<p>Any advice for what to do and where to stay for a weekend in Portland (Oregon)?</p>
<p>We decided that our last-minute family vacation this year will be a long weekend somewhere not too far away from California. We talked with the college kids, and the consensus was that they wanted to hang out in a city they hadn’t visited before. So yesterday we bought tickets to Portland for a weekend in late July, but we haven’t yet figured out where to stay. I’m hoping to find a vacation rental, but I’m not familiar with the neighborhoods. Does anyone have suggestions? It would be nice to be in an area where there are interesting cafes, parks, etc. within walking distance.</p>
<p>Ideas for things to do would also be very welcome. Thanks.</p>
<p>You’re right, it isn’t very long - it’s a three-day weekend, but still… Thanks very much for the recommendations and links! Hawthorne looks very promising.</p>
<p>We went to Portland for the first time in March 2011 to check it out for potential relocation (in the end it lost to San Diego -whenever we actually get around to moving). We stayed out by the airport first and last night, and at the Residence Inn RiverPlace the other couple of nights. This was my summary of our visit:</p>
<p>"Portland was a great place for a vacation - it only rained heavily one day and lightly one other evening; we even had some sunshine. Our hotels worked out fine. We arrived Thursday night, spent Friday with the realtor, went to Saturday Market on opening day (and bought a couple of things) then to the Japanese Gardens, and took the historic Columbia River highway on Sunday to see the great waterfalls, Bonneville Dam, and the vistas. We think we got a glimpse of Mt. Hood the first morning but not after that. On Monday morning we took the free tram up from our hotel at Riverplace to Powell’s, then back again, just to give it a try. Then we explored around the neighborhoods some more on our own. It did seem a bit difficult driving around downtown with all the one way streets, trolley tracks, and bridges. But it was amazing how quickly you could get out of the metro downtown - within five minutes you can be driving in the equivalent of a national park.</p>
<p>We ate breakfast at the hotels; lunches at Gubanc’s in Lake Oswego, Jo Bar on 23rd, and Fat City Cafe in Multonomah; and dinners at Nel Centro downtown, Bluehour in the Pearl district, and Paley’s Place in Nob Hill. We were interested in the food carts but unfortunately were never around them at meal time. We would have tried Stumptown Coffee but never ran into it.</p>
<p>As a cat owner, I got a laugh out of the catnip booths at the Market - at one of them, the owner kept emphasizing how their catnip was organically grown and harvested by hand. Hey - that’s what I do too! I did buy a cat stained glass at another booth, and my husband bought a hat.</p>
<p>Some of my favorite sights: the view of the coastal range from Skyline Drive. The cat riding on a man’s shoulder using his long long hair as a blanket. The bridge at the Japanese Garden (the waterfall is under repair). The waterfalls along the Columbia River and the ease of access. The view from Vista House. The view of Vista House from the Women’s Forum Overlook."</p>
<p>I just put my relatives up for the weekend (my D’s wedding) at the Lloyd Center Doubletree. Not a great location—but it is cheap and on the Max line to downtown. </p>
<p>Rose Garden won’t be as good in late July as it is now, but if you like roses, it’s a must. Don’t bother if you’re so-so about roses. Japanese Garden is amazing, whether you think you like gardens or not. Every inch of it is perfect and soothing, and cooling in hot weather. </p>
<p>Powell’s bookstore.</p>
<p>If you are bicyclists, consider renting bicycles for your stay, as much of Portland is easy and pleasurable to see on a bike.</p>
<p>Thanks very much for all the suggestions of things to do and see - it’s sounding better and better. I’m looking for vacation rentals and (not surprisingly) finding very little available. The downside of last-minute vacation planning! But I’ll try again tomorrow. We could go to a hotel if necessary but I’d rather find something smaller.</p>
<p>Update in case others consult this thread for ideas of places to stay - we reserved a two-bedroom apartment in the Northwest Portland Hostel. It looks like this is close to downtown and there’s plenty of public transportation, so we won’t have to rent a car.</p>
<p>If you are there the last weekend of July the Oregon Brewfest will be happening downtown along the water. Free to get in, $6 for an empty mug, $4 for a full beer, free live entertainment. Portland swing(ish) band Cherry Poppin Daddies are playing one of the evenings. </p>
<p>Also go to Voodoo Donuts, just because it is an experience.</p>
<p>I stayed with the boys near the convention center - not much to see there. My oldest called it “Hobotopia.”</p>
