Things to see in PDX if you only have one day (Burns: hotel, trip)

[crazylegs5150]

hey everyone. i am planning a trip to PNW over labor day weekend and will be flying into PDX. My wife and I are using this time to kind of scout out some areas to move to and drive down the williamette valley and explore salem,corvllis and eugene areas too. Since we have limited time, I was wondering if you all could suggest some must sees for a quick trip. I am thinking of riding into town on the light rail and experiencing that then would like to check out the Hawthorne district since that is more our speed with cool little hippy stores and whatnot and then would like to try and get over to Washington park and hit the rose garden and japanese garden and maybe even forest park. There is SO MUCH to do that I know I cannot do it all in one trip. I am also wanting to drive the Mt Hood "Fruit Loop" and check out the Columbia Gorge as well.
WE like the wine and food (beer) as well as the arts and cool independent shopping. Not really into trendy shops and bars, but more indy type establishments. Like the idea of the Baghdad Theater. pay 3 bucks to watch a second run movie, sit in a cozy couch and drink some local micro brew straight from the tap...I am in heaven!!!
So, having said that any ideas??

[oldtintype]

Check out the Park Blocks, WA park, NW 23rd and 21st, then head over to the Hawthorne, Belmont and also check out the area around E Burnside and SE 28th (SE 28th specifically). That ought to be about your day and cover some touristy areas as well as the areas you think you're interested in. There's also a theater called the Laurelhurst right at 28th and Burnside that shows cheap movies with beer and pizza like the Baghdad.

[crazylegs5150]

Thanks for the suggestions. I was definately wating to check out the Hawthorne area and the Baghdad theater sounds pretty sweet. What a great idea!! Was going to hit up WA park and was also wanting to see Forest park as well as a visit to Powell's books. So much to see and know I will be back for a second trip in spring!!

[EnricoV]

If you don't have a hotel lined up, you might look into staying at a McMenamin's property. They do the same sort of thing. Sounds like you'd like them.

[MJinAustin]

Eat a treat at Voodoo Donut. Wacky local estab w/delish crazy donuts. Voodoo Doughnut - The Magic is in the Hole!!! I had the Triple Chocolate Penetration (choc cake donut with choc frosting, covered in Cocoa Puffs). Hubby had a vegan choc coconut. Friends had the Dirty Ol Bastard (glazed donut with frosting and oreo crumbles) and the donut with Froot Loops all over. Yum! I took the Tex-ass donut home.

[nanannie]

I like your ideas, but are you sure with only one day you want to sit in a movie theater ? You can get a netflix and brewski at home.