Portland Anniversary Trip - Need some local recommendations!

[goofiefoot]

My wife and I are going to be in the Portland area October 14-18. We're spending 2 nights in Pacific City, 1 night in Hood River, and the last night in downtown Portland. I was there last year with some buddies (beer trip), so I'm familiar with the area, but I wanted some local advice on some places to eat and things to do.

I'm wanting to take her to the Pelican Brewery in Pacific City, but other than that, I'd love some suggestions up and down the coast for good eateries, and some good beaches. We'd love to explore some tidal pools.

We're planning to do some hiking around Mt Hood, and I definitely want to get some pizza at Double Mountain in Hood River, but let me know if there's something else we should make sure to hit.

The night in downtown Portland is really where I'm at a loss. I know where all the brew pubs are, but since this night is our actual anniversary, I'd like something nice, and little quirky. I really enjoyed some of the places we ate breakfast last year, like the Tin Shed and the Arleta Library Cafe, so something along those lines, but for dinner would be great. We won't have the rental car than night, so it would need to be easy (safe) to get to from downtown.

Looking forward to some suggestions! Thanks!

[goofiefoot]

Anyone?

[Cadeez]

If you're coming up the coast I'd definitely check out the Rogue Brewery in Newport, great beers and the best fish & chips ever. It's also right next door to the Oregon Coast Aquarium which is pretty cool if you've never been. Mo's in Lincoln City is a great spot for a wicked bowl of chowda, I'm partial to the sourdough bread bowl version myself. As far as downtown is concerned that's tough, there's so many spots down there, so much good food. Are you looking to spend some $$ or just looking for a quaint little dinner spot? Downtown is good, but the Pearl District (across Burnside) has a little of everything, a ton of great restaurants and bars. Everything from Henry's 12th St, to Portland City Grill (30th floor of the US Bancorp Tower=niiice) to Blue Hour. Steakhouse you say? Ringside on Burnside is my favorite and it just underwent a complete remodel, awesome steaks. If you're looking for a great cocktail in a cool atmosphere check out Teardrop Lounge between 9th & 10th on Everett. Here is a link you can check out too, I realize it says it's for happy hours but it will list almost every restaurant in town and give you an idea of prices and cuisine. Hope this helps a little, any other questions just let me know

http://www.urbandrinks.com/happyhour/usa/or/portland

[goofiefoot]

Perfect! Thanks, man.

[mimalmo]

I went up to Mt. Hood a couple years ago while on a work trip. It's beautiful.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg283/mimalmo/Portland%20OR%20Trip/P1050943.jpg
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg283/mimalmo/Portland%20OR%20Trip/P1050948.jpg

Of course, I went snowboarding instead of hiking.
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg283/mimalmo/Portland%20OR%20Trip/P1050950.jpg
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg283/mimalmo/Portland%20OR%20Trip/P1050953.jpg

Get a full tank of gas at the outer edge of Portland before heading up to Mt. Hood as there's not many gas stations on the way. As with any mountain, the weather and temps changes dramatically depending upon time of day and elevation so layering is key.

[Cadeez]

Mt Hood is the ish! Nice pics Eli, it's beautiful up there.

[danewilson77]

Love the pics GF. Those pics can't hold a candle to the wife I bet.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[goofiefoot]

Check out my write-up. (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?5229-My-Portland-Anniversary-Trip)

Really great area of the country!

[04ZHP_PDX]

It looks like you had a great time!! Sorry I missed this thread, but glad you both had fun :)!

Did you stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory? I don't work in Tillamook, but I am employed by the cheese company!

[goofiefoot]

It looks like you had a great time!! Sorry I missed this thread, but glad you both had fun :)!

Did you stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory? I don't work in Tillamook, but I am employed by the cheese company!

We drove right past it. My wife was a bit queasy that morning, so cheese wasn't really sounding great at that point.

When I was there last year with my buddies, we did the tour. Awesome! Out of curiosity, what do you do for Tillamook?

[04ZHP_PDX]

Good choice. Queesy is not made better by cheesy!

I work in the marketing department on all of our projects in the offline world (PR, TV ads, experiential marketing, outdoor ads, etc.). It's a fun job for sure!