Need Fun Weekend Advice around Portland Area

The girlfriend's job is making her take the OR bar, despite the fact that she has reciprocity by virtue of WA licensing. While studying her ass off the next couple weeks, she will be missing her birthday--an event that usually prompts great food and lots of wine. So, my plan is to surprise her and pick her up after the bar in Portland and then take her somewhere for a fun birthday/bar congrats weekend. She will be done with the bar Wednesday, Feb. 27 (I think), so we will have approx. 4-5 days to spend somewhere.

If I can come up with a nice place to take her, I will go that route, otherwise I may let her stick with her plans and fly back (on the company's dime) and then cruise up to Whistler from Seattle.

So, I suppose I could take her to Mt. Hood? Bend maybe? I recall skiing the glacier as a younger kid but have no real memories or knowledge of Hood, nor Bend for that matter. I am need of some guidance.

Personally for the trip you are planning I prefer Bend over Hood. If you're going to do the Hood route Gov Camp or Timberflats is where you'd stay me thinks and while it's fun it isn't as good a time as Bend/Sunriver/Bachelor IMO. then again if you're comparing it to Whistler I think neither Hood nor Bend can hold a candle.

So, will she be completely sick of PDX by the time she finishes the bar? Because there's obviously some good eats and stuff to do around PDX and it's only an hour or so to Hood if you want to resort ski.

Edit: And Hood is a complete shit show on the weekends.

I say don't even try to go skiing. Do something else cool like explore the Willamette Valley or go to the coast.

I would go for a nice steak dinner at the Acropolis and then end with a romantic nightcap at Sassy's (is that the name of the place...like six blocks from the Lucky Lab?).

Gold Jerry, gold.

That's funny Root. I'd second those recommendations.

If you're looking for a slightly different scene, definately go to Le Pigeon. Unfuckingbelieveably really good food. The chef is Food and Wine's 2007 Best New Chef. Blew away just about every place I ate on a recent trip through Napa, SF, and PDX.

Hood River's one hour from PDX and is a nice place to spend a day/evening. Some good restaurants and B&Bs. Problem is it's more of a one-day town than a destination kinda place

The coast is probably a better option if you want to do a multi-day thingy.

Unless you have visited Portland one to many times there is a ton of stuff to do right in PDX.

If you get tired of Portland, Hood River is an hour, the Coast is an hour and half (some really impressive blow down on Hwy26, btw), and Bend is about 3.

If she just wants to relax, go to Manzanita or Cannon Beach.

I would certainly entertain a non-ski idea. In fact it look like it is leaning that way. Staying in city may be a bit stressful for her because she had to take the bar there. The Coast would be fun as well, but we just hit that up last summer. Char, here are a few from Manzanita:

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...07_0_ALB-1.jpg

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...4107_0_ALB.jpg

Besides the somewhat usual spots (Cannon Beach or Manzanita), what other coastal cities may be quaint an fun for a weekend? Anyone been to Bandon Dunes? I know that it is golf centric, but isn't there like a spa there, etc? I will do some research on that, but if anyone has some input it would be much appreciated.

Oceanside...very nice setting and probably not too crowded during the winter.

Coos Bay is very nice as well...take your picture alongside the hulk of the New Carissa, the latest tribute to Oregonians's lust for blowing up things that wash ashore.

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Originally Posted by commonlaw

The girlfriend's job is making her take the OR bar, despite the fact that she has reciprocity by virtue of WA licensing.

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Is her firm just cruel, or is there method to that madness? Having taken NY and VT, I have sworn off any future bar exams.

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Originally Posted by Right Coaster

Is her firm just cruel, or is there method to that madness? Having taken NY and VT, I have sworn off any future bar exams.

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I think its cruel as well. She actually works for Barbri and oversees WA and OR and counsels students on bar content. So, her job feels it necessary that she have actually taken the OR bar if she is going to advise on the best way to prepare for it. Personally, it may be a deal breaker for me if my job required another bar exam.

Some beach just had a wooden ship exposed during the last storm cycle. That could be cool to check out.

I'd avoid Lincoln City.

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Originally Posted by commonlaw

Personally, it may be a deal breaker for me if my job required another bar exam.

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Deal breaker is putting it nicely...I am thinking a statutory justification for mass murder is more like it.

The good thing is at least she doesn't have to PASS the bar exam (right????). But regardless, it still isn't fun.

I would second the recommendation for non-mountain in this area- though if you did a Hood River stay- check out Stevenson across the river. Carson hot springs in funky but cool for a soak and massage. Big River restaurant has yummy eats too.

Willamette Valley wine touring would be cool. Or, as I say to everyone, THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS!!!!! On Orcas Island there is a cool retreat area called Doe Bay with inexpensive lodging, soaking tubs, and an amazing onsight cafe. I love the San Juans and am of the opinion that not enough people living in the NW take advantage of them.

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Originally Posted by girlski0912

Deal breaker is putting it nicely...I am thinking a statutory justification for mass murder is more like it.

The good thing is at least she doesn't have to PASS the bar exam (right????). But regardless, it still isn't fun.

I would second the recommendation for non-mountain in this area- though if you did a Hood River stay- check out Stevenson across the river. Carson hot springs in funky but cool for a soak and massage. Big River restaurant has yummy eats too.

Willamette Valley wine touring would be cool. Or, as I say to everyone, THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS!!!!! On Orcas Island there is a cool retreat area called Doe Bay with inexpensive lodging, soaking tubs, and an amazing onsight cafe. I love the San Juans and am of the opinion that not enough people living in the NW take advantage of them.

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She does have to pass. :nonono2: It's crazy pressure. Next thing you know, they may ship her to Alaska for that exam. Hold the phone, Alaska.....hmmmmmmm.

Wine touring sounds like a great idea. Orcas was just done last summer as well, but I appreciate the recommendation. Speaking of Orcas, why not turn this into my last summer's TR. Couple from Orcas:

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...0107_0_ALB.jpg

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...0107_0_ALB.jpg


Drunk :p

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...0107_0_ALB.jpg



=

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...0107_0_ALB.jpg

drunken puzzles? :confused:

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Originally Posted by RootSkier

drunken puzzles? :confused:

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Apparently we decided to start a puzzle, for what reason I cannot fathom. I guess that progressed to couch dancing which in turn led to broken furniture. Isn't that how all Orcas weekends go?

What say you guys about Black Butte Ranch?


I was there as a younger lad as well and remember it being fun. Hot tubs, new spa just built, hiking, some skiing nearby should the mood strike.

Black Butte Ranch is good stuff IMO. It's chill...and if you get an itch for some food and/or bars Sisters is about 15 minutes away. It's also that much closer to PDX. I was near there last summer camping but closer to Camp Sherman. Good times indeed.

I heard some guy in Portland is totally gonna have his world destroyed by an internet stalker. That might be fun to watch.:fmicon:

yes yes. wait for yse to show up. could be fun.

Maybe he wants to meet up in Portland. YSE, you out there?

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I would go for a nice steak dinner at the Acropolis and

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that place is still around? I went there for my 21st, im 33 now. By far the best place in town for big tits and steak dinners.

(sorry for the hijack)

Carry on...

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Originally Posted by char

(some really impressive blow down on Hwy26, btw)

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I'd like to hear more about that.

Yes, the acropolis is still around.

and the dolphin, tommys 2, tommys and tommys 3.

i've been to the acrop twice

and i don't remember how i got home either time

Take the scenic hiway off 80N to Multnomah falls and go for a hike.

If you're really adventurous, just past Multnomah is the Oneonta Gorge. You wade through the opening and then her is a water fall you can hang out behind.

http://www.gunderware.com/albums/New...normal_abo.jpg

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Originally Posted by commonlaw

Maybe he wants to meet up in Portland. YSE, you out there?

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Yeah, if you hear from him make sure that he changed his ass bandage from being so butthurt. Also have PM me. I'd love to meet the guy and have a little chat with him.

black butte ranch would be awesome. haven't stayed there, but love central oregon and it's a good call that time of year. (as in, what are you guys suggesting the coast thinking?)

we had a great dinner in bend

This weekend is it, and we are hitting the Black Butte Ranch. Nice little cabin tucked away with a great view.

I still need to make dinner reservations in Portland however and noticed Bmills Le Pigeon recommendation. Looks tasty indeed, but I need to be careful with some places due to my nut allergy [slow pitch]. I assume I may be ok there, but does anyone else have any recommendations for Portland restaurants that I could look into? Otherwise, I am off to The Pigeon, which I am sure will not disappoint.

DEFINATELY hit up Le Pigeon, you will not regret it. If you're looking for other suggestions the wife and I hit up Bluehour Restaurant in the Pearl District; it was good food and a cool setting. Kind of like eating in a warehouse turned spa the night we were there. Great caviar, and seafood. It may seem trendy to those on a strict granola diet though. Also get lunch at Jake's. Great french onion soup, salads, and I had a kick ass crab melt sandwich. mmmmm.... Also I'd reccomend getting a spanish coffee at Hubers downtown on 3rd I think. Kind of hidden but it's well worth it, and a show too. Lastly grab a drink late night at Saucebox. Once again probably more trendy than what me and other's are used to, but hey you're out of town and checking shit out right? Great drinks, sometimes they have live music or dj's. I'd reccommend a moscow mule. Have fun!

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Originally Posted by BmillsSkier

DEFINATELY hit up Le Pigeon, you will not regret it. If you're looking for other suggestions the wife and I hit up Bluehour Restaurant in the Pearl District; it was good food and a cool setting. Kind of like eating in a warehouse turned spa the night we were there. Great caviar, and seafood. It may seem trendy to those on a strict granola diet though. Also get lunch at Jake's. Great french onion soup, salads, and I had a kick ass crab melt sandwich. mmmmm.... Also I'd reccomend getting a spanish coffee at Hubers downtown on 3rd I think. Kind of hidden but it's well worth it, and a show too. Lastly grab a drink late night at Saucebox. Once again probably more trendy than what me and other's are used to, but hey you're out of town and checking shit out right? Great drinks, sometimes they have live music or dj's. I'd reccommend a moscow mule. Have fun!

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Awesome. I will check all these places out. Thanks much.

There was a thread on PDX dining a couple of months ago here in Ye Old Padded Room.

Thanks Bsmills! Le Pigeon was spectacular last night.