So I am thinking of bringing the family over from North Idaho to Portland and the Coast during Spring Break. When I lived in Oregon it was along the Coast (Newport, Rockford Bay, Warrenton, Astoria, etc) so I don't actually know all that much about Portland and what would be a must see. So far on my list is Multnomah Falls, the Zoo, and catching the end of March Blazers' game. What else must I fit in? I would love to check out some of the Microbreweries but that may take a back seat this time since I am bringing two young kids. Also, since I am going through the Dalles and Hood River should I stop somewhere along the way? Perhaps Mount Hood? I can't see everything so I know it may seem touristy but just give me the "must haves" not the "would be nice's". Spending 2 days in Portland and then off to the Coast to see Haystack Rock, Seaside, etc. Also might come back home through Seattle so if something in Vancouver (or another outlining area) is a must then let me know.
Kell's Irish Pub is fun, especially around St. Patrick's Day. Mt. Tabor Park is often the scene of an impromptu midget fight. At least it was when masonjar was living in the area. Touch base with Mike and/or Mike and see if you can squeeze the whole fam damily into the studio to watch them do Courtside. Be sure to go into the control room and float HCP an air biscuit or two... Check for shows/bands/plays in the area, there's usually something family friendly worth checking out. And of course, Mrs. HCP is always worth a visit, if you don't mind standing in long lines.
Ok over on reddit.com these kinds of things get asked a lot. They annoy everyone over there, but you are a Blazer compadre! I embedded some hyperlinks to a few, and then got lazy and copied my "things to do list" we made for my wedding last year. So here goes: Tourists love Voodoo Donuts. Locals try them once and get over it. Suburban tourists love Salt and Straw (see the bottom for locations) Much like Voodoo, they are known for RIDICULOUSLY long lines. We're talking disneyland lines. Mt Tabor is pretty, and free, and you can see almost all of the city itself. There is also the "4Ts of Portland" There are over 500 food carts in Portland. You can visit pods, where many are grouped together. Think Taco trucks that are high class and rarely serve tacos. My favorite is potato champion. West side food -Kenny and Zukes Classic deli with a Portland twist. I hope you like Pastrami! -Little Big Burger Burgers and fries. That's it. They don't need anything else. Amazing. -Bunk Sandwiches Unique sandwiches and don't forget their sides, especially their potato salad with bacon. -Voodoo Doughnuts Famous donut shop that has a line at 1am or 8am. Everything from Crunchberries to bacon. - PSU Farmer's Market Experience local farmers, baristas, pastery makers, musicians, and dog owners. Across the river (east side) -Pok-Pok Awesome Thai food, mentioned in several foodie magazines and the Food Network -Pine State Biscuits Anything you can put on a biscuit, they do. Get there when they open at 7 to avoid long lines -Podnah's Pit Portland's restaurant of the year. Best BBQ in town. -The Country Cat Classic southern joint. The fried chicken is great for breakfast or dinner. -The Observatory my wife's favorite neighborhood restaurant. Get the fry bread.
everyone says locals give voodoo one shot and never goes back but man I love the ODB. I'll go back for all time to just get a dozen of those
I am a big fan of Washington Park. You have the memorial at the entrance. You have the rose garden, Japanese Garden, zoo and the park railroad, tennis courts, hiking/running trails, amphitheatre, arboretum, forestry museum, several memorials/monuments, etc. Plus, you can connect to Forest Park easily and head over to check out the Pittock Mansion.
Go to Full Sail Brewing if you're cutting through Hood River. It's not a bad place to stop. Plus, you get a free pint glass for taking the brief tour - it's short enough you'll have no troubles with kids. Their beer is good, and their food ain't bad. Plus, stopping in HR to check it out is always a must.
He already said he was going through the place. You do know you benefit from the very tourists you loathe, right?
its not so much the tourists that go through. I pretty much avoid "Downtown" HR cause there is nothing there that interests me. Its all the people who decide to stay and make housing costs unreasonably high here lol
There are a couple of strip clubs that do this karaoke thing where you pick the song and sing it while she strips. Depending on the song you pick it might be something fun for you and the entire family.
Walking the NW around 21st and 23rd. Good breweries, great atmosphere and already mentioned but the kids and adults will like salt and straw. If you are doing 2 days, the Zoo and Multnomah Falls should keep you busy enough.
With your kids in mind The Portland Art Museum, the sub at OMSI, and a 1AM breakfast at The Original Hotcake House on the east end of the Powell bridge.
For me, food is a highlight of any trip. If you plan a trip to the falls, be sure to stop back for dinner at Tad's Chicken & Dumplings - or if it is a morning trip to the falls, no better hash brown potatoes than found at Shirley's Tippy Canoe.
I like to do a "day drunk" with my friends who come visit Portland. Start off at lunch on Saturday or Sunday and then just bar hop all day an night. Rules of the game are no more than one drink per person per establishment. That way you are always the fresh presence in the bar, blow in and out before anyone there knows what happened, and you keep a nice buzz all day without getting shitfaced to fast. Portland has some great bars and hole in the walls, and its pretty amazing to see what you find in the city bumming around buzzed all day. Some Favorite Stops: Blue Moon Gypsy Marathon Bitter End Ringlers Matador Portland City Grill Dante's Thirsty Lion Kells Shanghai Tunnel Magic Garden ( you always finish at the garden because being drunk is the only way there is really magic at that garden)
The Roxy is better for 1am breakfast. KoR.... Don't forget to stop and check out a real Portland institution...... Mary's Club.
