I live just a few miles from Ponzi, mms. It's one of the older Oregon wineries, on a nice piece of property, with inviting facilities. They host the tasting room (and maybe operate the Bistro) in Dundee. But, I've never much cared for their wine, either the pinot noir or chardonnay. Not enough time in oak for my taste.

My current favorite local winery is Brickhouse, a small place in the hills between Newberg and Dundee that does everything organically. They're proud of their wines, though.

One final (from me) comment; sorry that your thread was hijacked, anne.

Same apology from me Anne.

Beachbum--We must live very close to each other, lol!

I'm sure Anne doesn't mind reading through the posts! LOL Anne, if you're ever in need of lodging in the Columbia River Gorge area, the Columbia Gorge Hotel is gorgeous.

I know of travelers to the area who go there just to walk around the grounds and take photos. When my son was young he was playing photographer and took a really cute pic of

that was weird, had to answer an IM and it posted before I could finish... took a really cute pic of hubby and I kissing under the arch.

The breakfasts there are amazing! www.columbiagorgehotel.com Enjoy! ***kim***

Skimming all these replies, I have a couple of comments. I love Silver Falls St. Park, but do agree with the other two posters who suggested you bag that idea if you are going to the Gorge. Give that extra time to the coast.
Also, no need to stay at the airport, which is an airport.
You've done a great job researching already and are getting some wonderful ideas.
Anyone know if there are still sea lions hanging out on the rocks at Strawberry Hill, a scenic turnout north of Yachats?

Agree with Orcas on this one. Why the Red Lion? There are so many gorgeous places to stay in downtown Portland.

The Hilton downtown, is really pretty, we were just in their lobby a few weeks ago. I remember posters here getting rooms really cheap here. You will love Portland, gorgeous city. The Red Lion is really not that great of a place, IMO. ***kim***

While youa re driving around the wine country, pay VERY close attention to speed limits. Dundee has a notorious speed trap.
Re beaches, I side with the Cannon Beach group. We did not like Seaside at all. Tacky. Out of all the places to visit on the Oregon Coast, Seaside is about the last place I would call "wonderful", unless I was a teen-ager and wanted to hang out teenage style.

Know anything about Park Lane Suites? We had chosen the Red Lion because it was pretty well rated and had a good price. But I found a good deal on Park Lane Suites near PGE Park, so I think we'll stay there instead.

Thanks for all the comments so far. They've been a lot of help! We'll probably forgo Silver Falls SP and concentrate mainly on the wine area along 99 for one of the days. We won't be there during the Mt Angel Oktoberfest anyway. I think we'll also try the jet boat tours near Grant's Pass.

In Portland, we'd like to see the rose garden, the Japanese garden, the Chinese garden, the art museum, Pioneer Courthouse Square, Powell's bookstore, Pittock Mansion, and Saturday market. Some restaurants I had in mind to try are Pacific Oyster, Jake's Famous Crawfish, and perhaps the Western Culinary Institute dining room. I did want to try one really good restaurant that serves regional cuisine - I was thinking of Wildwood, although I know it will be pricey. Anything else in Portland we shouldn't miss? My husband already vetoed the zoo. And we're probably not interested in the Science Museum.

Incidentally, have any of you gone to Sauvie Island and can offer any opinions on it?

You'll enjoy Jakes', it's a Portland classic. Our two favorite places are the Bluehour & Paley's Place, located right across the street from Wildwood.

You could also post on the PNW chowhound board for more restaurant info. www.chowhound.com You can read my full reviews on places I've tried there. (Over 23 consecutive nights of dining out last trip!)

We enjoyed a couple of hours on Sauvie Island. You may want to be aware that there is a beach, Collins Beach, that is clothing optional. LOL! Have fun! And report back after your trip.

My son also enjoyed the Portland City Grill for his meal after his proposal on a carriage ride through Portland. He ordered the steak & lobster for $80 but it was a splurge. The views are amazing, up 30 stories, he really enjoyed this place. ***kim***

Park Lane Suites.... Much better than a cookie-cutter Red Lion. I'm not familiar with the hotel, but judging by the fact that it borders one of Portland's nicer neighborhoods, it should be fine. Cross Burnside St. to NW 21st and NW 23rd, noted for trendy shopping and restaurants (Wildwood is here). The MAX line runs down 18th (adjacent to PGE Park), so you'll have great access to a lot of spots on the to-do list without worrying about driving/parking.

I've not thought of Sauvie's Island as a tourist stop, except maybe for its nude beach(es), but I guess it does have a PNW flavor. Generally, it's a bunch of farms selling what they grow: flowers, produce, etc. We used to take our kids there to shop for Halloween pumpkins.

Pacific Oyster is the name of an oyster company, I think, not a restaurant. Jake's is an institution, but I think you can do better. Maybe Southpark Seafood Grill? Good choice on the Western Culinary Institute. As I haven't been in a few years, I won't comment on Wildwood as a splurge, but I will say that I don't think you need to spend a lot for a nice "regional cuisine" meal. Check out Higgin's. I'm sure you'll have recommendations for Bluehour.

After visiting Powell's take some time to stroll around the Pearl, which IMO, is what Portland wants to be.

Sauvie Island was featured in Sunset not too long ago. www.sauvieisland.org is a website for you to check out.

We also enjoy the Pearl District, www.shopthepearl.com is a fun website.

Lots of good shopping at the Pioneer Place, also. Another place we enjoy is the Harborside, located right on the waterfront. It's pretty pricey, but the views are gorgeous from their three-tierd restaurant. If you're a seafood lover this place is for you.

There's also the trendy Clarklewis that is on our list to try next visit. It's received mixed reviews on Chowhound, but sounds like a fun place to try. The potato gnocchi at the Bluehour can't be beat. ***kim***

We just returned from Oregon. We enjoyed Cannon Beach - clean and beautiful area, more upscale. Seaside is very touristy, mostly t-shirt type shops. We drove the coast from Seaside to Florence. The scenery is actually prettier further south. Lots of little dinky towns along the coast - just jump out of the car take a peak and go again. Did enjoy the Columbia Gore area - beautiful falls. Try to hit it off weekend for less crowds. Our favorite area was the Bend, Mt Bachelor area. Lots of hiking,biking type activities in that area. Didn't make it to Crater Lake, but would have liked to. Portland was very crowded with traffic. Unfortuantely we hit very hot weather, except by the coast, which created a lot of fog in the coast area - as I said if you like the mountains, and lakes - Bend and Crater lake will be great.

Southern Oregon is very HOT right now, so we really enjoy escaping to the gorgeous northern coast. Too bad Portland was crowded for you, we usually try to go to Portland mid-week in the summer and the crowds are literally cut in half.

Headed back over to the gorgeous Seaside beaches to do some surfing at the the end of the week. Astoria can't be beat for their seafood restaurants right on the gorgeous Columbia River. ***kim***

wander1, I'm sorry we'll have to miss Bend. I've heard it's beautiful. But we have to pick and choose our sites, or we'll end up in Oregon for a month! Right now, I'm trying to figure out if we can squeeze in a side trip to Ashland. Maybe some day we'll come back and visit the central and eastern parts of the state.

anne--if you do come back and see the central part of the state...here is a warning...you will never want to leave!!! whenever we leave that area we are always coming up with ideas to stay there

Anne22, yes to Ashland!!! It's one of my favorite Southern Oregon places. When our kids were younger on our trips, we drove right by this place for many years. I finally convinced my hubby to stop and explore the place and now we can't go up to the Northern Coast (of course, the most gorgeous part of the state!!) without a stop here.

We enjoyed the Ashland Springs Hotel for many years. www.ashlandspringshotel.com A gorgeous property, walking distance to some great restaurants and the theaters.

Recently, we needed a bit more room and we have stayed at the Plaza Inns & Suites the past three trips. Also, very nice, located right on the creek. Jacuzzi, evening PBJ's and chocolate chip cookies, breakfast, robes, turndown, etc. And a wonderful concierge who "fixed" a bad dining experience we had there last time.

For meals, I would highly recommend a dinner at The Peerless, located by the Peerless Hotel. Also, Chateaulin is excellent. We had their prix fixe meal around Christmas time. I believe it was only $29/pp and included two glasses of very nice Oregon wines.

The Cabaret theater is fun if you can't get into a play, and they have dinner with the shows. Any more questions on Ashland, let me know!!

If you enjoy wine, the Paschal winery in Talent is definitely worth a stop. Gorgeous grounds, plan on spending a little time there, we were rushed our last trip and would have loved to have stayed longer. Very nice Viognier and Pinot Gris there. Abacela is also very good, their Grenache is wonderful. ***kim***

ding ding ding... we HAVE a winner... with 14 of 36 posts, kimamom...

I visited Portland recently, and let me say this: I loved it! The Portland City Grill is indeed incredible (but yes, quite pricy). It IS sort of cool to see the big volcanoes while you eat, though.

The other thing I want to mention is, leave plenty of time to browse Powell's...I was shocked at how big the place is. I got lost for several hours, just browsing and reading...amazing.

I tried Jake's and concur with earlier positive statements concerning this establishment. If you like seafood, this is your place.

For a hearty breakfast with some French-influenced flavors, try Bijou cafe. Great omlettes!

The Saturday Market was basically a big tchotchke fair, as far as I was concerned. It was completely miss-worthy in my opinion.

X out.

This has been very informative for me also, as the Yankee and I are starting our trip plans for Portland.
anne22, we are going to try to be there at the end of September

Does anyone have anything to say about the Fifth Ave Suites?
Just getting started..this thread is perfect~