My husband and I are planning to spend Christmas with family in Portland, and would enjoy a few days on our own. Besides skiing, any recommendations for someplace to visit?

Winter in the Northwest is a bit on the gloomy side, except for skiing. However, some people like to go to the ocean and watch storms come in. From Portland, you can easily go to Cannon Beach, which is a very nice little town. I would look into accommodations sooner rather than later. It will be cold, and you will spend most of your time sitting inside by the fire with a book or going out to eat, so try to get a room with an ocean view and a a fireplace. Even in winter, it's nice to see and hear the ocean.

You could go up the town of Leavenworth Wa- a little Bavarian type town with lots of winter activities

http://www.leavenworth.org/modules/p...x.php?pageid=1

but if you have never been to the Oregon Coast - you should drive over
to Cannon Beach
Sometimes you get a break in the winter and the weather isnt too bad -
great for sitting in front of a fire and reading a good book or long walks on the beach

We love Leavenworth. At Christmas it is especially nice, but you do need to book asap! The coast is good too, but I love all the outdoor activities around Leavenworth.

Down the coast from Cannon Beach is a place called The Inn At Otter Crest. Built on a cliffside, beautiful views. Lincoln City up the coast a bit has a fun outlet mall.

Are you thinking a day trip, or planning an overnight? Leavenworth is a long drive for a day trip, and I'd say that about Lincoln City too. But Cannon Beach is less than two hours from Portland, and worth the drive for a day, even if it is "gloomy".

I'd suggest the Columbia River Gorge, but even on a clear day, winds are likely to be blowing, so you wouldn't want to be out of the car too long. Maybe an afternoon of wine tasting? Wineries might be closed, though.

Yeah, probably not a whole lot of options. But, there's always Powell's Books.

Hello,

Just pack your fleece jackets, raincoats, waterproof boots and you'll be fine. It will be wet and a cold wind, but that is why everyone drinks coffee or tea so much. Portland is a great place to play tourist. They have the Pearl District, which is a funky neighborhood that has been re-vamped with great restaurants, boutiques, art galleries. You can go skiing at Mt. Hood and I wouldn't hesitate to drive the Columbia Gorge - it is beautiful, the waterfalls will be peeking through the low-hanging clouds. It is an easy day-trip and a spectacular view. Go west from Portland and visit a few wineries, they will have tastings in evenings and weekends, around a roaring fire.

Don't sit inside with the rain, but just wear layers and a raincoat and venture out in the weather. It really isn't that bad and a good excuse to drink coffee and eat clam chowder.

Best Regards,
Julia