Is Portland a great city or what?
Jul 17th, 2007, 06:48 AM
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Is Portland a great city or what?
Two day business trip to Portland. I've been here two or three times before for overnight trips, but had no time to appreciate the city. Of course it's a beautiful city - and how do you get so many tall trees to grow downtown? Great lunch outdoors with colleagues at Meriwether's, 2601 NW Vaughn St., yesterday and then awesome martinis, salmon, and banana pie at Jake's Grill, 611 SW 10th Ave. After dinner, we strolled two blocks to the booklovers' temple - Powell's Books, 1005 W. Burnside. Was there only an hour but could have spent a day there. Very nice walk through downtown back to the hotel. To top it off, the Portland airport has free wi-fi.
Already looking forward to my next trip here. What would knowledgeable Portlanders recommend for a next visit?
Already looking forward to my next trip here. What would knowledgeable Portlanders recommend for a next visit?
Jul 17th, 2007, 06:57 AM
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Oh boy, you are going to make me homesick! lol
Next visit, see the Japanese Gardens, eat at Fenouil or Everett St Bistro, Silk, gads!! there are so many good places to eat in Portland and in the 3 months since we have been gone, I betcha more have opened!
Go to the Gorge and take a picnic..see the waterfalls and smell that air!!
Take the streetcar and do a pub crawl or as in my case, go to Happy Hour in a different restuarant every night lol..favorites, Bluehour or Vault .. or Paragon..
Shop at REI
Take photos wherever you go..walk along the Riverfront..
Go to the Farmers Mkt in the South Park Blocks and walk and eat
Eating seems to be a theme, huh?
Glad you had such a nice time, hurry back and tell me ALL about it ~
Next visit, see the Japanese Gardens, eat at Fenouil or Everett St Bistro, Silk, gads!! there are so many good places to eat in Portland and in the 3 months since we have been gone, I betcha more have opened!
Go to the Gorge and take a picnic..see the waterfalls and smell that air!!
Take the streetcar and do a pub crawl or as in my case, go to Happy Hour in a different restuarant every night lol..favorites, Bluehour or Vault .. or Paragon..
Shop at REI
Take photos wherever you go..walk along the Riverfront..
Go to the Farmers Mkt in the South Park Blocks and walk and eat
Eating seems to be a theme, huh?
Glad you had such a nice time, hurry back and tell me ALL about it ~
Jul 17th, 2007, 08:19 AM
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Sssshhhh...... we're trying to keep it a secret!
Now that I think about it, dining DOES seem to be a favorite activity around here. Then we go work off the calories doing outdoorsy stuff. In addition to what Scarlett's mentioned, we've got a decent little Art Museum, and an active local arts community. Pick up a copy of the latest Travel & Leisure. I was surprised to see an article on Portland in there. Learned something about the city too.
I don't really think of Portland as a tourist destination, though. We've got some nice gardens and nearby natural beauty, but I think what makes it great is simply its vibe.
Now that I think about it, dining DOES seem to be a favorite activity around here. Then we go work off the calories doing outdoorsy stuff. In addition to what Scarlett's mentioned, we've got a decent little Art Museum, and an active local arts community. Pick up a copy of the latest Travel & Leisure. I was surprised to see an article on Portland in there. Learned something about the city too.
I don't really think of Portland as a tourist destination, though. We've got some nice gardens and nearby natural beauty, but I think what makes it great is simply its vibe.
Aug 3rd, 2007, 07:32 AM
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Get thee to the Portland City Grill for some amazing views of the city with excellent food and service. Our lunch there yesterday was great fun with the kids, we spent over 2 hours enjoying Suishi, Sauv Blanc, Mahi Mahi, great burgers, crab salad and homemade cookies and Haagan Daz ice cream for dessert.
If you return in the summer, don't miss the Rose Gardens, they were gorgeous yesterday, shopping in the Nob Hill District was also very fun. We found a cool little bakery called Saint Cupcake which was really yummy. ***kim***
If you return in the summer, don't miss the Rose Gardens, they were gorgeous yesterday, shopping in the Nob Hill District was also very fun. We found a cool little bakery called Saint Cupcake which was really yummy. ***kim***
Aug 3rd, 2007, 07:38 AM
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Kim--Glad you hit PCG on an off day. And you avoided the meat market part by going at lunch, so a good day for you! If you return on another beautiful day here, I would recommend finding a place to dine outside though. Yesterday was soooo nice here! We had dinner at Southpark and the outdoor seating was perfect.
Aug 6th, 2007, 08:29 PM
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Hi mms- Yes, I am here in Portland.
Had breakfast at St. Honore Bakery (NW 23rd and Thurman I believe). Lunch at Bluehour, and took my grown kids (who live here) to Paley's Place for dinner. My two year old granddaughter went straight for the dessert for dinner! Smart girl.
As you can see I am wasting no time hitting all the restaurants recommendated by Fodorites.
Plan to go to the Rembrant exhibit before I leave. Thanks for the suggestion.
Had breakfast at St. Honore Bakery (NW 23rd and Thurman I believe). Lunch at Bluehour, and took my grown kids (who live here) to Paley's Place for dinner. My two year old granddaughter went straight for the dessert for dinner! Smart girl.
As you can see I am wasting no time hitting all the restaurants recommendated by Fodorites.
Plan to go to the Rembrant exhibit before I leave. Thanks for the suggestion.
Aug 7th, 2007, 09:06 AM
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nanabee--Glad you are enjoying your time here, and I am sure you will love that exhibit. St. Honore recently opened another spot in Lake Oswego. The day I met Scarlett in person, we had lunch at the one on NW 23rd. That ws the beginning of many great lunch dates with her
Aug 7th, 2007, 09:24 AM
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Get thee to the Portland City Grill...
Love it, ***kim***!! You must have a very short memory, because the last Portland restaurant you visit when you come through town is always the first you recommend as the bestest in town. Last month it was Olea, wasn't it? And the month before, Lovely Hula Hands, or some other such place. Do you REALLY think Portland City Grill holds a candle to a place like Fenouil or Paley's Place, or even Olea??
It is nice to see you agreeing with MRand, though, that Portland is a great city. Sometime you should give yourself more than just an afternoon to enjoy it.
Love it, ***kim***!! You must have a very short memory, because the last Portland restaurant you visit when you come through town is always the first you recommend as the bestest in town. Last month it was Olea, wasn't it? And the month before, Lovely Hula Hands, or some other such place. Do you REALLY think Portland City Grill holds a candle to a place like Fenouil or Paley's Place, or even Olea??It is nice to see you agreeing with MRand, though, that Portland is a great city. Sometime you should give yourself more than just an afternoon to enjoy it.
Aug 7th, 2007, 11:29 AM
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(on 30th floor of "Big Pink", US Bank Tower) The bird's-eye view of Portland from its panoramic picture windows is a must-do for anyone new in town..... Competition can be fierce for seats at the bar, and it can get downright ugly if you linger too long at the window seats. Live entertainment provided by one of Portland's only piano bars (5-11pm nightly), and the mating rituals of the horny, mostly business-class crowd.
This is from a Portland Magazine that rates the restaurants and bars in town..lol...
Like we have said in the past, Meat Market But some call it waaay cool lol
This is from a Portland Magazine that rates the restaurants and bars in town..lol...
Like we have said in the past, Meat Market But some call it waaay cool lol
Aug 7th, 2007, 12:23 PM
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Make sure you hit the Portland City Grill during happy hour, unbeatable value. the white cheddar and chive burger gets me every time. The Little White Shed is one of my favorites, but it's a little out of town towards Hillsboro, but really fun.
http://www.gosleepgo.com/guide/us/or...te-shed-saloon
http://www.gosleepgo.com/guide/us/or...te-shed-saloon
Aug 7th, 2007, 01:40 PM
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Great thread!! We leave for Portland on Thursday....it is 98 degrees here in Norfolk, VA and we are so looking forward to slightly cooler weather.
Have reservations for Everett St. Bistro, Paley's Place, Fenouil and Le Pigeon. We're now planning on seeing the Rembrandt exhibit and the gardens.
Thanks to all of you for the recommendations!
Have reservations for Everett St. Bistro, Paley's Place, Fenouil and Le Pigeon. We're now planning on seeing the Rembrandt exhibit and the gardens.
Thanks to all of you for the recommendations!
