Weekend in Portland

Our Local Expert Says:

For an extremely special Portland favorite, try the oyster's hash. It's surprisingly amazing at 10am.

Description:

The corner location of this place is good for the morning line. Try going around 8am to beat the rush or the sleep-in crowd that approaches at 12:30pm or later. Once you finally get your food, you will know why the place is packed. The muffins are good with coffee for breakfast while the salads are a solid choice for lunch. Beer and wine are available. Most menu items are less than $8. The atmosphere is bright with large windows that open up the place.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Saturday Market is one of the best spots to spend a weekend morning in Portland. It is deceiving however; the Saturday Market actually takes place on both Saturday and Sunday.

Description:

The Saturday Market is a great place to explore the local arts and crafts of Portland. From homemade soaps to glassblowers, this craft fair is one of the most unique on the West Coast. HOURS: Sa 10a-5p and Su 11a-4:30p.

Our Local Expert Says:

Although the Classical Chinese Garden is in the most run-down section of Downtown Portland, upon entering this Garden you'll feel you've stepped into an oasis. It is truly worth a look.

Description:

The Classical Chinese Garden is one of the more interesting spots in Downtown Portland. It is located in the heard of Chinatown, and was originally an effort to beautify this struggling section of Portland. Although the area still has its demons, the Classical Chinese Garden is a city oasis. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $5.50 for students with children under 5 free.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Japanese Garden is like walking through another world. You won't be disappointed.

Description:

A work of art in itself, Portland's Japanese Garden is the largest in the United States, and is located just outside Downtown Portland. Only 40 years old, this quiet attraction is not to be missed. A beautiful oasis in Portland, it is easy to see how much time and energy Portland dedicates to the outdoors.

Our Local Expert Says:

The roses here stay in bloom until the beginning of December. Not to be missed!

Description:

Although Portland's roses peak in June, these roses are in bloom almost all year. The International Rose Test Garden is completely free, and not to be missed by anyone. Wander from flower to flower, sniffing and enjoying these little perfume factories.

Our Local Expert Says:

Old Town is the best spot to explore Portland's dark and dangerous past. When you're finished touring, this spot has the city's best night clubs.

Description:

Old Town contains the majority of Portland's strip clubs, wild nightlife, and general debauchery. Not to be missed if you're in the mood for a party, Old Town is hopping by night and historical by day. Voodoo Donuts absolutely must be visited, day or night, for a truly creative donut.

Our Local Expert Says:

By far the most delicious pizza on both the East and West Coast.

Description:

The aroma hits you as soon as you walk in the front door of this causal neighborhood restaurant just a few blocks south of E. Burnside Street. Heavenly aromas mingle with the tang of wood smoke from the oven in which the pizzas here are baked. Start your meal with the wood-oven roasted vegetable plate, which comes with a trio of seasonal veggies that are wonderfully sauced. You could make a meal on this platter alone, but since this is a pizza place, you have to have a pie. My wife and I always get the one with fennel sausage and roasted onion, but the amatriciana, with house-cured pancetta, is good too.

Description:

Feel like royalty and indulge in luxurious surroundings. This hotel provides unsurpassed service, special little touches and grand opulence. Rooms boast incredible city views, artwork by famous local artisans and comfort to spare. Dine at the award-winning Heathman Restaurant and Bar for extraordinary Northwest and French cuisine. After your meal, take advantage of MAX's Fareless Square and explore downtown for free. The minimum room rates listed are applicable on the weekends only.

Description:

This lovely hotel, located in the heart of downtown, is attached to one of the best Italian restaurants in the city, Pazzo Ristorante. The hotel was built in 1894 and restored in the early 1990s; the richly decorated rooms take inspiration from Oregon's wineries and vineyards. For a special weekend, reserve a two-story townhouse suite with a jetted tub, or sleep under the stars in a special room with conservatory windows for stargazing from bed. Enjoy nightly wine tasting in the fireside room.

Our Local Expert Says:

Café Umbria is an absolute must-try for any visitor to Portland. Experience Portland's authentic coffee culture and order the best cappuccino you'll ever taste.

Description:

At Café Umbria, located in the heart of the Pearl District, taste for the first time three generations of practice in the coffee biz. Enjoy the casual dining style while you taste authentic Italian coffee so great, you'll swear you're in Perugia, Italy, where the family first started roasting. For those truly hooked on Cafe Umbria, purchase their ground beans and make their coffee at home as well. Not to be missed- their variations of mixed hot chocolate and coffee. If you're ambitious, catch their Italian movie nights.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is a perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering in and out of galleries and boutiques.

Description:

Portland's Pearl District is home to fine art galleries, trendy city dwellers, and upscale dining. The art galleries and cobble stone streets alone make this a worth-while stop on any trip. On the first Thursday of each month, these galleries are open to the public well into the night, making it a trendy nighttime destination.

Description:

Ten 01's Executive Chef Michael Hanaghan takes a modern approach to classic American flavors, producing precise dishes focused on balanced, pure, seasonal ingredients. The award winning wine list is the perfect partner to Chef Hanaghan's refined cuisine. Ten 01 is a restaurant that combines contemporary design with environmentally friendly principles. Sustainable sourcing in the kitchen is mirrored in the make up of the restaurant itself. Downstairs at Ten 01 combines the energy of the bar with the action of an open kitchen, while the second floor provides diners with views of Portland's bustling Pearl District while enjoying an exceptional fine dining experience.

Description:

With the options of a private dining room for an intimate setting or a banquet hall for corporate lunch meetings, the Portland City Grill offers a choice for everyone. You can also grab a light dinner at the bar itself after a few drinks if you make it for Happy Hour. Sushi is also served alongside the more American steaks. Call ahead if you want to have a meal in one of their booths.

Our Local Expert Says:

The best Italian food in Portland!

Description:

The aroma strikes the minute you enter this authentic, intimate Italian-style restaurant. The varied menu includes such delights as Gnocchi Alla Romana and Pollo alla Griglia. Enjoy a crisp, refreshing bottle of local wine for about $24. Round out your scrumptious meal with a classic Italian dessert, such as the Torta di Cioccolata (chocolate mousse cake). Come as you are and you will feel at ease with the elegant Italian decor, reasonable prices and friendly atmosphere.

Our Local Expert Says:

Nob Hill… great boutiques, restaurants, and cocktails.

Description:

Check out Nob Hill and spend an afternoon discovering that even Portland fashion is unique. The local designers and one-of-a-kind stores make this area hard to beat if you enjoy shopping. Lined with Victorian homes and old trees, this is a perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Description:

Downtown Portland has a great variety of things to see and do, and is best explored on foot. From Pioneer Square to Chinatown, the diversity in Downtown Portland will astound you. Not to be missed; visit Powell's Book store, the largest book store in the country. If you enjoy historic walking tours, both Old Town and Chinatown are extremely interesting.