave suites or the Luicia
For food there are many good resturants and I suggest checking out citysearch.com for reviews depending on what you are looking for by food type.
Also for a place to stay I recommend a suite at 5th ave suites or the Luicia
Jul 28th, 2003, 02:18 PM
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Thank you all for your suggestions. We stayed at McMennamin's Edgefield and it was absolutely perfect for us. It was really funky and cool. The King suite was simple but one of the largest rooms we have EVER had! I know that we did not experience all that Portland has to offer, but we will have to make another trip!
Jul 28th, 2003, 02:31 PM
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I was just in Portland this past weekend for a convention. If you're looking for a great fun place to eat I would reccomend Brasserie Montmarte (503-224-5552). It's a fun resturant with a live jazz band and a French feel. There is a strolling magician who will perform at your table. Every April they have a crayon art contest and the winners have their works displayed in the resturant.
