Portland and Oregon Visitor Information|Questions

[PhxDT]

I am going to Portland, with my wife, to get a sense of what a "true" downtown is supposed to be (I am from Phoenix, and dont know the concept of live downtown). I have already booked the Kimpton 5th Avenue for a few days, but I need advice for my last couple of days. Help!!

[PacificNW]

Maybe you can get the a suite @ the Vintage Plaza (Kimpton Hotel) or Hotel Lucia. Others downtown are the Benson, Westin, Marriott (City Center), Paramount, Hilton and Hilton Executive Towers, Heathman, Embassy Suites, DeLux. By the way, you and your wife will love the Fifth Avenue Suites. They are changing their name after the new year to Hotel Monaco.

[BrG]

You cant go wrong with the Governor, the Heathman, or the Hotel Lucia

[PacificNW]

Oh yah, I forgot the Governor....thanks...

[seaskyfan]

I really like the Hotel Lucia - there's also a Thai restaurant in the hotel and they provide the room service (breakfast was wonderful).

I've stayed at the Marriott City Center a number of times - they usually offer pretty good deals and it's a great location. More your basic hotel than the Kimpton places.

I've always wanted to stay at the Vintage Plaza - they have suites with outside hot tubs on the upper floors. If you stay there remember that folks next door at the Marriott can see you!!

[westsider]

It sounds like Hotel Lucia is getting a lot of props. You would do very well there or at the Benson.

[InlandEmpire]

I've stayed in the dt Marriott (on Washington, not the riverfront one), Hotel Lucia, and the Paramount.... they're all quite nice and in great locations.

[mcbaby]

the governor is nice, the heathman is great.

[PhxDT]

Thanks for the great responses! We are really looking forward to our stay, and I really appreciate the advice! :worship:

[PhxDT]

Anything that we HAVE to do while we are there? (12/26 - 1/1)?

[MitchE]

You HAVE to go to Powell's bookstore.

Walking around the Pearl District and downtown is lots of fun too.

[360Rich]

Anything that we HAVE to do while we are there? (12/26 - 1/1)?

Since you're on this sight, I assume you're into high rises. Check out the Discovery Center in the South Waterfront.

http://www.southwaterfront.com/

[PacificNW]

While in the Pearl, looking around, head West and cross Broadway and visit the Chinese Formal Gardens.....

[roner]

I would also suggest a walk from NW 23rd to Washington park by way of the Burnside entrance. You can take the streetcar from downtown to 23rd, walk south to burnside, head west about 2 blocks and get into the park. There is some awesome old growth trees along the path and the views are amazing from the park. If it's dry enough the tennis courts are stellar. Also, if your renting a car take a trip to short sands beach, which is 10 miles south of Cannon Beach, or you can always go skiing at Hood....I better shut up, I think I could go on forever...

[pdxman]

I suggest the portland attractions pass, you can get it downtown at pioneer square at the info center. Its $25 and you get into the portland art museum, oregon historical society, chinese gardens, japanese gardens, pittock mansion, omsi plus a few other things. its a killer deal especially if you go to the art museum, that alone is almost $25. Check travelportland.com

[mcbaby]

what an awesome deal! i want one of those! anyway, you can also take the max to the zoo stop which is deepest subway tunnel in north america and go to the world forestry center, hoyt arboretum, japanese gardens, zoo, international rose test gardens (probably not blooming this time of year but great views of downtown) and if you have kids, the childrens' museum is there too. powell's bookstore has a great walking map of portland as well. it's on 10th and burnside along the portland streetcar. if you get to the eastside, check out the hawthorn/belmont area and also division. go to mount tabor for breathtaking views of portland and mt hood. mississippi in north portland is nice too. alberta in ne portland is funky. go have pizza and beer at the laurelhurst on east burnside and ne 28th.

[oregone]

If you happen to know anyone that works at a starbucks (and it's hard not to these days), they get a crazy-good deal at Kimpton Hotels like 5th Ave Suites for some reason. We stayed at the Alexis in Seattle for $66/night.

[PhxDT]

Again, Thanks all, I will use all of these suggestions!

[urbanlife]

drink beer! We have great local beer.

[MarkDaMan]

PhxDT, let us know what you think...having myself lived many years in Tempe and Chandler, the cities are worlds apart...

[PhxDT]

I LOVED my time in Portland. We tried to keep a healthy balance of tourism with a little R and R. We ended up staying at Skamania lodge (1 day outside of Portland), Fifth Ave. Suites for 3 nights, and Lucia for 2 nights. I was most impressed with Lucia, but my wife like Fifth Ave best. We did not rent a car in Portland (on purpose) to get a feel of the downtown. We hit the Pearl, Nob Hill, and Old Town Districts, eating at Old Town Pizza, Manzanas, Santa Fe (Nob Hil), and Allesandro's to name a couple. We tried to stay away from any national chains.

The scene is great, and all the people were helpful and nice. You guys have quite a city!

Thanks for the help!

[Bailey]

Hey, I'm planning on visiting Portland for the weekend (Fri/Sat- Mon) either in late January or early February. It will be my first time there and being an architect from Houston I've always wanted to visit the fabled 'Portland'.

My question is: Knowing nothing about Portland what should I look into for my trip- Transit from airport to downtown, where should I stay, do I need a rental car, any recommendations on where to visit during the day, nightlife, etc. etc.

Any advice would great!

[Urbanpdx]

If you really want the whole picture, include the outlying areas and suburbs. To do this you need a car. If you are only coming for fun and to see the city, you really shouldn't need one. You can take MAX downtown from the airport and rent a car there (cheaper) for a day trip or two. You might also include time to hit the coast or Mt. Hood and the gorge if you can.

Citysearch.com is a good place to find restaurants and things to do, also wweek.com has a pretty good restaurant review section.

[roner]

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=122326

You can reference this thread as it was posted by someone in the same situation as you.

I hope you enjoy your stay in our city.

[Urbanpdx]

I am glad you had fun but you should have run the restaurant selections by the group. It sounds like you hit the ones that advertise in the hotel directories. On a scale of 1-10 you hit 6's, we have a lot of 9's and 10's.

Now you have a reason to come back!

[Urbanpdx]

So this vistor doesn't hit all the Pacific Coast Restaurants locations, how about a top 10 from the group.

1. Paley's Place on NW 21st and Northrup
2. Ken's Artisan Pizza on SE 28th
3. A Pizza Scholls on SE Hawthorne
4. Nicholas' Lebanese on SE Grand
5. Simpatica on SE 9th and Ankeny (Sat & Sun only and great Sunday brunch)
6. Le Pigeon on SE 9th and Burnside
7. Saucebox on SW Broadway
8. Hiroshi in the Pearl
9. Clark Lewis in the Central Eastside Industrial District
10. The Farm on SE 8th and Burnside

do I have to stop at 10? Now I am hungry :cheers:

[PDX City-State]

I second the list and add Pambiche on 28th and Glisan. I wouldn't, however, agree that the burbs are at all worth checking out--unless you want to head to Gresham and buy meth.

[bvpcvm]

I second the list and add Pambiche on 28th and Glisan. I wouldn't, however, agree that the burbs are at all worth checking out--unless you want to head to Gresham and buy meth.

^ no mystery, city-state, it's just the troll's underhanded way of distorting a visitor's impression of us.

[Urbanpdx]

It is very easy to believe that places like east county and the burbs don't exist in Portland. Drive around and you'll see that most of the region is similar to any-town usa.

[Urbanpdx]

I second the list and add Pambiche on 28th and Glisan. I wouldn't, however, agree that the burbs are at all worth checking out--unless you want to head to Gresham and buy meth.

Pimbache has GREAT deserts!

[Drmyeyes]

I'm not sure I could encourage you to rent a car and drive around the metro area either unless you've got specific businesses, shops, or restaurants to visit away from the light rail, or streetcar routes. The bus can be complicated for a novice to manage especially when transfers and waiting between connecting busses are involved. There's lots of stuff to see if you ride the max, and just get off at as many stops as you can and walk around, or take a bike if you can. Since it goes clear down to Hillsboro, there's a lot to take in just doing that.

If you want to get overviews of the portland area, you could hit the higher elevations in the area; Mt Tabor on the east side, Council Crest on the west side, Pittock Mansion on the west side. Helps to have a car to drive to those places and also wander around those older neighborhoods with nice old houses. Of course, now there's the tram that'll give you a fine view up and down the Willamette and lots else too. A nice drive, if you've got the car, is up Cornell road through NW Portland, out skyline drive. Once you crest the hill, you'll have a nice view south into the valley that holds the burbs. It's pretty though. Take a map, keep driving on skyline, drop down on Cornelius Pass road southbound, (beautiful rural country), find your way to the Helvetia Tavern...Just a country bar with big high calorie food, but people totally dig it.

[urbanlife]

good to know my guys at the Lucia took care of you.

[bvpcvm]

Take a map, keep driving on skyline, drop down on Cornelius Pass road southbound, (beautiful rural country), find your way to the Helvetia Tavern...Just a country bar with big high calorie food, but people totally dig it.

didn't that place burn down about a year ago?

[nwd]

No, that was the McMenamins Rock Creek Tavern, which is nearby, and it's been a number of years since it burned. It was rebuilt using old lumber from a neighboring barn and has been open again for some time now.

[Chicago3rd]

It is very easy to believe that places like east county and the burbs don't exist in Portland. Drive around and you'll see that most of the region is similar to any-town usa.

So he can drive out to Surgarland, Texas if he wants to view "any-town" USA.

Please list recommended architectural things he needs a car to see:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

[Bailey]

Thanks for the advice- I'll also check out the similar post.
I'd like to try to visit Portland 'without a car'.

[Urbanpdx]

So he can drive out to Surgarland, Texas if he wants to view "any-town" USA.

Please list recommended architectural things he needs a car to see:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

1. Traffic problems that come with focus on LRT (ie. Hwy 217, Tualatin-Sherwood Rd, Mill Plain Blvd., etc) and a refusal to increase road capacity.
2. Skinny houses and townhouses in otherwise low density neighborhoods that are ugly and out of place
3. The same suburban sprawl as anyplace usa despite all the hoopla
4. The overall mess that is east of 205
5. All of the easy to build on land near jobs that is locked up in Washington County for no real good reason

[65MAX]

Bailey,

There are enough architectural things to see in the central city and via lightrail that you really won't need a car for that. However, if you've never been to Oregon, and you have time for a day trip or two, I highly recommend a drive through the Columbia River Gorge and a trip to Cannon Beach. Both are spectacular and not to be missed. Also, Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood is a great example of Depression-era Works Project architecture. A stop there could be combined with trip through the Gorge.

Yes, we have dreaded suburbs, like every other city, but you really don't need to see something that you've already seen in Houston, do you?

[pdxf]

I apologize Bailey. This is just a response to UrbanPDX's post. I have a hard time letting these things go!

This should really become it's own thread, since this is yet again spiraling off topic (this keeps happening lately), but anyways...


1. Traffic problems that come with focus on LRT (ie. Hwy 217, Tualatin-Sherwood Rd, Mill Plain Blvd., etc) and a refusal to increase road capacity.
1. Also drive around any other large city in the US (such as Seattle) that has increased their road capacity and not added alternative transportation and amazingly enough, you'll see that they still have traffic problems. At least in Portland you have options, and a hope that in the future we will build more responsibly (unless a certain segment of the population manages to stop the progress).

2. Skinny houses and townhouses in otherwise low density neighborhoods that are ugly and out of place
2. Most in my opinion actually fit well within the context even if I don't agree with their style. Check out some of the design proposals that have been submitted to City of Portland design competition, some are actually quite nice and well designed. Some of what has been built is ugly, but so are most of the new houses that are built, and especially those that are now built in suburbia.

3. The same suburban sprawl as anyplace usa despite all the hoopla
Yep, we have sprawl, some of it led the state to enact Urban Growth Boundries to slow the rate with which it occurs (incidentally Urban Growth Boundries were enacted in the 1970s, and even at the time were pretty generously placed. The planning strategy took a good hit recently with measure 37 so coupled with the fact that half of Portland doesn't have UGB's (Vancouver), I don't think that portland will be the ultimate test of the strategy). I find it odd how these people argue both sides, that 1) The urban growth boundry doesn't work to contain sprawl because their obviously is sprawl, and 2) that it does work because Portland's land values are increasing, which can only be caused by the Urban Growth Boundary. It's an interesting duality.

4. The overall mess that is east of 205

Not sure of the mess he's referring to. The development east of 205 looks to me like the type of development that UrbanPDX and the rest at the TI Institute advocate. (www.ti.org)

5. All of the easy to build on land near jobs that is locked up in Washington County for no real good reason
As well as the easy to build on land in the rest of the Willamette Valley. So green and fertile, perfect land for growing McMansions on. Again, it seems as though UrbanPDX argues both sides, since he is saying that the land is "locked up" (not currently built on), but that if it were opened up, it would be developed. Is the UGB slowing and containing the sprawl or not?!!?

[Urbanpdx]

lso drive around any other large city in the US (such as Seattle) that has increased their road capacity and not added alternative transportation and amazingly enough, you'll see that they still have traffic problems. At least in Portland you have options, and a hope that in the future we will build more responsibly (unless a certain segment of the population manages to stop the progress).

Houston is the only one I know of that actually has increased it enough.

[pdxf]

lso drive around any other large city in the US (such as Seattle) that has increased their road capacity and not added alternative transportation and amazingly enough, you'll see that they still have traffic problems. At least in Portland you have options, and a hope that in the future we will build more responsibly (unless a certain segment of the population manages to stop the progress).

Houston is the only one I know of that actually has increased it enough.

What is enough? Is 100 lanes too much or just right? if you continually have to add lanes as our populations increase, does this solve the problem?

I wouldn't mind continuing this discussion, but I think we should let this thread go back to what is beneficial for bailey.

[roner]

^^^ yeah, come on urbanpdx just concide. Seattle has 6 lanes each way in some parts of their system and it's done NOTHING to help the awful traffic up there. They can't even add any more without moving neigborhoods. The same could be said of Atlanta and LA. Portland's traffic problem is not that bad compared to most other cities anyways.

Why do live in PDX anyways? Why not give Houston a shot?

[Urbanpdx]

The latest TTI report on Seattle concluded:

All 2003 congestion and reliability measures remained stable as compared to 2002 and 2001
levels. Delay in 2003 shows a 4-7% improvement over 2002 and 2001 levels, respectively.
• The data indicate that peak period and daily vehicle travel has significantly increased – the cause of this increase is not known.

[Drmyeyes]

urbanpdx certainly is lavished with attention on this site. By the way, urbanpdx, your answer to Chicago3rd did not correctly list things to see that were architectural in nature. What you listed were examples of growth related urban planning issues. Dwelling on those things sound like work to me. He might actually like to have some fun instead.

If the visitor, Bailey, wanted to seriously hit some of the architectural points of interest outside of downtown, those of recent years, such as the architectural changes occurring in Portland's older neighborhoods that include newer mixed use condos, he'd be well advised to get a map and maybe a guide knowledgeble with the area to take him around to those places.

Barring that, the simple plan would be to take your bike or a car from downtown across the bridges to the following streets: Hawthorne Blvd up to 39th. Belmont St. same, Division St. same. Also hit Mississippi St in North. You might want to drive out Hwy 30 so you can see the St. John's Bridge. It's beautiful. Not sure St. John's itself has anything noteworthy enough for an out of towner to be interested in. If I was sightseeing, I wouldn't want to take the bus for these things.

Portland's had some nice neighborhood libraries built in recent years. And fire stations. One library is in Hillsdale. Worth looking at. You might want to visit Reed College and even Lewis and Clark College for classic architecture, and the remains of a former grand estate in the latter case.

I wish I could be specific about particular buildings to see, but I'm not sure that's neccessary. I have a feeling you, Baily will see them if you hit those areas. Downtown, the Pearl, NW 23 and 21st, Riverplace and the very new and as of yet relatively unoccupied SoWa ought to easily keep you busy for a couple days and more. All in walking distance from downtown.

[cab]

The streetcar loops is great for tourists. It gives you a great feel for 3 (make that 4 now with the new extension) different areas of Portland. I'd hop on and off every few blocks and explore. Don't miss out on all the urban pocket parks. Portland doesn't have world class buildings, but we have some of the best urban parks in the country.

[Urbanpdx]

Hi agree Drmyeyes, I just wanted to make sure that when visiting the "fabled" Portland he didn't just walk away with the fairy tale. Assuming that planning was a part of his interest and not just architecture.

[PDX City-State]

Please list recommended architectural things he needs a car to see:

Well, there is one--the Aalto Library in Mt. Angel. But it's hardly in the suburbs.

[tworivers]

Yeah... please don't walk away with our "fairy tail".

[seaskyfan]

Hey Bailey-

I'm a frequent Portland visitor and I never take the car with me (I take Amtrak down from Seattle). The transit is great and the City's really walkable.

Have a great visit!

[Urbanpdx]

http://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-portland31dec31,1,5104879.story?coll=la-travel-headlines&ctrack=1&cset=true

[InlandEmpire]

Bailey- I make it down to Portland fairly often as well, and while I do drive from Seattle I never need a car once I'm there. I usually stay downtown in the vicinity of Pioneer Square and that allows me to easily hop on the MAX to get around. It is extremely easy to walk around there also with the small block sizes. Don't rent a car. No need. Just use your hotel's complimentary shuttle from the airport to downtown and you'll be good to go.

[WonderlandPark]

I'm no libertaria, but I have to agree with some of UrbanPDX's points about the woeful infrastructure of Oregon, but I digress. Go see:

Orenco Station, the planned community that got so much press and most of it well deserved.

Ride the Tram, should be open soon, it is free on the 17th (I think)

Eat, Portland has an amazing selection of restaurants for a city its size

It isn't the best time to do nature-oriented things, but you may still enjoy a drive up the Gorge and a couple of short, weather permitting hikes/walks. There is a waterfall every mile, or so it seems, and it starts only a half-hour out of town.

The Pearl is where much of the building activity is, worth a streetcar ride and a walk around.

The Portland Art Musuem is now bigger and better than ever, not a bad rainy-day thing to do.

[bvpcvm]

you guys are forgetting the most obvious tourist attraction: powell's!!!!

[Bailey]

Bailey- I make it down to Portland fairly often as well, and while I do drive from Seattle I never need a car once I'm there. I usually stay downtown in the vicinity of Pioneer Square and that allows me to easily hop on the MAX to get around. It is extremely easy to walk around there also with the small block sizes. Don't rent a car. No need. Just use your hotel's complimentary shuttle from the airport to downtown and you'll be good to go.

Do you have any recommendations on hotels that I should stay at. Maybe some options I could consider. Should I take the shuttle to the hotel downtown or could I take transit. Which is best?

[MarkDaMan]

For hotels in the affodable range you might look to the Lloyd District:

DoubleTree Portland
Holiday Inn (convention center)
Red Lion (convention center)

or downtown:

Hotel Delux
Days Inn Center City
Four Points by Sheraton
Mark Spencer Hotel

For a little more, but worth it if you can afford it, downtown I'd suggest:

Heathman
Hotel Lucia
Vintage Plaza
Benson
5th Avenue Suites (is nice but is converting to Hotel Monaco, not sure when construction starts)

Taking the MAX light rail from the airport is your easiest bet if you are staying in the Lloyd or downtown. The MAX station is right off the main lobby at the airport, and runs a train directly to downtown. The fare is just under $2 per person and is as quick as those shuttle companies that offer you a trip downtown for $15 a person.

You also are able to ride TriMet's buses and MAX free in the downtown area.

[PDX City-State]

ACE Hotel opens in February. I would stay there. You'll eat as well in Portland as any place.

[Bailey]

Thanks for all the valuable info- I can't wait to visit Portland!

[Bailey]

Does anyone have any information on where I can get the visitor's pass, what it includes, and how much it is?

Thanks again

[65MAX]

Visitor's Pass for what?

[InlandEmpire]

I checked out Tri-Met's website- doesn't look like they offer a specific visitor's pass, but I didn't dig in too deep. As far as hotels go, I usually stay at the Paramount.

[tworivers]

Did you mean this?

http://www.travelportland.com/big_deal/big_deal_attract.html

[pdxstreetcar]

i'd say the best thing for a visiting architect to see in portland is the various new and rehabbed buildings in the pearl district.
particularly the brewery blocks, armory theater, ecotrust building, 13th avenue warehouse conversions, 11th avenue rowhouses, hoyt street yards large infill development on a former rail yard. jamison square and tanner springs are great new parks/squares in the pearl district's hoyt street yards. theres some quality individual infill buildings in this neighborhood and a very nice mix of all styles, uses and heights. this neighborhood is probably what portland is most known for in the architecture/urban design/urban planning world.

more info on the pearl:
http://www.tndwest.com/pearldistrict.html

also the new high rise towers in the south waterfront, though this neighborhood is pretty much a work a progress, still worth checking out especially for the brand new aerial tram. a few years ago this neighborhood was nothing more than a dead industrial area of tilt up warehouses and storage units

the newly redeveloping neighborhoods particularly on the east side are something to see most of which have taken off in the last 5 years.

the favorite contemporary architectural highlights for architects are 2281 nw glisan (nob hill/23rd), belmont street lofts (eastside: belmont), eliot tower (downtown), wieden kennedy headquarters (pearl), 12th & alder (downtown).

for historic buildings check out the cast iron buildings in old town especially the blagen block at 1st & couch, pioneer courthouse in the heart of downtown, the downtown terra cotta buildings like meier and frank (macys) building, portland theater on broadway, portland art museum and the park blocks, central library (downtown), benson hotel (downtown), union station (old town/chinatown/pearl) and the custom house (pearl/chinatown).

the equitable building and portland building are the most famous buildings in portland. other major notable buildings downtown are the fox tower, us bancorp (big pink) and koin tower.

the classical chinese garden in the heart of chinatown is a very beautiful and scenic garden complete with pond and tea house.

the best thing is to stay in a central location downtown and wander around, its so easy and enjoyable walking around portland... youll discover a lot on your own plus youll walk by a lot of the key sights. downtown has a lot happening though for visitors it mostly centers around pioneer courthouse square and pioneer place mall

if you have time or are interested in TOD in the suburbs check out Orenco Station on the westside MAX line (as has already been mentioned) it leaves a bit to be desired but is still a good project.

kennedy school on the eastside is very portland and very unique. its a former elementary school turned into hotel, brewpub restaurant, movie theater still with the feel of the old school, its not the best place to eat but worth checking out.

and definately powells books at 10th & burnside (open until 11pm every night)

thats about all i can think of now

[PacificNW]

http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2007/04/portland_in_36_hours_travel_pi.html

Portland in 36 hours; travel piece on Rose City is most emailed story on NYTimes.com this morning

Posted by The Oregonian April 14, 2007 08:44AM
Categories: Breaking News, Portland

New York Times

The story hasn't even come out in The New York Times' print editions yet (it's in tomorrow's paper) but it's already the hottest story on NYTimes.com this morning. (It's even edged out a recipe for something called "supernatural brownies.")

"36 hours in Portland, Ore." introduces readers to the city's charms, among them the Saturday Market, the International Rose Test Garden, Pearl District and the Chinese Classical Garden. The travel piece gives you the low down on where to eat, shop and even where to rent a bike for the afternoon.

"Below the fleece-clad and Teva-wearing exterior lurks a cool and refreshingly unneurotic city that marches to its own cosmopolitan beat. Truth is, Portland doesn't want to be Seattle, its highly caffeinated neighbor to the north. With less traffic, better public transportation and Mount Hood in its backyard, this self-styled City of Roses doesn't stand in anybody's shadow. Its vibrant downtown overflows with urban pleasures like chic restaurants, funky nightclubs and spritely neighborhoods crackling with youthful energy, but nobody's boasting. That's another nice thing about Portland."



By DAVID LASKIN
Published: April 15, 2007
"NICE” is an adjective that Portland, Ore., can't seem to shake. But below the fleece-clad and Teva-wearing exterior lurks a cool and refreshingly unneurotic city that marches to its own cosmopolitan beat. Truth is, Portland doesn't want to be Seattle, its highly caffeinated neighbor to the north. With less traffic, better public transportation and Mount Hood in its backyard, this self-styled City of Roses doesn't stand in anybody's shadow. Its vibrant downtown overflows with urban pleasures like chic restaurants, funky nightclubs and spritely neighborhoods crackling with youthful energy, but nobody's boasting. That's another nice thing about Portland.


6 p.m.
1) FRESH ORIENTATION

The pastel roses don't peak at the International Rose Test Garden (400 SW Kingston Avenue, 503-823-3636; www.rosegardenstore.org) until late spring, but it doesn't matter: the view from this hillside terraced garden is fantastic year-round. Even if it's too socked in to see Mount Hood, you still get a bird's-eye view of colorful wood-frame houses surrounding a tidy grove of skyscrapers. Breathe in the pine-scented air and stretch your legs on the hillside paths of this precipitous chunk of green, five minutes from downtown by car (or 15 minutes on the efficient MAX Light Rail).

7:30 p.m.
2) BRIGHT BRASSERIE

The trendy Pearl neighborhood, Portland's answer to SoHo, has evolved rapidly from a raw industrial zone to a neighborhood of galleries, parks and condos. Take in the district's new maturity at the French restaurant Fenouil (900 NW 11th Avenue, 503-525-2225; www.fenouilinthepearl.com). A sleek, soaring space, Fenouil makes the most of its location overlooking Jamison Park with big windows that roll up like garage doors in nice weather. Brasserie classics like roast duck with Armagnac prunes ($26) and steak frites ($27) join dishes like pumpkin and mushroom gnocchi ($23), fried frog legs ($12.50) and lobster beignets ($14).

10:30 p.m.
3) DOWNTOWN D.J.

With grunge fading into music history, Portland's nightlife scene has become a mixed bag — everything from jazz clubs to torchy lounges to high-decibel indie hang-outs. H2O Martini Bar and Restaurant (204 SW Yamhill Street; 503-241-8132) draws a slightly older (up to 35) and dressier (neither jeans nor sneakers were seen) crowd. D.J.s mix it up every night — salsa, hip-hop and house music — in a shiny space with three waterfalls.

Saturday

10:30 a.m.
4) MARKET TO TEAHOUSE

Even if you can't stand handcrafted soaps, dangly earrings, gauzy scarves, chunky ceramics, fancy pet bowls, sloppy street food and the people who make them, the Portland Saturday Market is worth visiting (www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com). Tucked under the Burnside Bridge, the market is a perfect starting point for a leisurely walk, with the cast-iron buildings of Old Town on one side, and the Westside Riverwalk on the other. Continue south to Poster Planet (28 SW First Avenue, 503-525-9373) for movie and art posters; the Monkey & the Rat (131 NW Second Avenue, 503-224-3849; www.themonkeyandtherat.com) for imported furniture; and the serene Classical Chinese Garden (239 NW Everett Street, 503-228-8131; www.portlandchinesegarden.org), where you can refuel with a cup of tea in the ornate teahouse beside Zither Lake.

12:30 p.m.
5) STRATEGIZE OVER LUNCH

Downtown Portland has about five neighborhoods, each with its own mood and flavor, but it isn't very big. In 20 minutes, you can walk from Chinatown in the northwest to the cultural district in the southwest. Which brings you to lunch. At Southpark Seafood Grill & Wine Bar (901 SW Salmon Street, 503-326-1300; www.southpark.citysearch.com), you can plunk at the bar for a quick meal and ask for sightseeing suggestions from the young downtown crowd. Seafood holds center stage, including fried calamari and vegetables with spicy aioli ($8.50) and a risotto with prawns, peas and pancetta ($13.50).

2 p.m
6) ART OR SHOPPING?

South Park puts you at the incongruous crossroads between the Portland Art Museum (1219 SW Park Avenue, 503-226-2811; www.portlandartmuseum.org) and Saks Fifth Avenue (850 SW Fifth Avenue, 503-226-3200; www.saksfifthavenue.com). Art lovers may be drawn to the museum's impressive collection of photographs, which runs the gamut from 19th-century daguerreotypes to contemporary landscapes, and Japanese scrolls from the Edo period. Shopaholics, meanwhile, may be tempted because the Portland store is the only Saks in the Pacific Northwest. Satisfy both desires at the nearby Russian Art Gallery (518 SW Yamhill Street, 503-224-5070), which carries religious icons ($600 to $5,000), nesting dolls ($10 to $700) and Gzhel pottery, all imported from Russia.

4 p.m.
7) ROLL OUT OF TOWN SLOWLY

Stash your stuff, don your Spandex and rent a bicycle at RiverPlace, the shop- and restaurant-filled esplanade along downtown's eastern edge. Waterfront Bicycle Rentals has bikes starting at $8.50 an hour or $35 for a full day (0315 SW Montgomery Street, No. 360; 503-227-1719; www.waterfrontbikes.net). If you're feeling mellow, ride the three-mile loop that goes north to Tom McCall Waterfront Park, across the river to the Vera Katz East Bank Esplanade, and back across on the Hawthorne Bridge. For a tougher workout, stay on the East Bank Esplanade and continue south on the Springwater Corridor for an 18-mile ride through the city's semirural outskirts. The trail terminates at the town of Boring.

6 p.m.
8) CITY OF BOOKS

It says a lot about Portland that Powell's City of Books (1005 West Burnside, 503-228-4651; www.powells.com ) is one of the city's prime attractions — a store so big that it provides maps. The dusty, well-lighted store is larger than many libraries, with 68,000 square feet of new and used books. If your energy starts to flag, grab an espresso on the premises or, better yet, walk a few blocks north to Sip & Kranz (901 NW 10th Avenue, 503-336-1335; www.sipandkranz.com), the nearest source for Stumptown Coffee, considered by many to be Portland's finest.

8 p.m.
9) HOT RESERVATION

Serious foodies head to Park Kitchen (422 NW Eighth Avenue, 503-223-7275; www.parkkitchen.com). In a former garage, the restaurant has a warren of dark and cozy rooms that faces an open kitchen, where the chef and owner, Scott Dolich, combines elements of French, Italian and Northwestern cooking in an imaginative fusion all his own. Start with the green garlic and lamb stew with preserved lemon ($23.50) or pork belly molé with pumpkin seeds and oranges ($10.50). Main courses include lamb with curried spinach ($23.50), and seared salmon with potatoes, sorrel and leeks ($24.50). The food may sound fussy, but the results are subtly superb.

10:30 p.m.
10) HANG OUT, ROCK ON

Check out the latest indie bands at Doug Fir Lounge, connected to the trendy Jupiter Hotel (830 East Burnside Street, 503-231-9663; www.dougfirlounge.com). It is Portland's primo spot to hang out, drink beer (draft Black Butte porter for $4), rub shoulders with the young and pierced and catch emerging groups like the Decembrists. The room is surprisingly modern and woodsy for a dance club, with gold-toned lighting, a fire pit and walls clad in Douglas fir logs.

Sunday

8:30 a.m.
11) PETIT DEJEUNER, S'IL VOUS PLAîT

For a taste of Paris, pop over to St. Honoré Boulangerie (2335 NW Thurman Street, 503-445-4342; www.sainthonorebakery.com), a French-style bakery where Dominique Geulin bakes almond croissants ($2.95), applesauce turnovers ($3.50) and Normandy apple toast ($3.25) — a mix of French toast, brioche and custard. The cafe is airy, with huge windows and lots of wicker. Equally important, the coffee (Caffé Umbria) is among the city's finest ($2.45 for a latté).

9:30 a.m
12) HOW NICE

As you make your way back downtown, window-shop along trendy NW 23rd Avenue, where you'll find cool shops like Dazzle (No. 704; 503-224-1294), which carries funky jewelry, and Zelda's Shoe Bar (No. 633; 503-226-0363). Then head east to the Pearl district, where Portlanders often congregate at Jamison Park to play bocce, sip coffee, hang out on the fountain steps and bask in the niceness that pervades their city.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Delta and JetBlue fly direct from Kennedy Airport to Portland. Continental has direct service from Newark. Round-trip fares run as low as $218. From Portland International Airport, the 20-minute taxi ride to downtown costs about $30. Better yet, do as the environmentally conscious locals do, and hop on the MAX Light Rail red line (www.trimet.org). The ride takes 30 minutes and costs $2. Portland has an excellent public transportation system.

An $8 million renovation turned the stodgy, historic Hotel Mallory into the chic, charming Hotel Deluxe (729 SW 15th Avenue, 866-895-2094, www.hoteldeluxeportland.com). The 130-room hotel has Art Deco Noir-style décor, a 24-hour gym, iPod docking stations and a spiritual menu (your choice of religious text). Doubles go from $169 to $249.

Portland's most original lodging is the Kennedy School (5736 NE 33rd Avenue, 888-249-3983; www.mcmenamins.com ), a former elementary school that has been transformed into an elegant hotel. You can fall asleep in a classroom, grab a beer in the Detention Bar, or have breakfast in the mahogany-paneled cafeteria. Doubles range from $99 to $114.

The Paramount Hotel (808 SW Taylor Street, 503-223-9900; www.portlandparamount.com ) has 154 spacious rooms, sophisticated style and is close to everything in downtown Portland. Doubles are priced from $149 to $179.

[PDX City-State]

This was obviously written by someone who doesn't know Portland very well. First of all, Portland is hardly fleece-clad and Teva wearing these days. Second, Fenouil is probably the 20th best restaurant in the Pearl, H20 is bridge and tunnel central, Park Kitchen was the "serious foodie" hangout ten years ago... I guess any press is good press though...

[PacificNW]

Just like the article....your opinion of what is "best", etc. is just one persons opinion. It is just a fluff piece that I will be more than happy to delete if you wish. I just thought it was interesting that the site had so many New York people interested in Portland.... delete??

[PDX City-State]

Nah--it's a good post. Portland is receiving a lot of national press, with a lot more on the way. Word is Metropolis, Elle, Surface and several other national magazines are working on huge Portland spreads. The secret is out.

[der Reisender]

while the places they picked may not be the ones local and northwesterners would choose, i think one has to expect that when we are just talking about, like they said, a 36-hr trip. Portland's strengths are its great neighborhoods, and its easy to miss that when one is rushing about in a hurry (like a New Yorker, apparently). but as was said, any press is good press. and maybe they'll learn to say Oregon right if they visit out here

[urbanlife]

actually it is a good article for the fact that they were impressed with Portland's crappier parts. They didn't stay at the best hotel in town, they didn't go to the best clubs or restaurants, they saw very little outside the typical tourist things, yet they still wrote a great article about this city.

By far this really does have to be one of the best cities in this country, and I am proud to be living here.

[tworivers]

Its vibrant downtown overflows with urban pleasures like chic restaurants, funky nightclubs and spritely neighborhoods crackling with youthful energy, but nobody's boasting.

^^^ Hmmm. :)

[JiminyCricket II]

hey i had lunch at Fenouil and had some awesome salmon(can't remember what the name was). I restaurant itself was beautiful.

[Dougall5505]

I'm surprised they didn't mention the tram

[PDX City-State]

Maybe it's good that they didn't mention the hot restaurants--Pok Pok, Le Pigeon, Simpatica, Biwa, and others. It's already hard enough to get into those places on the weekends. By the way, if you haven't eaten and Pok Pok--run, don't walk--and get some of those fish sauce wings. They are the best thing to eat in this city right now.

[Holden West]

Even if you can't stand handcrafted soaps, dangly earrings, gauzy scarves, chunky ceramics, fancy pet bowls, sloppy street food and the people who make them, the Portland Saturday Market is worth visiting

Heh, we have a market like that except minus the sloppy street food, so count yourselves lucky.

Portland has long been on my "gotta visit" list, especially since every conversation here on Victoria revitalization starts with "In Portland, they...". In particular, they drool over your transit system.

This article comes with a slideshow (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:pop_me_up2%28%27http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2007/04/12/travel/20070415_HOURS_SLIDESHOW_index.html%27,%20%27750_700%27,%20%27width=750,height=700,location=no,scrollbars=yes,toolbars=no,resizable=yes%27%29).

[Black Box]

I loved the article and I love visiting. A good friend is moving to Portland from Des Moines, IA. I'll be spending more time down there since I moved away. My only other opinion is that I do not like the Decemberists. I'm fine being on the outs with this one. Very NICE!

[JiminyCricket II]

^ but you gotta love the Shins(one of the best current bands in the world)... and the Dandy Warhols even though they *dress* a little too emo.

[Black Box]

^Somebody else can take that one. I only made reference to the Decemberists because the article did.

[Dougall5505]

hey i don't like the decemberists either :)

[PDX City-State]

Park Kitchen was the "serious foodie" hangout ten years ago...

Never mind what I just said--I was thinking Southpark--Park Kitchen is awesome!

[BHM FAN]

visited Portland in March, awesome city, i am interviewing for a job there in April!

[arbeiter]

What's the current unemployment rate in PDX?

[westsider]

.

[IHEARTPDX]

What's the current unemployment rate in PDX?

-National unemployment rate: 4.3% (DEC 2006)
-Oregon's unemployment rate: 5.2% (DEC 2006)
-PORTLAND's unemployment rate: 4.7% (DEC 2006)

[sopdx]

I think the general message of the article is that Portland has developed it's own sense of style and that the city is no longer 'beholden' to any other city. Also, for the most part, it is not pretentious, unlike other places I can think of. The beauty of Portland is that it is doesn't have a 'look at me, look at me, am I big am I important' mind set, and does its own thing - which works for the most part - considering we are still in the US with all our social ills.

[cab]

Surprisingly this story has been the top emailed story at the NYT website over the weekend. Its still #2 today.

[PDX City-State]

Portland is on the radar. Our music scene eclipses Seattle right now, and so many significant new bands are moving here.

[kvalk]

^ PDX you are late for our meeting and you're busy blogging... damn you.

[Dougall5505]

^ PDX you are late for our meeting and you're busy blogging... damn you
i don't get it :shrug:

[zilfondel]

uh-oh, someone's in trouble!

[PDX City-State]

uh-oh, someone's in trouble!

:whip:

[pdxman]

The NY Times story on Portland is still number 6 on the most emailed list. Not bad...

[antinimby]

I wouldn't look too much into that article.

These Travel section articles are very popular with readers.

I have seen them cover places as diverse as Napa Valley, Mexico, Kansas City, Cleveland, etc. and all of them are on the most emailed list.

[PDX City-State]

Napa is the shit. Cleveland aint. Kansas City aint. We everything here--you don't--unless you're in Seattle or San Francisco.

[jwaters943]

I'll be in Portland the 3rd week of June. I have a travel book on Portland, but I was hoping to get more feedback on things to see/do in the city. Any suggestions are welcome (shopping, dining, outdoor recreation, etc.).

Thanks! :)

[pdxstreetcar]

any particular kinds of things you like to see when visiting a city? tours? architecture? neighborhoods? the sights? outdoors/nature?

june 3 is around the time of the rose festival, this might be of interest

the aerial tram is up an running
exploring downtown and the pearl are must-dos

the under construction high rise 'south waterfront' neighborhood might be of interest also

i really wish there was a travel forum on the SSP forum because this gets asked quite often, let me see if i can find an old thread with similiar recommendations

[pdxstreetcar]

Visiting Portland
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=122901

[Black Box]

Mt. Tabor, the International Rose Test Garden. Hike around Forest Park. Walk around Northwest Portland, take the aerial tram, explore the Portland Saturday Market. You will not run out of things to do in Portland. What kind of shopping do you have in mind? Restaurants? Do you like wine? Beer? Coffee? The possibilities are.....

[tworivers]

The downtown farmer's market is in full swing every Saturday early am til 3 or so. In the south park blocks. Definitely a must-see.

[jwaters943]

Thanks for the recommendations thus far! I'm not sure how I missed that other thread on visting Portland since I did a search first. :shrug:

Anyway, to clarify, I enjoy sightseeing (gardens, architecture, etc.). As far as shopping goes, I prefer little, lesser known boutiques, but don't mind the occassional department store (e.g. Nordstrom, etc.). Any good home accessory store suggestions would be helpful. I LOVE coffee and my favorite types of cuisine are Italian, Thai, Chinese & Japanese. FWIW, I will have a car during my stay.

I booked a room at Hotel Lucia. It looks pretty nice, but websites can be misleading. Anybody have any experience with this hotel?

Thanks again! :)

[Black Box]

I have had no experience with Hotel Lucia. I hear it's a nice hotel. Maybe you should check out the Portland Ace Hotel and peak around at their design scheme. Stumptown is Portland's best coffee, but I'm sure a Portlander can refer you to more than just that. There is a Nordstrom in downtown Portland. I think that the Portland Mercury just put out a huge list of places to shop. One of y'all down there should know what I'm referring to. There are many boutiques listed and Portland has a great indie design community that puts out the threads. As far as food goes, I am not in the know. Portland is a great city for food, your real problem will probably be trying to choose. If you walk around Northwest Portland or the Pearl District, you will bump into quite a few trendy restaurants. Good luck.

[MarkDaMan]

Hotel Lucia is a nice boutique hotel. I believe forumer Urbanlife does/did work there so he could provide more info.

Since you have a car you should do a half day trip through the Columbia River Gorge on the historic highway, it is spectacular!

http://www.crgva.org/index.htm