Check out our new radio ads, in which the City of Roses — brought to life by Live Wire radio’s Courtenay Hameister — invites Seattleites to come down for a different kind of weekend getaway, and different kind of discount: $72 off a two-night stay.
In these spots, produced by our friends at Sockeye, Courtenay gives our neighbors to the north four great reasons to visit: Powell’s, Pinot noir, food carts and tax-free shopping.
To which I would add one more: attending a taping of Live Wire, the spirited, literate and laugh-out-loud radio show that resumes its live shows Feb. 18 at the Alberta Rose Theater.
So, what’s on your list of can’t-miss Portland experiences?
Okay, so maybe you won’t go wine tasting every day, but in Oregon, you could go wine tasting on any day. The winter is one of the best times to do it, because the tasting rooms are quieter, and you’re likely to find the winemaker around during their slow season to chat about their wines.
Some wineries do shorten their hours during this time, but luckily there is a group of wineries, Pinot 365, that are open every day. And these are some of the Willamette Valley’s best. Among them are Bergstrom, Elk Cove, Ponzi, Willakenzie Estate, Archery Summit, Sokol Blosser and more. Go to www.pinot365.com to see the whole list. Cheers!
With a new year upon us, most people take stock of what they’d like to accomplish in the next year – everything from exercising more, losing weight and breaking bad habits. However, I’m focusing on my Portland New Years’ resolutions – to explore more of the city, and its surrounding adventure, in the next year. Here are a few items on my annual “bucket list”:
Fertile Ground Festival: This 10-day festival of new works features plays, including “(I Am Still) The Duchess of Malfi” at Artists Repertory Theatre, as well as dance performances, staged readings and a compilation of short films.
Belly dance classes: Yes, I’m joining thousands of other Portlanders who take continuing education classes through Portland Community College. I’ll be learning new things and trying to NOT trip over my two left feet!
Spend a night (or two) at Timberline Lodge. Who knows, I may even add “skiing lessons” to my list!
Rendering courtesy of the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation.
Out of the six largest operating steam locomotives in the world, Portland owns two — more than any other American city. These engines and more Oregon rail transport history (which predates the transcontinental railroad), will be showcased at the new Oregon Enginehouse and Rail Heritage Center set to open later this year in Portland’s Central Eastside. You may even catch traveling exhibits such as the luxurious New York Central-3 passenger car, originally owned by Harold Vanderbilt.
The fall opening of the new eastside Portland Streetcar line will complement the center. Whether you’re looking for an activity with dinner or enjoying spare time before a Blazers game, the streetcar can get you to and from the center and plenty of nearby attractions.
Dozens of volunteers worked three decades to preserve this slice of rail history, restoring the SP& S 700 and the better-known SP #4449, which pulled the 1975-76 American Freedom Train in celebration of the U.S. Bicentennial. For the full story, check out this video from the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation:
Cute kid alert: I was digging through my e-mail and came across this photo from my colleague Megan, whose daughters enjoyed a holiday shopping spree in downtown Portland.
Seeing that we are in the season of giving thanks, I would like to say “thank you” for the gift that gives year-round: the American Burrito, also known as the sandwich. The sandwich is enjoying a long-overdue renaissance in Portland thanks to a few key players who have upped the ante on three very important sandwich metrics: abundance, variety and scrumptiousness. The subject is certainly open to debate, but this sandwich aficionado thinks the following purveyors of tasty hand-held meals have helped fill a void that had been vacant for too longs.
Enter into the ring: Meat Cheese Bread, with a menu that favors locally sourced ingredients; Bunk Sandwiches, where creative artistry keeps you coming back for more; and Kenny and Zuke’s, offering deli-style fare that is always piled high. Three-handedly, these brick-and-mortar establishments quickly helped raise sandwich awareness in the city.
The bread-based buzz carries through the outdoor scene as well. At the Alder Street food cart pod, Addy’s tasty baguettes are the perfect lunch companion; across the way, Huong’s Vietnamese serves up a bahn mi that will be your new best friend; and, down at Fifth and Stark, Tabor’s schnitzelwich is always ready to tango.
Portland’s sandwich selection has come a long way over the years and is headed in a savory direction — right to my stomach, and for that I am thankful.
The holiday season isn’t over yet! This Saturday, Portland has plenty of ways to say goodbye to 2011 and hello to a brand new year. Here’s a quick round-up of resources to help you plan the last night of the year:
Portland Food and Drink has a comprehensive list of 45 restaurants offering New Year’s Eve dinners and special events. Many of the city’s top eateries are in on the action (think Olympic Provisions, Aviary, Grüner …) and there are even a few places serving up New Year’s Day brunch.
CitySearch found some eclectic parties and events, from Champagne at the Hilton to casual comedy at Helium and free video games at Ground Kontrol.
For those who want to dance, rock or eat their way into 2012, Willamette Week breaks down the options.
Of course, this is just the tip of the celebratory iceberg — if you have other favorite Portland NYE events, please let us know about them!
Behind the scenes: Douglas Derrick (Nostrana) mixes a Manhattan for Mike Thelin (Feast Portland) and my colleague Barbara Steinfeld.
Working with our friend Mike Thelin — co-founder of the much-anticipated food and drink festival, Feast Portland (Sept. 20-23, 2012) — we recently wrapped up some fun video shoots at three leading restaurants, which shared their recipes for chocolate hazelnut toffee (Country Cat), butternut squash soup (Metrovino) and a seasonal Manhattan (Nostrana).
Visit the “Flavors of Portland” tab on our Facebook page to download and share the recipes, watch the videos and enter to win two tickets to Feast. (Must enter by Jan. 6, 2012.)
When Brian Faherty discovered a set of cast-iron glass molds in 2002, he thought a new craft lighting business would be a fun side project. Lo and behold, Schoolhouse Electric’s hand-blown shades and lighting fixtures inspired by American craftsman and mid-century modern styles took off. Soon Brian was searching for a bigger production facility, and a bigger space to show his wares.
The new Schoolhouse Electric factory and showroom opened its doors this month in the trend-setting Northwest Industrial District. True to Portland form, it is a hive of collaboration. Ristretto Roasters has moved in with a café (featuring James Beard Award winner Kim Boyce’s fine pastries). There are plenty of nooks for sitting and savoring – and people watching – in this expansive 1910 warehouse made cozy in its artful layout. Anna Mara Floral Design adds sweet scents and a colorful bounty to the scene while local fashion celebrity Adam Arnold brings a whimsical touch to slipcovers (and Brian’s outfit, above). Portland design favorite Egg Press is also on site; their partnership with Schoolhouse Electric has led to a whole new line of textiles including bedding and jaunty heraldic throw pillows.
In fact, Schoolhouse Electric’s wares have now expanded to furnish an entire condo, office or bungalow with quality goods from small manufacturers. And the only place to experience it in its entirety is here!
All year down in Portland we look up at Mount Hood’s beautiful snowy peak. In the wintertime it’s at its brightest, covered in a blanket of powder. Of course there’s skiing and snowboarding for all of you speed demons, but snowshoeing is such a peaceful way to spend time with friends on the mountain with minimal gear, and not very much cost. You can rent snowshoes in Portland at the Mountain Shop for $10 for two days, if you’re an adventurer who wants to explore on your own. Pedal Bike Tours has recently started to up the ante with their snowshoe tours that leave from downtown Portland for a day on the mountain, including a decadent lunch at Timberline Lodge.
Whether you visit Mount Hood on your own or with a group, stopping at Timberline for a warm beverage is a must. The historic landmark is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2012. In celebration, they’re offering a deal of $75 for a second night’s stay in a queen room from January to May.
Check out our new radio ads, in which the City of Roses — brought to life by Live Wire radio’s Courtenay Hameister — invites Seattleites to come down for a different kind of weekend getaway, and different kind of discount: $72 off a two-night stay.
All year down in Portland we look up at Mount Hood’s beautiful snowy peak. In the wintertime it’s at its brightest, covered in a blanket of powder. Of course there’s skiing and snowboarding for all of you speed demons, but snowshoeing is such a peaceful way to spend time with friends on the mountain with minimal gear, and not very much cost. You can rent snowshoes in Portland at the 
