I like the Epicurian Walking Tour of Portland- variety of local foods, brews, whatever is in season for the moment and some Portland history as well.

Not familiar with gay bars but I would think there are lots of bars in the Pearl district that would be fine.

Cruise- Spirit of Portland has a variety of cruises from the Waterfront area

I love to walk the waterfront- you can walk up one side of river, cross over a bridge, do the other side and cross back on the next bridge- easy to do- or rent a bike on the water front and do same route.

There are also jet boat rides up the Willamette but not sure if operating in
April.

You can take a bus from downtown Portland to Zoo/Rose Garden/Japanese Garden area

Tower to get a great city view is Portland City Grill- has to be a nice clear day of course- great happy hour but very packed with people.

Not sure of this- but have been to the Hilton Hotel- top floor- in the evening there used to be a great jazz bar- great views of the city at night- have not been there in awhile so may have changed since last time I was there.

We always enjoy strolling the Nob Hill district, which isn't far from the Pearl District: http://www.nobhillbiz.com/

HTTY

The Rose Garden is not that interesting in April. For something indoors try the zoo or the International Forestry Center near the Washington Park station. http://trimet.org/schedules/r100rtext.htm
The Washington Park station is deep underground with an elevator to a point near the zoo entrance.
Always expect rain in April and pack a good raincoat.

Thanks, all. I booked lunch Friday at Portland Grill!

I just learned about a fun thing to do in Portland - the Food Cart Tour- you know Portland is famous for its food carts - so here is a way to try a variety of them. There is a Groupon today for the tour- think I will get one.

I would skip the south Waterfront on Saturday and take the bus to the Hawthorne District.

We really enjoyed Papa Haydn. We didn't eat there, just had their desserts there which were really good. Wish we could have tried them all, they did have some interesting looking salads and other dishes. My point to this, is that you might want to go here and just get soup, salad, and dessert. Or just dessert-maybe for one of those meals.

Thanks for the tips. Any comments on my timing or some of my sightseeing plans?

Hi
My info is a bit old but we lived in the Pearl District before moving here to BA and I don't think things have changed too much in that time.
Take the street car into the Pearl and get off at Couch ( pronounced Kooch) and see Powells Books. from there walk towards Jamison Square. If you walk on 12th , you can stop for lunch at Bluehour http://www.explorethepearl.com/pearl-businesses/eat-drink/Blue-hour , eat outside if you can .. and shop anywhere you wish, that is the best of shopping and or window shopping.. Near Jamison Sq is an Italian place that is good, eat outside there too if you can.. Piazza Italia on NW Johnson.
Go to the Pearl Bakery too. Enjoy... I miss Portland :- )

ps: The Japanese Gardens are just so wonderful, we used to go up there almost every week. We walked from NW 23rd , it is a long walk but if you are in shape and have the time, it is a pretty walk .. You will pass the Rose Gardens also.
We always drove to Pittock Mansion, another fantastic place, try to go on a clear day, you can see forever :- )
I hope you have cameras with you at all times.
We went to the library and of all the places I have lived, then ... it was not the best. The building is nice but I would not waste much time there, the Museum is a better place to spend your time.
Portland City Grill is a good place for guys to pick up girls at Happy Hour , but it is also a good place to see the sunset and the lights all over going on .. beautiful sight.
Then go somewhere else for a good meal.
*hi sunbum