My husband and I will be spending a long weekend in Portland to celebrate our 30th anniversary (whoa...) We will be renting a car for one of the days and are trying to decide which of the above day trips we should do, since we'll only have time for one. We'll be there the third week in June, if weather or time of year has anything to do with which would be the better choice.

Also, any restaurant suggestions? We like small, quaint restaurants -- not chains -- with local, fresh food. Nothing too expensive or touristy. Any music venues you can recommend for in the evening?

We are big gardeners and can't wait to see the Japanese and Chinese gardens. Are there any other gardens we shouldn't miss? Are there local garden walks?

Thanks for any advice you can give me. Can't wait to see Portland -- I've heard so many wonderful things about it!

Laurie

If you only have one day, do the coast if you have never seen it here. I would head over towards Cannon Beach, taking in Ecola State Park and Haystack Rock, then head down and take the Three Capes Scenic Loop. Come back via the Wilson River. That would be a full day, but is really nice.

For restaurants in Portland, Soutpark, Higgins, or Fenouil are all very good local places and are central to the main downtown area.

The gardens are great. Don't forget the rose gardens which are right next to the Japanese Gardens.

I can't help with music, but maybe others can.

I agree with mms about Cannon Beach and Ecola State Park. The tide pools in the Haystock Rock area are not to be missed.
At the same time, however, you also couldn't go wrong with a drive along the Columbia River Gorge, which is also a none-to-be missed experience.
Either way, you can't go wrong!

If you must choose between the two, I recommend Cannon Beach.

However, if you have a car for two days, you can easily do the Columbia River Gorge one afternoon and Cannon Beach the next day.

For Cannon Beach, take OR-26. Explore the town, tide pools, and Haystack Rock. Visit Ecola State Park and, if you have the time, the town of Manzanita.

If you decide to include the Columbia River Gorge, take I-84 to Corbett to access the Historic Columbia River Highway and drive that road as far as Moltnomath Falls. Return to I-84 and drive as far as Hood River. After walking around town and having a meal at Celilo, take the bridge across the Columbia and return to Portland via WA-14, from which the views of the river and Mt. Hood are spectacular on a clear day.

My favorite restaurant in Portland is Paley’s Place, and it fits your description.

Cannon Beach, in my top two places in the entire world.

However, if you get a chance it would be well worth it to take the 20 minute drive out of Portland down the Gorge to Multnomah Falls.

Yes, the gorge is stunning. If you can make time for it, take exit 17 or 22 off of I-84 to hop onto the old scenic highway. Must stops include Portland Womans Forum, Vista House and Multnomah Falls. Course there are many other great stops as well.

If you love the coast, Cannon Beach would be a great choice. If it's a 30th anniversary getaway, the Stephanie Inn might be a nice choice.
Our two favourite restaurants in Cannon Beach are Newman's and Bistro.
enjoy your trip,
CC

Thank you all for your replies -- I really appreciate it. Is the gorge an all-day trip? Could it be done in just a morning or an afternoon? We arrive in Portland on a Fri. afternoon and leave Monday morning so we only have 2-1/2 days to take in all the sights, one day being a day trip.
Laurie

The gorge can easily be done in just a couple hours. It takes only about 20 minutes from downtown Portland til you get on the old scenic highway, and from there it depends on how often you stop, etc. But you could see the highlights in 2-3 hours including drive time from downtown.

You can do the Gorge trip in a half day and spend a full day at Cannon Beach without staying overnight.. it is only 90 minutes from downtown Portland.

You won't need a tour for the Japanese Gardens and the Chinese Gardens are small and very manageable.. the Japanese Gardens you will want to savor.. regardless of weather. There are wonderful views of the city from there, enjoy taking a gazillion photos

Portland is brimming over with good restaurants..
For a romantic night, Fenouil is the spot .. this is the only place that could be expensive, not sure what your budget is .
www.fenouilinthepearl.com

bluehour for drinks later in the day..
Wildwood is just good .. lunch or dinner. Very affordable.
www.wildwoodrestaurant.com


Everett Street Bistro
www.everettstreetbistro.com

Typhoon on Broadway if you like elegant Thai
www.typhoonrestaurants.com
Silk if you like Vietnamese in a beautiful space
http://www.phovanrestaurant.com/

I agree with the recommendations for Southpark .. great seafood..
Carafe for French bistro and very affordable..
http://jupa.qwestoffice.net/

Hi, we have a beach cottage in Seaside, about 10 minutes from Cannon Beach, we love this area. Don't miss spending some time at Ecola State Park, take the scenic drive back to Indian Beach. The Stephanie Inn and Newman's are great choices for meals in this area.

In Portland, don't miss Park Kitchen, Fenouil, Olea or Ten 01 for nice meals, we also love Bluehour, Wildwood and Paley's Place. Have fun! ***kim***

Carafe - is new to me. Darn you Scarlett, now I have to plan another trip up to check it out!! LOL

Also check out
Le Pigeon at http://lepigeon.com/

Beast at www.beastpdx.com

We just did an Oregon trip last September, and we did the Columbia River Gorge in about 3 hours. You won't have time to do all the hikes that surround some of the falls, but you'll be able to at least to the short walks to the scenic view points and take some pictures and enjoy the view.

Also as pointed out, do not miss the view from the Women's Forum overlook and Vista house.

So I would do that on the day you arrive, then do Cannon Beach/3 Capes drive on your full day.

kimamom--You must have missed it, but blackmons asked for places not too expensive. Stephanie Inn definitely does not fit what they are looking for. And possibly Newmans as well.

Nanabee--You haven't been to Carafe yet? It's been around for ages and is very good. Right next to the Keller.

Maybe wait until you're here to make the decision. There's still a reasonable chance of rain in June (or any time of year, for that matter), and if the weather's lousy, I think you might enjoy the Gorge more. But if it's sunny, definitely head to the coast. I like mms's suggested route. If you're pressed for time, you could skip the southern part of Three Capes Scenic Loop; just be sure to stop at Cape Meare's State Park. One thing in your favor; you'll have daylight until about 9:30pm.

If you're big into gardening, the Portland Farmer's Market might be of interest: http://www.portlandfarmersmarket.org/. It's rated as one of the best in the country.

Oh, and music venues.... Not sure what you're looking for, but Paragon - in the Pearl District - has a guitar duo on Sunday afternoons starting at 4:00 that are just amazing. Spanish style. Very much worth the price of a drink or two, and Paragon's caesar with calamari is one of my favorite meals in town. Fratelli's, across the street and down a half block, is a nice little place too. And, as if you don't already have enough restaurant choices: Giorgio's. And Sel Gris. Did anyone mention Carlyle?

beachbum, yes, Paragon and the calamari

Funny, there is a poster who names the same couple of hotels and restaurants that they have been to in Portland, on their drives through to the Coast.. Carlyle is usually one. I hear their egg sandwiches are good

nanabee... mms is responsible for me knowing about Carafe, blame her !

Wow. You guys are awesome. This is going to be an amazing trip -- I can't wait. Great restaurant recommendations, and I'm definitely going to fit in the Farmer's Markets -- one of my favorite things to do. We were going to just rent a car for the day we do our day trip, but now I think maybe we should just splurge and rent one for the weekend because, like you say, who can predict the weather, and that way we'll be ready to take off. A guitar duo at the Paragon sounds perfect. Any outdoor music/picnic venues in the evening? Is the Kennedy School worth checking out for a meal? Sounds unusual. We tentatively have reservations at Hotel Monaco, but my husband is intersted in staying at River Place Hotel. Any opinion on that? Thanks for taking the time for all your great suggestions -- I really appreciate it.
Laurie

I prefer the Monaco.. for the hotel and for the location.

When we lived in Portland, the Mercury was a great way of seeing what was going on and when ..
http://www.portlandmercury.com/portland/Home

Have fun...

Laurie--I agree with Scarlett, the Monaco is great. We have stayed there several times for events in downtown when we didn't want to drive home. Beautiful hotel, fantastic location, and the staff are so friendly. Plus, their valet is underground so if it is raining there is no need to get wet. The Riverplace is definitely not as central and not near as much to do in the immediate area. I am sure kimamom will comment on it as they stayed there many years ago. So you might check tripadvisor for current reviews. As for Kennedy School, yes it is fun. The menu at all the McMenamin places is pretty much the same, and you don't really go for the food...but it is a fun place. Go for lunch and check out the property, or better yet if you head to the gorge stop at their Edgefield place in Troutdale, which is exit 17. I do love the Kennedy School, but with limited time the Edgefield would give you a better feel for the McMenamin places and it is a perfect fit with a trip to the gorge.