I spent a week at my home in Portland, OR. I ate breakfast in my kitchen most days, occassionally watched TV in the living room, mowed the lawn once, walked the dog in the park (and cleaned up after!), went to a pub or two, saw a movie and rode the city bus to the grocery store. If you need any additional information about this destination, just ask! It was a great week and I am well rested and ready to get back to work!

Where is your farm?

E I E I O...and on that farm...but seriously. We are heading to Oregon in September after Labor day for two weeks of camping, wine tasting, antiquing, farmer's markets, the fruit loop, fishing, hiking etc.

We wanted to drive into Portland on a Sunday to go to the Chinese garden, Powells,the Farmer's market and the Sat Market. I understand these are all located relatively close so we would just park once.

What kind of parking will we encounter: garages, street parking, lots. Do you have a recommendation as to where it would be best to park for these activities? Sometimes we cannot park in the garages because our Xterra has a roof rack and it is a little bit too tall. Thanks for your help. Glad you had a great staycation.

Michele_d,
On Sunday you should have no problem parking on the street somewhere in downtown Portland.

The Saturday Market, Chinese Garden, and Powell's more or less are all pretty close to each other. The Portland Farmers Market is at Portland State University. I actually prefer the Hollywood Farmers Market in the Hollywood Neighborhood on the east side of the Willamette River (it is at about 40th and Sandy). Go to the Travel Portland website for a good map and also look up the Hollywood Farmers Market. All of these places are not too far apart, inner Portland is not that big, but it packs a good punch of great streets, neighborhoods and crazy people like me!!

Have a great time!!

I should say that inner Portland is not that big for an American city. You can't walk from the Hollywood Farmers MArket to the other things you mention unless you want to walk 3 or 4 miles. You could take MAX lightrail and the Streetcars though from Hollywood to all of those other places. Consider that. On a Sunday though with free on street parking, I would drive. Where are you planning on eating and more importantly, drinking? You may have heard that Portland has some good brew pubs!

Hi oldmacdonald, Thanks for the info on the parking and the Hollywood Farmer's market. I will check it out. Any suggestions for brew pubs or quick lunch places in the area would be appreciated. We'll be doing a lot of wine tasting so this would be a good change of pace. Thanks again for the help.

Chinese gardens are wonderful! We didn't want to leave They had free tours, find out if they still have it, try to join. Our guide was very informative.

I'm probably the most excited to see the Chinese Gardens. I'm glad you liked them. Thanks for the free tour info.

Wow, living like a local!