I went to a boarding school in Oregon so I definitely have a soft spot for the state, but I couldn't wait until my husband got to see it. So on one of our first trips up north we went and stayed 4 nights in Portland and had an amazing time.
The first thing you need to do is book at room at The Ace Hotel. It is smack in the middle of city centre and pretty much walking distance to everything you want-not to mention that the hotel is SICK! There are a few of these around the country now, but I have to say the Portland one is the best. It's a little pricier than the others, but worth the extra bucks. There is a photo booth in the lobby and my husband and I spent way too much there. Always worth it.
If you want a treat go grab a drink at Ringlers Annex. They have a juice press they make their lemon drops with and it was AMAZING!! I love that you walk down stairs to get here, it reminds me of a speak easy. It is inviting, mellow and always have great drink and good music.
On Saturdays there is a Market on the Waterfront. It has tons of local artists and craftsman displaying their pieces, tons of food and lots of people to watch. There is usually live music on the grass next to the water and I can remember looking forward to it every trip we made into the city. You can also rent a bike and ride down to it while detouring through the city. Most of downtown is covered in trees so you don't have to worry too much about getting too hot.
