A friend has invited me along on her business trip to Portland and I have to decide in one day. We'll be staying at a nice hotel downtown and should be in walking distance to something? I hear that this city is the same to most women as San Fran is to most men - which is okay, I'm not really man hunting. Anyone out there know about Portland?

Except for the weather -- especially this time of year, Portland is a very nice city.
Here's a useful website with lots of info:

http://www.herring.org/portland.html

And, another......

http://www.osfci.org/portland.html

Too bad you didn't bother to name the hotel or at least give the address. Then, people would know more about where you will be in order to give definitive responses.

http://www.el.com/to/portland/

I go to Portland all the time, there is a ton to do and see. I love the Art Museum, shopping downtown, eating at all the great restaurants and having cocktails at the Sauce Box.

I assume your comment is meaning that there are a lot of lesbians in the city? I have never in all my times there had any expereinced with that so I can't comment. Portland is beautiful, friendly and TAX FREE!!

Portland is so much fun! Go to the Columbia Gorge, drive to the coast (Cannon Beach is spectacular). It is rainy right now though. As far as lesbians - why would you even care?

Emily, if you are staying downtown, that is perfect. Downtown Portland is compact, and totally walkable. Unfortunately, the weather probably will be kind of icky, though it's warming up a bit (early 50s) and the rain is *supposed* to stop after Tuesday (we'll see).

But yeah, you'll have something to do. No problem. Right now at the Portland Center for Performing Arts, there are some plays, and there are plenty of musical concerts, too.

You didn't mention when you were coming? The International Film Festival starts in February, if you're coming later. Check out portland.citysearch.com for the latest happenings. See ya!

Oh, and let me add - that if you are going to be in Portland (PDX) for 7 days, you will want to get out of town. I live here, and love it, but there's really not seven days worth of stuff to do IN Portland if you're a tourist. Not unless you are extremely laid back and want to while away the days in coffee shops with a good book. ldsant is right - rent a car and hit the coast (stormy beaches), the mountains (skiing), the Gorge (well okay, it's probably kind of nasty right now).

I don't think of Portland as a lesbian town ... maybe the gay community is more vocal here than in other places because it's very progressive, but most people are still hetero. If you want to pick up guys, there ARE clubs (or you can just browse the personals in the free paper, Willamette Weekly - www.wweek.com - if you don't believe me!). Or just flirt shamelessly - the men will be so shocked and thrilled. We're a very low-key people.

And don't forget to go to Powell's Books. Eat at Jake's. Walk around the trendy NW 21st and 23rd streets (some great restaurants up there). If you like theatre, go to the visitor's center at Pioneer Courthouse Square. There's a ticket office there that sells tix to most events.

And if you're coming soon, you might run into some Hollywood folks. The cast and crew of The Hunted are supposed to return for about a week around the 9th of January, to wrap up filming that had to be halted when Benicio del Toro broke his arm. I heard Benicio likes to chill at the Saucebox on weekends; he did last time he was here.

Good luck!

Thanks all for your advice. I don't know the name of the hotel - only that it's very nice and downtown (I won't know until later today). I'll be going (and I've decided that I shouldn't miss this opportunity) Jan. 19 through the 26. I'd love to catch a glimpse of Benicio, but I'll probably be too late...As for the Lesbian's in the city, my sister (who is one) warned me that there probably wouldn't be much romance for me there.
Thanks again for all the great information!

As mentioned Portland is very walkable and there is also a pretty good light rail system. Good museums, good shopping and great food. Check out the City Search web site for lots of good information. If you aren't used to driving in the snow/ice don't attempt a trip up the Gorge until you know road conditions it can be pretty nasty. The coast is wonderful, might want to wait to see the weather it wouldn't be too much fun if it is really stormy. Bring your rain clothes. Also as mentioned Portland is pretty casual so you can wear your tennis shoes if that feels best for you. Bring warm clothes the temp will probably be 40-50s but moisture is what you need to prepare for. Living in a small town and visiting Portland I was always impressed by the 'professional' men I saw and flirted with. There are lots of brochures at Pioneer Square so go the first day and then plan the week or you can call ahead and have them mailed.

Have a great time - Portland is very pretty and fun to visit.