Scarlett and MMS - thanks for the additional info. I'm going to put it all together in an itinerary and then shoot it off to my family. I'm pretty sure I'll be able to talk my sister-in-law into the shopping expeditions and the hunt for chocolate and other wonderful desserts. Thanks again to all the fodorites for their suggestions.

Just in from a walk from our neighborhood, down Glisan to NW23rd, great walk!~Lunch at Pizzacato with Pup..
Your Tea question:
Tao of Tea on 21st street looks perfect.

Teuscher is the chocolate store near the hotel, Moonstruck is on 3rd (as mms said).
I will make it my mission to check out all that I can find for you :D

We went to the flower market next door to Trader Joes...wonderful!

Scarlett: Thanks for the scout. I'll check back periodically (or more if my need for a daily fodor fix continues).

We get Teuscher in SoCal but I'm always on the look out for local artisan chocolates. I'll add Moonstruck to the list. I also enjoy a nice cuppa (tea) from time to time so Tao of Tea does sound perfect - perhaps as a break from our day of shopping.

Thanks again.

Moonstruck Chocolates are very nice, but check out Vendun Chocolates in the Pearl on NW 10th. Very decadent, very yummy and beautifully wrapped chocolates of all kinds. Enjoy! ***kim*** ((f))

Yes, Vendun is a couple of blocks away, I will do a taste test for you :D

http://portlandtribune.com/pearl/index.html

Enjoy this while you make your plans :)

I have had family visit portland and they have stayed at the 5th Avenue suites. They are quite discriminating travelers and I feel confident about the hotel. As to dining I can say that the new Olea restaurant in the pearl is the new happening spot. Great food & service. Definitely something new for the Portland dining scene. ( also great shopping @ bella casa & hunt & gather)

Thanks Scarlett and Butterbean for the recent posts. I've been swamped with work as I get ready for my vacation starting this weekend - west coast of Vancouver Island. As generally happens, the few days before leaving are so hectic that is makes you wonder if its worthwhile, then you leave and the magic begins, you unwind a little and learn to breathe again.

My sister-n-law has tickets for us to go see Mamma Mia as part of the Broadway in Portland series while we are visiting. I also think she is throwing a New Years party - so instead of a night out we may have a night in. I am still looking forward to our hotel stay and definitely exploring Portland. We have five nights (and days) for food - so I think we should be able to hit a couple of the better restaurants, and to track down yummy chocolate as well as any other treats. I'm also looking forward to some post-holiday shopping for the home (we will be remodeling the house next year which means new everything, right?).

Thanks, again.