2 Days in Portland (hotel, houses, neighborhoods)

[Global Friend]

Planning a trip to CA but then up to Portland for two days. Any suggestions on things to do and see while there? We like; museums, music, art, funky shops, nature, classic cars and/or anything interesting to that area.

Inexpensive, clean/safe hotel suggestions also needed. Thanks!

This would be the second week in April.

[turquoise1]

The White Eagle has very inexpensive rooms and is only one block from the MAX train near a trendy part North Portland.

McMenamins - White Eagle Hotel Room Rates

However, it's supposed to be very, very haunted. It used to be a brothel and an opium den nicknamed "Buckets of Blood," or something like that.

[Jackalope78]

Sounds quaint.

[Squidlo]

First timer to Portland?

Gotta go to Multnomah falls. Hike the path to the top (if its open) It's worth the short drive east.

If you love books gotta go to Powell's bookstore.

Grab a map and do a "bridge tour" of the Willamete crossings. Finish on the St Johns bridge. You would see a good chunk of town that way.

For panaramic views visit Council Crest park.

The Hoyt Arboretum is a good hike.

The Rose gardens in Washington park.

The falls are great and I have been there in the rain its still worth the trip. Council crest might be a let down on a severely cloudy day.

Always lots of good indoor entertainment too.

[Random_Walk]

Church of Elvis!

(...what?)

Okay, okay...

My picks?
The Portland Art Museum,
Pittock Mansion,
The Shanghai Tunnels (if you can swing it - they keep odd hours depending on time of year),
The Oregon Historical Society (it's across the street from the art museum),
and the Portland Japanese Garden (especially as things warm up).

Cheers!

[Minervah]

Originally Posted by Random_Walk

Church of Elvis!

(...what?)

Okay, okay...

My picks?
The Portland Art Museum,
Pittock Mansion,
The Shanghai Tunnels (if you can swing it - they keep odd hours depending on time of year),
The Oregon Historical Society (it's across the street from the art museum),
and the Portland Japanese Garden (especially as things warm up).

Cheers!

The Church of Elvis? I had no idea it still exists. I used to go when it was a coin-op on Ankeny. I still have my little "King is in-out" souvenir. I must check out this one!

I would also suggest to the OP that the zoo is nice if the weather permits. It has a great PNW exhibt that you won't find elsewhere.

[sorupaa]

walk down 3rd street and give bums change, thats always fun

[EnricoV]

Originally Posted by drum bro

walk down 3rd street and give bums change, thats always fun

It's posts like this that always make me wish we could give negative feedback . . .

To the OP. There are a few neighborhoods that I think are great just for wandering ... funky little shops, good food, etc. Hawthorne is my favorite (more books!), and the Alberta Arts District is great, too. NW Portland is okay (too upscale for my tastes, yours may differ).

[turquoise1]

NW Portland can be kind of twee, but it is hard to miss the appeal of the desserts at Papa Haydn and the largest "metaphysical" bookstore in the state, which is made up of three attached Victorian houses. New Renaissance Bookshop - The Conscious Living Store

[EnricoV]

I agree about Papa Haydn ... but I go to the one in SE, in Westmoreland.