skip to main content

Home Decorating

Portland for a day - any 'must do's'?

terezosa / terriks

13 years ago

I haven't been to Portland in ages, and will be spending next Friday there solo while my husband is at a business meeting. I'm not even sure what I'll be in the mood for - bargain shopping is always a good option. I also think that I'd like to check out the Ikea store there. All suggestions are appreciated!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

Sueb20
13 years ago
Which Portland? Oregon or Maine? (There are probably others, for all I know...)
terezosa / terriks
Original Author
13 years ago
Oregon
Related Discussions
New to Portland, Oregon...don't know what to do with pottemaples
Q
Comments (3)
I'm not sure I'd worry much :-) I grow ALL my JM's in containers and leave them out all winter and I have never had any issues (same climate zone - just a bit further north, in the Puget Sound area). There are a few considerations you should be aware of......the smaller the container, the greater the chance of potential cold damage. And you need to be prepared for any extended cold snaps in which the temps stay below freezing for several days. While the topgrowth of potted JM's can handle our winters with ease, roots are vulnerable to freezing temperatures. And roots of containerized maples do not have the benefit of the insulating factor of all that ground soil around them. That's why the larger the container, the more soil surrounding the root mass, the happier the tree. Roots exposed to prolonged temperatures of less than 26F can suffer significant damage and can jeopardize the life of the tree. That's why you need to be prepared for any extended cold spell, so keep an ear to the weather reports :-) Grouping the trees tightly together can help - actually creates a mini microclimate - or wrapping the containers in burlap or bubble wrap if severely cold weather is expected. Moist soil is slower to freeze in very cold weather than drier soil, so be sure potted plants are properly hydrated. Typically not a huge concern in the PNW in winter...........:-))
...See More
Things to do near Portland, OR?
Q
Comments (16)
Eating: Voodoo Donuts is what my 15 y.o. daughter recommends even though I always balk at waiting in line--I feel like a sucker standing in line there, ykwim? Can't bring myself to do it--she has to get her voodoo fixes with other people, I'm afraid. I *will* stand in line (moderate line, not as long as VD) at Little Big Burger in the Pearl (OMG their truffle oil fries are the BEST in the world, seriously, and their burgers are the only ones I'll drive out of my way to get). OH--one *sure thing* is the food trucks on Alder downtown--a *scene* on sunny days, any day of the week. You'll mingle with tourists and regulars. It's always a Scene. Saturday Farmer's Market in the Park Blocks around PSU (which colleges are you visiting?) is always *the* Scene on Saturday mornings. Nothing says Portland like the Farmer's Market. Prepared foods as well as fresh fruit, vegs, uncooked sausage, etc. are sold there. Reed has some beautiful campus landscapes to walk around. Driving the Columbia Gorge highway, easy to get to, out past Multnomah Falls, you can find smaller falls you can actually wade in (the bottom of them), and then find a place on the other side of the road, and wade in the Columbia. Really delicious. On a sunny day it can't be beat. You can access the Columbia from anywhere. Trying to think of places to walk with views--Oaks Bottom is beautiful, and easy to access from the center of town. Metro's system of preserves across the Portland area is a point of pride for us -- there are natural areas that Metro has bought or been bequeathed that will be spared from development for ever. Mt. Tabor is also fun - an actual volcano right in the middle of town, and you can walk up to the top of it. People jog there all the time. The modern wing at the Portland Art Museum is also pretty wonderful -- some minor masterworks, beautifully displayed. The Museum of Contemporary Craft down in the Pearl gives you a sense of the solid craft tradition in the PNW -- they have a great exhibit there now about the Bowl, as a meeting place of art and function. It's a bit hip, if your kids get into that. The PAM has an exhibit about the history of the bicycle this summer -- haven't seen it yet, but I have high hopes for it, esp. because DH is a cyclist. As Portland is a cycling mecca, it should go over pretty well : )
...See More
This Must Be My lucky Day!
Q
Comments (16)
Pat, you found a great group of sharing and caring folks! I am a dabbler, crafter, and wanna be art-teest!! I looked at your pics...awesome! I posted a "Painted Flowerpots" post a while ago. Went there this morn and really looked around the site. Could not beleive I missed a whole bunch of stuff other than the pots. She has a before and after of an old highchair painted and turned into a planter chair that is georgeous! I think it is under misc. items. Luv....she also has painted rocks and some of the designs look doable! I know it is not exactly what you were looking for...but they are really neat...and fairly simple. Just couldn't resist this link to her strawberry rocks! They are at the bottom of the page with a link to how-to instructions. Now...chilly at 71 degrees!! How about 4, yes, four degrees! Think all my rocks are frozen in the ground! Here is a link that might be useful: Strawberry Rocks
...See More
What My Kitchen Must-Must-Must Have...
Q
Comments (36)
natal, can you post a photo or link of your foot-operated trash/recycle cabs, muspic, can I see your cork floor? We're doing cork as well. The telling sign for me was when I went into a "wood flooring" showroom. When I asked where their cork display was (the whole floor was covered in the different wood flooring), I expected them to say they didn't have one (like most stores). Instead, they took me to the area where the employees stood all day. All cork. No wood. Enough said. Alabamamommy, our current house has white Corian counters. They were here when we bought the house and were afraid of them at first, but now we love them. I cook every day and never had any problem getting anything off them, including red white and tumeric. I spilled about 4 t. of tumeric on the counter when I was making keema yesterday. I got most of it right away. After I was done cooking, I saw that I missed a spot. I sprayed the spot with 409, let it sit a few minutes while I cleaned up then came back and it came right off. We've also had success with set stains using Soft Scrub, and even a baking soda paste. For the kitchen in the house we're building, my must haves were: * cork floors (I need the sound proofing for living with a brain injury and active boy!) * walk in pantry (that it is 9'x9'11" is a bonus) * all base drawers * wide aisles * pulls instead of knobs * dropped baking center so I don't have to stand on my tippy toes while kneading bread, and open on two sides so my son can help. * foot pulls for trash * hands free water faucet * island (I ended up with two. WIth my TBI, I can't go out to socialize much, so two islands give me a "little kitchen" where I can focus and not be distracted (aka, burn the house down). The second island allows others to be "in the kitchen" to help prep, socialize, clean up, etc. without being in my space. I can't wait! *desk area for printing recipes, menu planning, etc. * side by side frig. It just works best for the way we live. Funny story, when we bought our current frig, the deciding factor was the one that fix a pizza box. In the last four years, there have been less than 5 pizza boxes in there! We cut out most processed foods. So we love the side-by-side because when I cook dinner, I always make larger portions so we can get 2-4 leftovers out of it. There are packaged in lunch size containers in frozen. Everything is easy to see in the morning, when DH grabs his lunch. * Full size freezer in pantry. We currently have a chest freezer, but we'd like to be able to buy a part of a cow from a local farm, so we're getting a side by side freezer to store our meat and extra bulk goods. DH's must have, beyond what's above: * deep single sink for washing pans (Usually I clean up as I go, but often I run out of steam by the time dinner is done, so he'll do clean up. I figured if I give him the sink he wants, he'll do it even more!) * energy star appliances * water sense sinks * Sharp microwave...
...See More
Olychick
13 years ago
One of my favorite places to visit/shop in Portland (after Powell's Books) is the Nob Hill area. Kind of upscale eclectic; lots of locally owned shops, great restaurants, etc. I also love the Pearl district and if you are into that sort of thing, the Pearl Bakery is divine. Also more great restaurants in the area. You might already know all these areas.

Pearl district link: http://www.portlandguide.com/neighborhoods/pearl-district.php

I was going to write a lament that my all time FAVORITE Portland attraction was no longer standing, but then I googled it and it appears to be ALIVE: The 24 hour Church of Elvis. If you haven't been...well read the reviews. There is nothing like it...whether an Elvis fan or not! If you can, go at night...

http://www.yelp.com/biz/24-hour-church-of-elvis-portland

Have fun. Where do you live?

Here is a link that might be useful: Nob hill link
terezosa / terriks
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks for the suggestions. I live in Medford, and haven't had an excuse for a trip to Portland in quite a while. I am mostly familiar with the larger shopping areas, but would like to branch out. I'll drop my DH off at his meeting at 10 am (we are leaving at 5 am, ugh), then I'll have the rest of the day to myself. I will probably need to find a place where I can check myself in a mirror and put on some makeup (not doing that at 4:30am!). Fortunately my phone has GPS with turn by turn directions, because I have been known to get lost in Portland - somehow ending up on the wrong side of the river.
amysrq
13 years ago
If you're into traditional, go to Rejuvenation across the river. If you love modern, don't miss LUX in the Pearl. Me, I'm transitional, so I had to do both!
neetsiepie
13 years ago
Just be aware that Ikea is by the airport, so it's another 20 minute or so drive from downtown. I also like the Sellwood area for cute shops. There is always the Pearl, and of course, you can hit Lloyd Center for the mall. Downtown has nice things, I love some of the ecclectic shops I find when I'm there, but stay west of the Burnside Bridge!

Where is DH's meeting? That will set a starting point.
mahatmacat1
13 years ago
Terri, so you mean you'll be in on the 28th?

I *would* say let's get together, because I'd love to meet you at long last, but DD has *two* doctor's appts that day--ARGH...

I notice Amy mentioned lighting shops -- are you interested specifically in lighting? Or what other kinds of prey are you seeking? :) More specifics would help focus our suggestions, along with what areas you *aren't* interested in re/visiting. Ikea is a hike, all the way out to the airport.

If you haven't been there before, or even if you have, an easy place to start is the Art Museum, which is always beautiful and restful, with nice bathrooms in which to freshen up from a long drive (and has a sweet little 20th c. wing, which we just went to for the first time in September)...and if you're into buying art as a souvenir, there's the Rental/Sales Gallery just across the street to the north! DD and I go in there sometimes when we go to the Museum as a more accessible 'gallery' where we can really get up close to the works. Of course, they're not timeless masterpieces, but they're high-level professional regional artists, which is worth it to me.

On a whole 'nother track, over on the east side, if you want to go to Hawthorne or Sellwood, there is the Sellwood Antiques Mall, which is somewhat 'cooked', and Hawthorne, which is more 20th c. vintage. Goodwill is actually opening up a new 20th c. "vintage boutique" (to the great anger of many of us experienced goodwillers -- we call it the end of goodwill at Goodwill but that's just us :)) the day before you come -- it will still be having its grand opening and might be a fun scene. It's on Hawthorne on the east side. I can get you the address if you are interested.

And olychick, are you in Portland? I could easily imagine that you said that earlier and I have forgotten it...
terezosa / terriks
Original Author
13 years ago
I *would* say let's get together, because I'd love to meet you at long last, but DD has *two* doctor's appts that day--ARGH...

Too bad, I would have liked that. Maybe next time. I have been bugging my husband to let me know in advance when he is going up for a Friday meeting so that I can get it off from work. So we may have another opportunity to meet.
Olychick
13 years ago
Flyleft, no I am in Olympia. Have good friends in Portland so spend some time there...they always take me to the latest great restaurant and I go down for music performances once in a while. I sometimes go to Ridgefield to birdwatch, then into Portland for dinner, or in Spring I head down to the fabulous nurseries. It's about 2 hours vs 1.5 hrs for Seattle and the drive is much, much nicer. I do love Portland. I've not been to Sellwood (or didn't know its name). What does "cooked" mean for an antique mall? I've gone to Hawthorne for years and years and watch the transformation...kind of miss the alternative scene there. It is nice to read people's suggestions; I'll keep them for my next visit.

Seeing your mention of the art museum reminded me of my other favorite spot, the Chinese Garden...

Here is a link that might be useful: Lan Su Chinese Garden
marlene_2007
13 years ago
Olychick, I've lived in the Portland area for over 10 years and never heard of the Church of Elvis! I'll have to check it out. I also love the Chinese Gardens....and you'll have to check out Sellwood and also drive by Reed College and perhaps in Spring go see the Rhododendron Gardens.

Terriks, Canyon Hoops is just off the Sellwood Bridge on Macadam Blvd. Also, H and M just opened near Pioneer Square. I had never heard of it, but it's suppose to be fun to shop there.
terezosa / terriks
Original Author
13 years ago
Ooh, I had forgotten that there is an H&M in Portland now. I'm not sure what kind of mood that I'll be in when I go, so it's nice to have lots of suggestions.

Related Stories

ROOM OF THE DAY Room of the Day: Southern Porches Inspire a New Sunroom in Portland

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Tree views and sunlight abound in a new hangout space off a modern living room

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Wasting Not, Wanting Not in a New Portland House

By Whitney Lyons

Salvaged and secondhand elements make for a home that's earth conscious, thrifty and beautifully personal

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Period Details Keep History Alive in Portland

By Becky Harris

Modern functionality and doubled square footage bring a 1910 kitchen into the present while respecting its past

SMALL HOMES My Houzz: Thrifty, Crafty and Charming in a Portland Bungalow

By Whitney Lyons

Newlyweds use DIY ingenuity and scores from friends and garage sales to give their home inviting, comfy style

CITY GUIDES Travel Guide: Portland, Oregon, for Design Lovers

By R. Olson Design

Get a dose of Portland's one-of-a-kind quirkiness through its outdoor artwork, eclectic hotels and engaging architecture

RANCH HOMES My Houzz: Paint and Pluck Revamp a Portland Ranch

By Kimberley Bryan

A 1930s fixer-upper becomes a cheery and personal home at the hands of an industrious homeowner

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Personality Drives a Modern Addition in Portland

By Vanessa Brunner

Artistry goes hand in hand with increased light and space in this playful home filled with eclectic and cheeky details

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: A Portland Bungalow Gets a Major Lift

By Becky Harris

Raising a whole house allowed 5 extra bedrooms and a walk-out basement — plus a boost in income

GREEN BUILDING Houzz Tour: Passive House Principles, Active Benefits in Portland

By Annie Thornton

Lower energy bills and consistent temperatures are just two of the advantages of this architect’s newly built home

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Personalized Style in a Portland Painter’s Live-Work Home

By Teness Herman

Empty nesters bring DIY touches and industrial-style creativity to their 1908 Oregon house

Sponsored

Rodriguez Construction Company

1 Review

Industry Leading Home Builders in Franklin County, OH

More Discussions

Pillows selection for a chartreuse sofa.

135

Need advice to arrange furniture in small narrow room

4

Help with sidelight design

25

Guest bedroom ideas.......I need your HELP again :)

7

What dining chairs and buffet goes with brown table?

8