Chepos From Puerto Rico, joined Dec 2000, 5972 posts, RR: 12 Posted (4 years 1 month 2 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 2234 times:
Good Morning Everyone,
I'm planning a day trip to the city of Portland, Oregon, I have been there once before and went to the Japanese gardens up in a hill and visited China town as well.
What are some of the other notables sites of this cool looking city?
Thanks in advance for the suggestions
DXing From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 3, posted (4 years 1 month 2 weeks 9 hours ago) and read 2197 times:
Well if you listen to Seb146 the best thing to do would be to leave since the security situation in several parts of the city is akin to the worst of Baghdad or Kabul.
RwSEA From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 3017 posts, RR: 2 Reply 4, posted (4 years 1 month 2 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 2178 times:
Portland doesn't have a lot of touristy "sights" per se, but I think the biggest attraction is the city's restaurants, bars, and neighborhoods. There are lots of cool neighborhoods where you can enjoy some drinks, check out shops, etc. I would include the Hawthorne District, NW 23rd, and the Pearl District in that group. My favorite summer days in Portland are just walking up and down NW 23rd, enjoying a beer or two, and enjoying the sunshine.
If you're staying close to the downtown area, I'd check out the Waterfront Park, Pioneer Courthouse Square, and the Park Blocks. Other sights not too far from downtown include the Pittock Mansion, the Zoo, and Powells Books of course. I haven't tried the aerial tram, but have heard good things about it too.
Seb146 From United States of America, joined Nov 1999, 9831 posts, RR: 17 Reply 5, posted (4 years 1 month 2 weeks 5 hours ago) and read 2177 times:
Quoting DXing (Reply 3): the security situation in several parts of the city is akin to the worst of Baghdad or Kabul.
Just Rockwood and North Portland...
Seriously, depending on when you are visiting, there is Saturday Market every weekend through Christmas. Take light rail to Skidmore Fountain station. Some of the roses have started to bud, so near the Japanese Garden is the International Test Rose Garden and the Queen's Walk. Rose Festival runs from the end of May through mid June. I was not impressed with the Classical Chinese Garden. I thought the Chinese Garden in Vancouver BC was much better. Portland Art Museum is downtown. Spotting along Marine Drive. Hiking waterfalls in the Gorge. Pearson Air Museum and Ft Vancouver, both in Vancouver, just across the Columbia River.
It all depends on what you are looking for and when you will be in the area.
Allstarflyer From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 6, posted (4 years 1 month 2 weeks 3 hours ago) and read 2162 times:
Quoting Chepos (Thread starter): What are some of the other notables sites of this cool looking city?
IMHO, I've been to Portland, and the 3 best looking sites in the city are (1) the airport, (2) the interstate (405 towards 5) heading towards S.F. and (3) the interstate (405 or 705) heading towards Seattle.
Alias1024 From United States of America, joined Oct 2004, 2644 posts, RR: 2 Reply 7, posted (4 years 1 month 1 week 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 2143 times:
RwSEA and Seb146 summed it up pretty well. Portland is also good for finding really strange things.
Depending on when you are in town, you might be able to take a tour of the shanghai tunnels beneath downtown. A look into the rough and dark history of Portland, where passed out drunk sailors were kidnapped and taken onto ships docked in the Willamette, basically becoming slaves on the ships once it sailed off down the Columbia into the Pacific.
You can also see the largest and smallest municipal parks in the world. Forest Park is over 5,000 acres and has some decent hiking and biking. At SW Front and Taylor is Mill End Park, which is basically a tiny traffic island surrounded by six lanes of traffic.
Voodoo Donuts is quite unusual. They are known for cereal topped donuts, the maple bacon bar (very yummy ), and the blood filled voodoo donut. They are also known for offering fully legal weddings, Swahili lessons, and a very disturbing competition to see who can hang the most donuts from a certain body part.
Anyone else have suggestions for strange and unusual things in Portland?
Quoting UAL757 (Reply 1): Get on I-5 and drive to Seattle
Just dreadful advice. The beer is worse, the coffee is worse, the traffic is worse.......
It is a mistake to think you can solve any major problems with just potatoes.
RwSEA From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 3017 posts, RR: 2 Reply 8, posted (4 years 1 month 1 week 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 2137 times:
Quoting Alias1024 (Reply 7):
Just dreadful advice. The beer is worse, the coffee is worse, the traffic is worse.......
Seattle might have a few more touristy-type sights, but it can't hold a candle to Portland in terms of livability. I can't wait to move back to Portland.
Nwaesc From United States of America, joined Aug 2007, 3324 posts, RR: 9 Reply 9, posted (4 years 1 month 1 week 6 days 21 hours ago) and read 2131 times:
Quoting UAL757 (Reply 1): Get on I-5 and drive to Seattle
Quite possibly the worst post in the history of A.Net.
Quoting Seb146 (Reply 5): Just Rockwood and North Portland...
I dunno... I actually would feel pretty safe in North Portland, especially compared to, say, 10 years ago.
Rockwood? Not so much.
To the OP:
It's too bad you'll only be there for a day.
"Nothing ever happens here, " I said. "I just wait."
RayChuang From United States of America, joined Jun 2000, 7695 posts, RR: 5 Reply 10, posted (4 years 1 month 1 week 6 days 15 hours ago) and read 2116 times:
Quoting Alias1024 (Reply 7): Just dreadful advice. The beer is worse, the coffee is worse, the traffic is worse.......
Not to mention terrible sports teams, too! At least Portland got the up and coming Trailblazers NBA team.
And Seattle has serious problems with traffic, too. At least Portland "got a clue" and built up an excellent trolley system that will soon cover most of the metropolitan Portland area.
Chepos From Puerto Rico, joined Dec 2000, 5972 posts, RR: 12 Reply 11, posted (4 years 1 month 1 week 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 2106 times:
Thank you all for the suggestions, PDX is easier to non-rev to than SEA (and I have been to SEA numerous times)-plus it's always good to get out of the Arizona heat (in the summer).
That Voodo donuts places sounds like it's a must see, additioanlly, I have heard of these trailers selling all type of world foods. Anyway kows what are of town these are in?
Nwaesc From United States of America, joined Aug 2007, 3324 posts, RR: 9 Reply 12, posted (4 years 1 month 1 week 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 2104 times:
Quoting RayChuang (Reply 10): Not to mention terrible sports teams, too! At least Portland got the up and coming Trailblazers NBA team.
Don't forget the Portland Timbers (soccer); a must on any intinerary!
Quoting RayChuang (Reply 10): And Seattle has serious problems with traffic, too. At least Portland "got a clue" and built up an excellent trolley system that will soon cover most of the metropolitan Portland area.
It pretty much already does cover most of it. In fact, if you're flying in, and don't need to leave the metro area, you can skip a rental car all together.
"Nothing ever happens here, " I said. "I just wait."
Seb146 From United States of America, joined Nov 1999, 9831 posts, RR: 17 Reply 13, posted (4 years 1 month 1 week 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 2100 times:
Quoting Chepos (Reply 11): That Voodo donuts places sounds like it's a must see, additioanlly, I have heard of these trailers selling all type of world foods. Anyway kows what are of town these are in?
I went to Voodoo Doughnuts once. It was okay. I was more impressed with the selection of doughnuts than anything. Also, I made the mistake of going there on Mardi Gras. I forgot what day it was...
There are a couple of parking lots right downtown that have these trailers. One is on 5th Ave at Stark another is on Alder between 9th and 10th. Also, there is Shelly's Honkin' Huge Burritos at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Well, there are some other stands there, too, but Shelly ROCKS! Plus, the Square is called Portland's Living Room.
Quoting Alias1024 (Reply 7): At SW Front and Taylor is Mill End Park, which is basically a tiny traffic island surrounded by six lanes of traffic.
I was wondering when they would move that back. I never saw anything on the move back.
Quoting Nwaesc (Reply 9): I dunno... I actually would feel pretty safe in North Portland, especially compared to, say, 10 years ago.
Meh... There are parts of Fessenden, Columbia, and Lombard that I will not go near ever. But, in the area of Gresham I live in, we have not heard gunshots in a few days!
Back on topic:
There are also a lot of live music venues and a lot of bars especially in Old Town/Chinatown. I have not been to the bars in a long time, but there are always ads in the free papers for live music. Willamette Week and Portland Mercury can be found all over downtown and they have all kinds of ads for live music, if that is your thing. Also, there is the restaurant and bar on the 30th floor of the USBank Tower on West Burnside between 5th and 6th.
And the tram. $4 for a round trip between Riverfront Campus and Main Campus of Oregon Health Sciences University. Pittock Mansion has wonderful views on clear days. Today would not be the day to go, however.
Nwaesc From United States of America, joined Aug 2007, 3324 posts, RR: 9 Reply 14, posted (4 years 1 month 1 week 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 2083 times:
Quoting Seb146 (Reply 13): But, in the area of Gresham I live in, we have not heard gunshots in a few days!
well that's a start! LOL. My mom now lives by Cleveland station... I'm not too thrilled about that.
Quoting Seb146 (Reply 13): Pittock Mansion has wonderful views on clear days.
Ditto Council Crest, though I'm not sure that's a good recommendation for a day tripper?
from the base of the tram, it's not too far to: Willamette park (good for just lolling around), and the Fulton Brew pub (one of my faves). Should you find yourself at the latter, please have a pint of the Nebraska bitter for me!
"Nothing ever happens here, " I said. "I just wait."
Mike89406 From United States of America, joined Mar 2007, 1266 posts, RR: 3 Reply 15, posted (4 years 1 month 1 week 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 2076 times:
Quoting UAL757 (Reply 1): Get on I-5 and drive to Seattle
Great advice! But seriously there not much to do unless you like the outdoors. Mt. Hood is nice to visit, Mt St. Helens, The coastal towns of Oregon like Astoria, Coos Bay. And don't forget to visit Hood River. http://www.hoodriver.org/
Quoting Alias1024 (Reply 7): Just dreadful advice. The beer is worse, the coffee is worse, the traffic is worse.......
The traffic is bad there however most of that areas charm isn't so much in the city but different things outside the city like the Cascade Mountains, Taking the ferry, Bellingham, Anacortes, Deception Pass, Whidbey Island, Mt Rainer, Leavenworth.
If I had the time I would highly recommend Vancouver BC. An upbeat city with lots of fun and clean etc...However the drive is quite far. They do have NS flights to YVR though.
Allstarflyer From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 16, posted (4 years 1 month 1 week 6 days 9 hours ago) and read 2060 times:
Quoting Mike89406 (Reply 15): Quoting Alias1024 (Reply 7):
Just dreadful advice. The beer is worse, the coffee is worse, the traffic is worse.......
The traffic is bad there however most of that areas charm isn't so much in the city but different things outside the city like the Cascade Mountains, Taking the ferry, Bellingham, Anacortes, Deception Pass, Whidbey Island, Mt Rainer, Leavenworth.
Yeah, agreed, totally - I wonder if the PDX area has anything to offer like the San Juan islands . . .
UAL757 From United States of America, joined Sep 2006, 803 posts, RR: 4 Reply 17, posted (4 years 1 month 1 week 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 2055 times:
Quoting Nwaesc (Reply 9): Quite possibly the worst post in the history of A.Net.
Doug_or From United States of America, joined Mar 2000, 3163 posts, RR: 4 Reply 18, posted (4 years 1 month 1 week 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 2052 times:
There are food carts through out the downtown area, some with hours and location for lunch time worker crowds and other more focused on the late night drunks. My favorite day time one is the India Chaat house on SW 12th and yamhill (mon-sat) where you can get the daily lunch special for $5.50 including some lentils, a few curries, rice and nann. Late night (which I guess would be hard for a day trip) Potato Champion at SE 12th and Hawthorne (wed-sat) serves fresh fries with a variety of sauces and offer poutine (fries with cheese curds and gravy).
NWAESC From United States of America, joined Aug 2007, 3324 posts, RR: 9 Reply 19, posted (4 years 1 month 1 week 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 2044 times:
Quoting UAL757 (Reply 17): Gee thanks...you two do know I was joking?
Recommending that someone go to SEA is no laughing matter.
"Nothing ever happens here, " I said. "I just wait."
Seb146 From United States of America, joined Nov 1999, 9831 posts, RR: 17 Reply 20, posted (4 years 1 month 1 week 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 2037 times:
Quoting Nwaesc (Reply 14): Ditto Council Crest, though I'm not sure that's a good recommendation for a day tripper?
I never really "got" Council Crest. Nice park, but not much to do IMO. To each his own!
Quoting Mike89406 (Reply 15): The coastal towns of Oregon like Astoria, Coos Bay. And don't forget to visit Hood River.
Coos Bay would be too far of a drive for a day trip. Astoria and Seaside, though, if a person were staying for a few days...
Quoting Allstarflyer (Reply 16): Yeah, agreed, totally - I wonder if the PDX area has anything to offer like the San Juan islands . . .
Canby Ferry and Deer Island Ferry? Better yet: Boones Ferry and Taylors Ferry LOL Later this week, the weather is supposed to warm up into the 70s, so maybe a person could rent a boat and go on the Columbia. I have always wanted to spend the night on Government Island. Fourth Of July just won't be the same this year, though. The Fort (Vancouver) cancelled their show for lack of funds.
N174UA From United States of America, joined Jun 2006, 994 posts, RR: 0 Reply 21, posted (4 years 1 month 1 week 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 2025 times:
Quoting RwSEA (Reply 8): Seattle might have a few more touristy-type sights, but it can't hold a candle to Portland in terms of livability. I can't wait to move back to Portland.
I'm hoping the economy picks up later this year/early next year so I can finally go back. I've been up here nearly 13 years now. Hard to believe. Enough already.
Quoting Alias1024 (Reply 7): Just dreadful advice. The beer is worse, the coffee is worse, the traffic is worse.......
You forgot the snotty attitude, too. And forget about the dating scene. "Seattle Freeze" big time.
Quoting RayChuang (Reply 10): At least Portland got the up and coming Trailblazers NBA team.
There was only one direction but up from the "Jail Blazer" days! Still...they have come a long way and I hope they do well. We won't talk about the er...never mind.
Fun in the summer. Largely inacessible from the east or west sides in the winter due to snow. I understand it's easier to climb it in the winter (south rim).
Nwaesc From United States of America, joined Aug 2007, 3324 posts, RR: 9 Reply 22, posted (4 years 1 month 1 week 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 2007 times:
Quoting Seb146 (Reply 20): I never really "got" Council Crest. Nice park, but not much to do IMO. To each his own!
I mentioned it solely for the view...
"Nothing ever happens here, " I said. "I just wait."
Alias1024 From United States of America, joined Oct 2004, 2644 posts, RR: 2 Reply 23, posted (4 years 1 month 1 week 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 1982 times:
Quoting Seb146 (Reply 13): I was wondering when they would move that back. I never saw anything on the move back.
Maybe it's not there then. I never realized it was gone.
Quoting Seb146 (Reply 13): I went to Voodoo Doughnuts once. It was okay. I was more impressed with the selection of doughnuts than anything.
The donuts are why I like it. Something about bacon and maple frosting just works.
It is a mistake to think you can solve any major problems with just potatoes.
PhilGil From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 249 posts, RR: 1 Reply 24, posted (4 years 1 month 1 week 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 1980 times:
If the weather is nice the Willamette Jet Boats are a fun way to get out on the river. http://www.willamettejet.com/
25 Seb146: A couple of years ago, they re-aligned Naito Parkway. When they did that, they took out Mill Ends Park. I have not been to that area for a long time.
26 Cactus739: OMG that is the most amazing slice of heavan ever!!!! I went to Voodoo last September when I had a couple days in Portland... the bacon maple bar was
27 NWAESC: There can be no finer view than that of the strip mall babylon that is Beaverton, Or. It is God's preview of heaven. (and also my hometown)... :D Any
28 Chepos: What's in Beaverton and Milwaukee? Regards, Chepos
29 Seb146: Like NWA said: Beaverton is strip-mall heaven. Don't forget the thousands of large apartment complexes. Depending on what part of Milwaukie, it is ei
30 PhilGil: No surprise there, suburban areas anywhere are generally uninteresting. It's a B-17: http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2968
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From Puerto Rico, joined Dec 2000, 5972 posts, 
From United States of America, joined Sep 2006, 803 posts, 
From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 3017 posts, 
), and the blood filled voodoo donut. They are also known for offering fully legal weddings, Swahili lessons, and a very disturbing competition to see who can hang the most donuts from a certain body part. 
But seriously there not much to do unless you like the outdoors. Mt. Hood is nice to visit, Mt St. Helens, The coastal towns of Oregon like Astoria, Coos Bay. And don't forget to visit Hood River. 
I'm hoping the economy picks up later this year/early next year so I can finally go back. I've been up here nearly 13 years now. Hard to believe. Enough already.
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