what to do in Portland? (1 Viewer)

I'm going to Portland for the weekend and was wondering what to do? I've already got some stores picked out, like Rejeuvination Lighting, Williams Sonoma, Paradise Pen, etc. but was wondering if there are any interesting and unique places to go or things to do that I may not know about.

jeremy

This place is pretty awesome:
http://www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?...ion%20Homepage

An old school renovated into one humongous bar and restaurant. Different classrooms have been converted into minibars, the old swimming pool and gymnasium are intact, and there's even a movie theater/pub that shows second run shows while you have your dinner and drink. It was recently highlighted in Entertainment Weekly as one of the best theaters in the country.

If you're a bookworm or bibliophile you must stop by Powell's:
http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/01...-of-books.html

You can't go wrong just strolling around that area around Powells too - Pearl District has a lot of art galleries and the NW 23rd is a major shopping area with boutiques and such.

There's also a Todai in downtown Portland if you're into all-you-can-eat sushi.

Maine or Oregon?

Coming from Alberta "for the weekend" it's most likely Oregon.

Two of the three stores he mentioned also are based in Portland, OR.

If you like books, Powell's is the the best bookstore in the country, IMO, and well worth visiting even if you're not a big reader. Only Foyles in London approaches that selection.

Well I live here and let me tell you those are all ok places. There are better places to eat than McMenamins though, but if you are into "crowded and long waits" for a micro beer and burger, check it out.
If you prefer more upscale shopping you might wanna check out the new Bridgeport shopping outdoor shopping center

Are you only interested in shopping? Or sightseeing too? What are your tastes?

Portland is known for the number of microbreweries, bridges, and strip clubs per capita. I'll wait for your response to Chris's question before I give more details...

It is indeed Portland, Oregon and I have updated my profile to reflect my move to B.C.

We are definitely going to go to Powell's. We're definitely going to do some shopping because we're going to specialty stores that sell things we're specifically interested in (Rejeuvination Lighting, Williams Sonoma, Paradise Pen) but we would also like to do some relaxing and sight seeing. We like older houses and buildings, photography, nice parks, stip clubs and maybe the zoo if time permits. We're also looking for a restaurant that is nice but not too expensive.

jeremy

I agree McMenamin's is nothing extraordinary in the food department, but you should at least spend an hour and hang out/walk around the Kennedy School.

Yes, the Kennedy School is pretty interesting (have a drink in the principal office, etc.).


Older Homes: Drive or walk around downtown near the waterfront and up through the Pearl district on up to 21st/Burnside area. Check out the Pittock mansion as well.

Photography: The Japanese gardens are very popular as well as the various parks along the west hills. Take a drive along Skyline Blvd or visit Council Crest Park... there will be some great views. If you have more time, definitely go visit Timberline Lodge on Mt Hood (where The Shining was filmed) or go see Mt.St.Helens (miles of incredible devastation, etc.).

Strip Clubs: I'd suggest going to one with a Portland flavor (not the typical Vegas/LA style club). The Acropolis (which has decent $4 steaks) and maybe Union Jacks or the Magic Garden would be my suggestion. (BTW, I'm assuming you're looking for females stripping)

Zoo: Ehh, it's OK.

Restaurants: There are a lot of good surf & turf places as well as Asian-pacific cuisines. What price range are you looking at?

I've only been to one club in my life (not in Portland). What's the distinction?

I actually just finished working on a show for the Travel Channel about Oregon that focused on Portland...

Of course I've been there once or twice too.

One place they mentioned that sounded cool is VooDoo Donuts. Stumptown Coffee looked kind of cool too. The again, I was a teenager of the 90's so punk-rock donuts and grunge-esque coffee bars are my bag.

They also talked about a restaurant that sounded wonderful called Le Marché, but I think it was in Eugene.

\V

Would any of you know of a store that sells vintage watches? Nothing fancy or rare, hopefully under $300.

jeremy

The Museum of Science and Industry is cool and you can tour the last diesel submarine that was used by the U.S. Navy.

Portland has a lot of fantastic restaurants that are to numerous to mention.

I'm not sure what the difference between Canadian and Oregoneon strip clubs are. I know in Oregon it's full nudity and you can drink, as opposed to Washington where you can't havce alchohol and nudity (except at home).

Speak for yourself! :frowning:

Hmmm, it's tough to quantify.

Typical Club (Dolphin II in Portland, etc.):
- typical dancer = bleached blond
- very loud music
- clubs are large
- Expensive cover
- DJ introduces each dancer / yells things

Typical Portland Club:
- Laid back
- typical dancer = dreadlocks & tattoos (not really but a more diverse mix)
- you can talk over the music
- smaller clubs (some are a bar with a pole in the corner)
- cheap cover
- dancer pops in a CD and off she goes...

Okay, I see where you're going. Though not a place to physically visit, www.suicidegirls.com operates out of Portland and fits what you describe I think.

If you like comedy and music, I suggest you check out the Wallbangers Club. It has two dueling piano players that are an absolute riot.

Here is a review of a night out there:

http://www.positivelyentertainment.c...llbangers.html

You can come with me and see Jedi Mind Tricks at the roseland theater on the 10th.