Portland oldie suggestions pls
Sep 11th, 2006, 12:03 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Portland oldie suggestions pls
Hi favorite fodorites!
I live here now and have done lots of research but still need your help!
We've always looked at active things to do around the city. My parents are coming in town and they are more sedentary. I am thinking a stroll through the Japanese gardens, Drive through the gorge (no hiking), maybe short trip to the Saturday Market. Any other ideas? They'll walk a bit but are used to a bit more catering than I normally deal with! It's also their first trip ever out here so I want to show them how awesome my new city is! They'll be here the end of Spt. Thanks for any input!
I live here now and have done lots of research but still need your help!
We've always looked at active things to do around the city. My parents are coming in town and they are more sedentary. I am thinking a stroll through the Japanese gardens, Drive through the gorge (no hiking), maybe short trip to the Saturday Market. Any other ideas? They'll walk a bit but are used to a bit more catering than I normally deal with! It's also their first trip ever out here so I want to show them how awesome my new city is! They'll be here the end of Spt. Thanks for any input!
Sep 11th, 2006, 12:30 PM
#2
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 19,419
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was there with an elderly couple, we all loved Chinese gardens, not a large area to cover, and benches to sit on. Join one of those free tours!
There is also a tea house, we didn't like it - overpriced, not worth it.
Don't miss the "smallest in the world public park".
Rose garden - I remember lots of stairs there.
When I was in Portland, there was a chocolate exhibit in the Forest museum (the one across from the zoo?). So check if they have an interesting exhibit. The museum itself is for kids mostly.
Are there any boat tours?
There is also a tea house, we didn't like it - overpriced, not worth it.
Don't miss the "smallest in the world public park".
Rose garden - I remember lots of stairs there.
When I was in Portland, there was a chocolate exhibit in the Forest museum (the one across from the zoo?). So check if they have an interesting exhibit. The museum itself is for kids mostly.
Are there any boat tours?
Sep 11th, 2006, 12:48 PM
#3
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sep 11th, 2006, 01:06 PM
#4
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,335
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sep 12th, 2006, 10:34 AM
#5
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,639
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Rose Gardens and the Chinese Classical Gardens may interest them. We also enjoyed the Pittock Mansion very much. We haven't been on the Spirit of Portland cruise, I've heard the food isn't that great, you may want to consider the ride w/o a meal. It sounds like a nice way to sight-see!
They may enjoy Jake's Crawfish for a meal or the London Grill at the Benson, very elegant and classy ambiance. Have fun! ***kim***
They may enjoy Jake's Crawfish for a meal or the London Grill at the Benson, very elegant and classy ambiance. Have fun! ***kim***
Sep 12th, 2006, 11:25 AM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My parents are older and they have been to Portland.
Gardens would be great, I remember there were a good number of benches if they need to rest.
They went to Moltnomah (I'm sure that's misspelled badly) Falls. They didn't go up the stairs, but were able to see it.
One thing check about the boat trips is stairs. My Dad has trouble with climbing up/down stairs. If you're expected to climb up to a higher viewing deck it could be a problem.
Also went to Mt. Hood, but not much going on at that time. Lodge was pretty to look at though.
Have they ever seen a fish hatchery? How about Seaside at the end of the Lewis&Clark trail? Or Ft. Vancouver? What I've found is where they can go at their own pace and rest works well.
Gardens would be great, I remember there were a good number of benches if they need to rest.
They went to Moltnomah (I'm sure that's misspelled badly) Falls. They didn't go up the stairs, but were able to see it.
One thing check about the boat trips is stairs. My Dad has trouble with climbing up/down stairs. If you're expected to climb up to a higher viewing deck it could be a problem.
Also went to Mt. Hood, but not much going on at that time. Lodge was pretty to look at though.
Have they ever seen a fish hatchery? How about Seaside at the end of the Lewis&Clark trail? Or Ft. Vancouver? What I've found is where they can go at their own pace and rest works well.
Sep 12th, 2006, 11:47 AM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,749
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You might want to stroll through the farmers market. Lots of benches to sit on if they get tired.
While the rose gardens are past their prime, the Japanese Gardens are a fantastic idea. Absolutely beautiful!!!
Did you take them for a drive on the old scenic highway in the gorge or did you go straight to Multnomah Falls on I-84? If you didn't do the scenic highway, that would be a nice trip.
While the rose gardens are past their prime, the Japanese Gardens are a fantastic idea. Absolutely beautiful!!!
Did you take them for a drive on the old scenic highway in the gorge or did you go straight to Multnomah Falls on I-84? If you didn't do the scenic highway, that would be a nice trip.
Sep 12th, 2006, 01:56 PM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,242
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<<The Rose Gardens and the Chinese Classical Gardens may interest them. We also enjoyed the Pittock Mansion very much.>>
***kim***, These are the same suggestions you gave on another travel board to someone asking about family friendly attractions in Portland. 
I know you can't stop yourself from posting on Portland threads, so if you really want to be helpful, you should spend more than a day or two a year in the city. :-"
***kim***
, These are the same suggestions you gave on another travel board to someone asking about family friendly attractions in Portland. I know you can't stop yourself from posting on Portland threads, so if you really want to be helpful, you should spend more than a day or two a year in the city. :-"
Sep 12th, 2006, 02:02 PM
#10
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,335
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
How about the End of the Oregon Trail
exhibit in Oregon City - something I have always wanted to do but havent done it
http://www.endoftheoregontrail.org/mambo/
exhibit in Oregon City - something I have always wanted to do but havent done it
http://www.endoftheoregontrail.org/mambo/
Sep 12th, 2006, 02:40 PM
#11
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,369
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm on a McMenamins Edgefield kick since I stopped there again last week...but I think the place is really unique and worth a couple of hours to stop in on the way back from the Gorge, wander around and look at the murals on the wall, have some wine or a beer or a burger and just chill. Last week my friend and I just sat on the porch on the 2nd floor and watched the beautiful post-sunset sky. What a great place just to sit and relax after a meal or something.
My folks enjoy puttering around downtown Portland on the streetcar and wandering down by Riverplace when they visit. They liked the Newport Bay on the water - you can get a table outside and enjoy the river view while you eat. I like the idea of the Portland Spirit cruise. Another fun thing for tourists is to go to Happy Hour at the Portland City Grille, 30th floor of the US Bancorp tower. (Never had the food but supposedly it is overpriced and overrated.) But go early - the place gets mobbed after 5PM until the end of Happy Hour, but I think it's dead when they open at 4.
You could also take them up to the grounds of the Pittock Mansion, again for the view although you can also tour the house. It's near the Rose Garden if you've never been there.
Up in Vancouver, WA, a walk through Officer's Row at Fort Vancouver Historic might interest them. There are a few cannons and such but not much else to see, more about the stroll and the something different that you don't see in Portland.
Andrew
My folks enjoy puttering around downtown Portland on the streetcar and wandering down by Riverplace when they visit. They liked the Newport Bay on the water - you can get a table outside and enjoy the river view while you eat. I like the idea of the Portland Spirit cruise. Another fun thing for tourists is to go to Happy Hour at the Portland City Grille, 30th floor of the US Bancorp tower. (Never had the food but supposedly it is overpriced and overrated.) But go early - the place gets mobbed after 5PM until the end of Happy Hour, but I think it's dead when they open at 4.
You could also take them up to the grounds of the Pittock Mansion, again for the view although you can also tour the house. It's near the Rose Garden if you've never been there.
Up in Vancouver, WA, a walk through Officer's Row at Fort Vancouver Historic might interest them. There are a few cannons and such but not much else to see, more about the stroll and the something different that you don't see in Portland.
Andrew
Sep 13th, 2006, 12:18 PM
#12
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,639
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Great advice from Andrew! BTW, I've been enjoying your portlandbridgesdot com website, my son and his wife have one of your photos of PDX in their living room. They bought it down by the Riverplace Hotel, it certainly looks like your work! ***kim*** 
Sep 13th, 2006, 12:21 PM
#13
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,369
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Out of curiosity, Kim, can you be more specific? There are a lot of photographs out there that resemble mine, but I have had a few dealings down there. However, I'm surprised anything of mine was purchased down there. (Feel free to email me offline via my website. - Thanks!)
Andrew
Andrew
Sep 13th, 2006, 01:14 PM
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Great info you all! I love the ideas and I've been wanting to check out the Pittock Mansion myself. ALso had forgotten about the Grotto which my mom will love.
Andrew-I've only been to Edgefield on a Saturday evening so it was a bit crazy and loud but lunch or early evening may be a good idea. Also will have to do some streetcar riding.
Thanks!!
Andrew-I've only been to Edgefield on a Saturday evening so it was a bit crazy and loud but lunch or early evening may be a good idea. Also will have to do some streetcar riding.
Thanks!!
Sep 13th, 2006, 11:36 PM
#15
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hmm depends on what their interests are.
The Grotto's a nice suggestion. But there is walking involved. Oregon Historical Society is nice, as is the Art Museum.
As is Fort Vancouver. There's a nice cafe in the Grant House on Officer's row. I've taken visitors to the Pendleton Woolen Mills outlet in Washougal, much to their satisfaction (if they're shoppers).
Don't just drive the Gorge, do the Mt. Hood loop (or two separate days).
Oregon City has the End of the Trail museum.
Maybe look for special events. The Greek festival is at the end of September. Go to a play, a concert, or a sporting event.
Visit some of the Portland parks. Mt. Tabor, drive through the arboretum at Washington Park, visit Council Crest. Especially if the weather's good. For the views. The Pittock Mansion has a nice view.
A drive to Sauvie's Island is nice, with stops at the market stands. Same to the wine country.
Meals at scenic restaurants, like Salty's out on the Columbia or Newport Bay. Dan & Louis' Oyster Bar is a fun place for a meal. Camp 18 (on the way to Cannon Beach) is a fun stop for a meal, too.
Check the A&E (in the Friday Oregonian) for anything special/interesting going on while they're here.
The Grotto's a nice suggestion. But there is walking involved. Oregon Historical Society is nice, as is the Art Museum.
As is Fort Vancouver. There's a nice cafe in the Grant House on Officer's row. I've taken visitors to the Pendleton Woolen Mills outlet in Washougal, much to their satisfaction (if they're shoppers).
Don't just drive the Gorge, do the Mt. Hood loop (or two separate days).
Oregon City has the End of the Trail museum.
Maybe look for special events. The Greek festival is at the end of September. Go to a play, a concert, or a sporting event.
Visit some of the Portland parks. Mt. Tabor, drive through the arboretum at Washington Park, visit Council Crest. Especially if the weather's good. For the views. The Pittock Mansion has a nice view.
A drive to Sauvie's Island is nice, with stops at the market stands. Same to the wine country.
Meals at scenic restaurants, like Salty's out on the Columbia or Newport Bay. Dan & Louis' Oyster Bar is a fun place for a meal. Camp 18 (on the way to Cannon Beach) is a fun stop for a meal, too.
Check the A&E (in the Friday Oregonian) for anything special/interesting going on while they're here.
Sep 14th, 2006, 08:55 AM
#16
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,639
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Andrew, I will e-mail you about it. Sauvie Island is a great suggestion, it's a great place to purchase produce/flowers, etc. We enjoyed spending time on Sauvie Island, bike riding and picking blueberries. ***kim***
Sep 14th, 2006, 09:04 AM
#17
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,738
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi eroz,
I heartily agree with the Japanese Gardens, but you might see if you can drop your parents off up at the top then park in the lot down at the base of the garden .. in order to go to the gate, you climb/walk up a path/stairway ..
The Chinese Gardens are all flat, smaller and pretty but of the two, I vote for the Japanese Gardens.
Sauvie Island is nice but if you are not going to be picking, shopping or biking, IMHO not worth the drive. We were there this summer and got watermelons and drove around the island..pretty but not what I would suggest.
I like the idea of the Gorge/Scenic Highway leading past the waterfalls..some of the falls are right there so they could see them from the car or walk over to them, some, like Bridal Veil they will not see but there are enough and the drive is so amazing with the views at Vista House and the Portlands Womans Forum Overlook. That is also good when the weather is not at its best, you will be in the car.
I heartily agree with the Japanese Gardens, but you might see if you can drop your parents off up at the top then park in the lot down at the base of the garden .. in order to go to the gate, you climb/walk up a path/stairway ..
The Chinese Gardens are all flat, smaller and pretty but of the two, I vote for the Japanese Gardens.
Sauvie Island is nice but if you are not going to be picking, shopping or biking, IMHO not worth the drive. We were there this summer and got watermelons and drove around the island..pretty but not what I would suggest.
I like the idea of the Gorge/Scenic Highway leading past the waterfalls..some of the falls are right there so they could see them from the car or walk over to them, some, like Bridal Veil they will not see but there are enough and the drive is so amazing with the views at Vista House and the Portlands Womans Forum Overlook. That is also good when the weather is not at its best, you will be in the car.
Sep 14th, 2006, 09:04 AM
#18
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
bbqboy, thanks for the link to the grotto. I had no idea it was still there! My mother used to head over there for a little quiet contemplative time when four kids got to be too much. ;-) It looks even more beautiful than it did years ago.
