2 Day Stay for Fun

Heading to Portland tomorrow on the train from Seattle....staying at Fifth Avenue Suites for two nights. No car this trip. It will be me and my young teenage daughter. Suggestions on interesting things to see downtown, good eats (not too pricey, though we might splurge on one meal)? Are the zoo or Japanese Gardens worthwhile this time of year? We are veteran Northwesterners (Seattle?) so used to cold and rain....and Starbucks! Heard there is a good one downtown with a nice fireplace.... This is a very last minute trip. Have been to Portland a few times for conventions, etc but mostly only have seen the inside of whatever hotel we were in.

Thanks.

Kauaisunsetlover

2 Day Stay for Fun

You know, the 5th Ave Suites is doing some renovating ( nothing that will bother your stay) -they are aiming at becoming Portlands only 4 star hotel :)

Japanese Gardens are wonderful all the time, we have had a lot of dry days, go for it!

Starbucks with fireplace is on the corner of 11th %26amp; Stark, in the Governor Hotel..

Henrys Tavern %26amp; Grill

Everett St Bistro

Silk

all in the Pearl, easy to get to for lunches or dinners..

Near your hotel, Red Star Tavern

Mothers Bistro

Typhoon

gotta go now :) more people will no doubt help you..Enjoy Portland ( my son is on a train today to Seattle for a couple of days lol...

2 Day Stay for Fun

The zoo is open, but ';worthwhile';? I don%26#39;t know, but you can get there easily on MAX. Japanese Gardens would require some walking unless you can figure how to get there by bus. Chinese Classical Gardens are downtown (near the train station) if that%26#39;s of interest.

You should walk around Pioneer Square, Portland%26#39;s ';living room'; with the huge Christmas tree (and a Starbucks on the corner). If your daughter%26#39;s a shopper, she%26#39;d like Pioneer Place, a couple blocks towards the river. And she%26#39;d probably also like the shops along NW 23rd, which you can get to via streetcar. Urban Outfitters, Levis, and Lush are there, but also some local retailers you won%26#39;t find in Seattle.

Have fun! Looks like the weather%26#39;s gonna hold for you.

Max lightrail train to zoo..free shuttle bus at Zoo station takes you to the Japanese Gardens :)

LOL, well there you go.... How long have I lived here and not known that? Thanks, Scarlett. :o)

LOL, we discovered the train/bus when we were visiting here a couple of years ago. We were directed by the Concierge at the 5th Ave Suites to take that train and shuttle, the shuttle runs every half hour or so, it drops you off at the corner of the block the Garden entrance is on..easy..as long as the weather permits. Otherwise I would suggest something else..the views of Portland and beyond from the Gardens is just wonderful!

West Cafe on SW Jefferson has a fireplace too, great for lunch..

Fenouile, in the Pearl has 2 double-sided fireplaces and also, I want to suggest my old fave, Serratto...across the street from the Cinema 21 on NW 21st St where you can take the streetcar easily, and see one of the Art House movies showing..we just saw Volver there..

sorry, I keep spelling Fenouil with an e at the end...

Perhaps kauisunsetlover and daughter might enjoy the ';underground'; mix of shops, fountains and restaurants - I cannot recall the mall name. Help!!!

Yes, the zoo would be fun for your daughter. Our last visit was in Nov. 2005 before Thanksgiving and there were no crowds at all. It%26#39;s a fun way to spend some time in Portland. :)

You may want to consider a meal with your daughter at the Heathman Hotel restaurant. They have very good food, it is not too formal and the service is very good.

Wander through the Nob Hill District, our teen daughter loves the boutiques there and of course, the shopping is tax-free which we love. We like the Escape From New York pizza place there and the chocolate milkshakes and truffles from Moonstruck. Wildwood is a very good place for a meal.

The Pittock Mansion is very pretty and educational, the views are nice from the back lawn and would make a great photo op for your daughter. Enjoy Portland and Happy New Year! :)

Pioneer Place, voyaging? The lower level is underground, with shops, fountains, and a food court. Don%26#39;t know what else you might be thinking of.

Don%26#39;t you think Heathman restaurant is a little stodgy for a teenager, syrahgirl? It would be one of the last places I%26#39;d choose.

Mistletoe, thanks...