Portland Getaway and Hotel Guide

Ideally located where the Willamette and Columbia rivers meet in the Pacific Northwest, Portland, Oregon provides visitors and residents alike with the kind of social and cultural scene one expects from a cosmopolitan city while still retaining many of the charms and natural wonders of a small town.

Founded in 1851 as part of a 640-acre land claim owned by Massachusetts native Asa Lovejoy and Maine native Francis Pettygrove, the city's name was determined by chance. Based on the results of a coin toss, Pettygrove's "Portland" won out against Lovejoy's "Boston." Today Portland is the state's largest metropolitan area with approximately 1.7 million people within its 130 square miles, and streets named after each of its founders. Although Lovejoy lost the city toss, his family name has long graced a lovely fountain in the waterfront area that has become a centerpiece of the city's seasonal outdoor crafts fair, Saturday Market.

Those worried about Portland's famous precipitation should know the truth: The city's annual rainfall is actually less than that of Atlanta, Birmingham, Houston, Indianapolis or Seattle. Travelers will be impressed with the area's mild climate, clean and walkable streets, many outdoor fountains, award-winning mass transit system, beautiful mountain horizons, friendly locals and easy access to both cultural and outdoor activities.

Athletic-minded visitors can enjoy a number of spectator and active sports options. Whether your preference is watching Portland Trail Blazer basketball, Portland Winter Hawks ice hockey, the new Portland Pythons soccer, or Portland Power, the city's female basketball team, the beautiful new Rose Garden is the place to be and surrounded by lodging choices suitable for families as well as business travelers.

You'll also find a number of seasonal competitions, including snowboarding, skiing, kayaking, paragliding, foot and bicycle marathons available both in town and in the country. Active travelers take note: Portland is famous for its golf courses, copious hiking trails and nearby mountain, river and ocean recreation areas. Located within an easy commute to downtown, 5,000-acre Forest Park is the world's largest inner-city wilderness area. If that's more walking than you want, consider the diminutive Mill Ends Park, a mere 24-inches across. With 9,400 acres of park to choose from, you won't be short on selection. Whatever you choose, make sure and pick up a self-guided walking tour map when you're browsing Powell's City of Books.

If your taste runs more to food and beverages, regardless of which part of town you find yourself in you'll never be far from something appealing. Whether it's a quick burger, an exotic delight or a luscious Pacific Northwest salmon dinner, you'll find selections for every pocketbook and every palate. Likewise, the region is highly regarded for its wines, wineries, beer and brewpubs and has earned the nickname, "Munich on the Willamette." For something less intoxicating but no less stimulating, consider one of the city's many coffee shops. Those thirsty after the ballet, opera, motion picture, concert, museum, tax-free shopping, hiking, or city festivals will find a bounty of eateries catering to a wide variety of clientele. Because Portlanders know that life is too short to spend worrying about stocking seams and bow ties, don't be surprised to see denim, flannel and fleece next to the tuxedos and taffeta. Feel free to express yourself!

And express themselves is something Portlanders love to do. Whether it's the funky downtown 24-Hour Church of Elvis, many specialty bookstores, eclectic live theater groups, alternative newspapers and small press releases, jazz clubs or Pearl District art galleries, you will find many articulate Portland voices. Those who wish to raise their own voices can participate in a number of secular open microphone events as well as attend services at one of the many churches, temples or synagogues in the Portland/Metro area.

Whether visiting for business or pleasure, you'll find plenty to do in the Portland/Metro area and a bounty of nearby hostels, motels, hotels and bed-and-breakfasts appealing to a variety of tastes, with prices to please a range of budgets. Those seeking a more elegant lodging experience will find many in the downtown and Convention Center areas, while more casual travelers and those on the go will find suitable accommodations sprinkled throughout the area. This guide will supply you with some suggestions so that you can find the perfect base of operations for your Portland excursions. Regardless of how you enjoy the cornucopia of pleasures waiting for you in Portland, don't forget to stop and smell the flowers. After all, they don't call Portland the "City of Roses" for nothing.

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