Portland, OR

One of my favorite places in the whole world (not that I've seen much of the world, though) is Portland, Oregon. I have some favorite places to go, of course, and if you ever come here you should check them out!

Powell's Books
An entire city block of books in downtown Portland! Who could NOT want to go? Powell's is the number one place to go for everything books, from textbooks to children's books, science fiction to cartoons, even music books.

Saint Honore Boulangerie
Heaven in a brioche! Found in the Northwest part of Portland, Saint Honore's was started by an award-winning Frenchman who adds his own flair to the NW residential area. A must for all people traveling through Portland, or Lake Oswego where they opened a new restaurant in April.

Everyday Music
Two huge rooms packed with new and used CD's and DVD's. A highlight of any Powell's trip, as it is only a couple blocks away. It's best to spend an entire afternoon in there, because you never know when you'll find that one CD you've been looking for all year at a bargain price! Also a great place to sell your CD's that you don't want anymore, leaving room in your CD display case for all the new ones you're about to buy.

OMSI (The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry)
If you only have time for one thing at OMSI, go and see an OMNIMAX movie. Waaay better
than IMAX, which is only a big screen, the OMNIMAX theater actually wraps the screen around the theater, getting you as close to the action as possible! Each frame is 10 times the size of 35mm film. Amazing? I think so!!

Japanese Garden
Located above the Oregon Zoo, the Japanese Garden is an incredibly beautiful place to find your inner whatever or just go and enjoy nature from anything part of the world. All the plants are authentic Japanese plants, arranged is a precise way to be as authentic as possible. Worth it to check out color in the garden to get a feel for what is in the garden at this time.

McMenamins
What is a list of the great spots in Portland without a brew pub on the list? Portland is well known for it's breweries, and McMenamins is one of the best, in my opinion. A place for adults as well as families, McMenamins has over 24 locations around Oregon, and an additional 16 locations in Portland itself. They offer a variety of services: food, hotel rooms, movie theaters, music venues, breweries, wineries, distilleries, roasted coffees, swing lessons, 80's video dance attack, UFO festivals and much more!

The Grotto
Even though I am not Catholic, I've loved going to the Grotto. 62 acres of beautiful garden, and a gorgeous overlook of Portland from their Meditation Chapel captured the spiritual side of nature and life. The actual Grotto is awe inspiring, but the grounds are magnificent. Sunday Mass starts at 10 am.

NW 23rd
My heart will always be in NW 23rd street in Portland. I honestly have no clue why. There are some interesting shops and restaurants, but nothing that isn't found anywhere else. However, there is something about the atmosphere and the people that make it my favorite spot in Portland. If you get the chance, go and see what I mean.

TriMet
Can't find your way around Portland? Have no fear, TriMet is here! Basically, get on the MAX (Metropolitan Area Express), and you can go wherever you want to! Check out the website to learn more about MAX, the streetcar, our bus routes, or plan your trip down to the minute.

Where I stole the idea