Next week we will be in Portland Oregon on vacation. This is the first time we have been to this area. I posted awhile back looking for suggestions on brewpubs, etc to visit and I got some great answers. Now that we have somewhat of an agenda figured out I'd like your comments & suggestions on it. We are not going to have reservations for lodging anywhere so we can basically play it by ear and do whatever.

The Plan: We fly into Portland next Tuesday (my birthday). We have not decided on where to stay that first night. We are considering the Kennedy School or McMenamins Edgefield (is this a town or what?) Or is there a good central area walking distance to brewpubs (we love microbrews)? We are thinking of spending the first 2 nights in Portland. Maybe take a day trip to Mt Hood (is this worth it?) and possible a river boat ride. Not sure what else in or around town.

Then we plan on taking off for Austoria and then heading down the coast stopping for the night(s) where it appeals to us. We want to spend Saturday night in Newport to visit friends then I guess head back towards Portland on Sunday. We leave Oregon for home (Colorado) on Monday morning.Thanks in advance for any input.

Cheers,
Terri

I'm topping my own post because it got so buried under all posts about hotdogs, celebrities, Jesus, morality, Fodors new format, travel agents, toilets, etc. We are leaving on the 26th and would like to hear some comments/suggestions. We have decided to stay in the downtown area our first 2 nights. Thank you!

Good choice to stay downtown. Where are you staying? You should check out the Riverfront-- there is a great seafood restaurant-- McCormick & Schmick's Harborside. Their bar is called The Pilsner Room-- and it's affiliated with Full Sail. Downtown you can check out Widmer, Portland Brewing, & Bridgeport. Yes, go to Mt. Hood-- you would probably want to drive to Timberline Lodge, unless you're interested in hiking-- there are several parks in the shadow of Mt. Hood. Have a good trip!

Kim

Book on the Portland Spirit for a dinner cruise (see portlandspirit.com for details) & get the champagne, balloons, & cake. It's terrific.

Kim & Julie, Thanks so much for your advice/information. Sounds like a lot to do and I'm sure we'll have a great time!

Terri