What To Do When Visiting Portland, Oregon

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Summer is the perfect time to visit Portland Oregon, even if it is just for the fresh seafood. The Rose City also is a great travel destination for the scenery, microbreweries, wines, restaurants, and shopping.

Spend a few days lodging in the downtown/riverfront area in the middle of all the action. Park your car and enjoy a nice walk in one of the most beautiful cities. Stroll on the river walk to people-watch or walk to the Saturday Market and many other attractions.

The Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront hotel is my favorite place to stay. The friendly staff, comfortable rooms, views, and its central location within an easy walk to the free trolley make this a must. The Four Points Sheraton is another excellent choice.

The trolley is indeed free as long as you stay in the “fareless” zone. You can visit Pioneer Place, Nordstrom’s, Powell’s City of Books, the Pearl District, Washington Park’s Rose Garden, and many other attractions. Ride the trolley to the closest stop and have a short walk to the Portland Classical Chinese Garden. Pick up a free trolley map at any area business. For special event dates and reviews, purchase the “Portland Monthly” magazine at any newsstand or bookstore, or go online at https://www.pdxmonthly.com/

For scrumptious food, a favorite for locals and tourists alike is Jake’s Famous Crawfish Restaurant. Try the crab salad piled high with Dungeness crab. For a more casual experience you can’t miss with Paddy’s Irish Pub an upscale Irish Pub on S.W. Yamhill with delicious chicken potpie and friendly bartenders who will share their favorite Portland hangouts. Visit the Heathman Hotel bar for a special cocktail.

Within an easy drive of downtown Portland you can enjoy the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. If you drive the entire national scenic area, stop at the lovely Columbia Gorge Hotel for a bite to eat or just the view. Visit Mount Hood to check out the Timberline Lodge & the Blue Ox Bar, but be sure to take a jacket since it may be snowing in July at the top. For colorful photos don’t miss the wind surfing in the town of Hood River, and remember to try any of their local roasted coffees.

Oregon has a spectacular coastline, and it’s all free to the public. You can stop and walk on the beach. Visit Cannon Beach or drive south on Highway 101 to Tillamook to visit the Blue Heron French Cheese Company for lunch and Oregon wine tasting. Enjoy this bucolic rural area with herds of dairy cows and delicious Tillamook cheeses.

Last but certainly not least is the Oregon wine country. While Oregon is renowned for its fabulous Pinot Noirs, you also will enjoy their Pinot Gris and dessert wines. There are multiple wine areas in Oregon, but some of our favorite wineries are in the Willamette Valley near McMinnville. Quality wineries abound closer to Portland, but they may be crowded with limos and tours. You will encounter lots of traffic on Highway 99 near Dundee, so stay off the beaten path unless you are a sparkling wine fan then you must stop at the Argyle Winery in Dundee to try theirs.

Our favorite wineries outside McMinnville include Elk Cove, Torii Mor, Willakenzie, Penner-Ash, Anne Amie, and Lange. All have great views, yummy Pinot Noirs, and knowledgeable pourers. Snag a free copy of the “Guide to Willamette Valley Wineries” map.

When you are ready for a special (pricey) dinner, savor the delicious fare at The Painted Lady on College Street in Newberg or Nick’s in historic McMinnville. For a more casual dining experience in downtown McMinnville try McMenamins Hotel Oregon. At the very least have a drink and an appetizer at the legendary rooftop bar overlooking the surrounding hills & vineyards.

Enjoy all Portland has to offer with it’s beautiful scenery and delicious food!