Summer in Portland

On the edge of the swiftly developing Eastside Riverfront District, you'll find a pioneering Italian restaurant that really caters to the business lunch crowd. Enjoy the free Wi-Fi and electrical outlets at each table. Beer and wine are served along with large portions of Italian fare and their specialty burgers and sandwiches inside the newly remodeled restaurant or on their large, shaded porch. Freelancers and students can be found here, enjoying the nice weather with an adult beverage all summer long. Breakfast is also served, specializing in giant 3-egg omelets and other traditional American fare in vast quantities.

Portland, “The City of Roses,” is the largest city in Oregon and the second largest city in the Pacific Northwest. It is one of the most beautiful urban areas in the world, with an exciting blend of historic and modern architecture. The scenery can’t be beat, with majestic views of Mount Hood and the Willamette River, stately Douglas Fir trees, roses everywhere and stunning seasonal colors. It’s also one of the greenest cities around, in terms of sustainable buildings and practices. Combine these elements with great art, waterfront festivals and a diverse population, and you have one very exciting city to visit.

Portland lies about 70 miles from the Pacific Coast on the northern border of Oregon, straddling the Willamette River just south of its confluence with the Columbia River at Vancouver, Washington. Mount Hood is about 50 miles to the east, and many recreation options are available in the surrounding wilderness.

Portland mixes big-city dynamics with small-town friendliness. Although Portland is now experiencing rapid growth, similar to Seattle, it has been able to retain its unique character. Art, culture, nature, music and beer (it’s the brewpub capital of the world, with at least 70 breweries in the surrounding city area)—all figure strongly into Portland’s eclectic and exciting personality.

Opened in the mid-1970s, this gallery is one of the few and best photographic galleries in the city. Subjects of the photos range widely, from works by Paul Seawright, whose Irish descent led him to take award-winning photographs of the conflicts in Ireland, to local artists who have taken advantage of the Pacific Northwest greenery to create stunning pictures. Be sure to stop by during the increasingly-popular First Thursday Gallery Walks. Call for feature schedules.

Oregon Cascade Winery is one of the few wineries that offers the unique flavor of rhubarb wine. The small family winery began making rhubarb wine in 1995 and this wine's popularity has soared. You can purchase a bottle via the web site or at a nearby Fred Meyer store. The marionberry wine is also a special treat. This winery evolved in 1987 and is the only one in Oregon City.

Friendly and affordable this newly renovated classic is one block south of Powell*s City of Books and caters to creative professionals and international travelers alike. Using a blend of historic details and modern perspective this unique hotel features vintage furniture- original claw foot tubs- custom Pendelton blankets- contemporary graphic elements- free Wi-Fi- flat screen televisions and a Stumptown Coffee in the lobby. Each of the 79 rooms is unique. 68 have private baths and the suites can accommodate up to four people. 3 rooms have bunk beds and shared baths. Prices range from 95.00 USD - 250.00 USD.

There is much more than meets this eye at this comprehensive suburban mall. The enclosed mall is the second largest in Washington county and features more than five dozen friendly merchants. You will find major retailers as well as specialty stores. There is an array of salons and healthy stores to help you look and feel your best. There are plenty of places to grab a quick bite. Credit card acceptance varies by individual business.