Travel Answers

I plan to visit Oregon and California next july, arriving through Portland.
Can I buy a phone somewhere with a sim card, and at a reasonable price so that people I know may reach me ? I don't need to have lots of time on advanced purchase, that's mostly to receive calls. Can I buy it even if I'm a European visitor ? Where are the best deals ?

Need a one night hotel by Amtrak Station/Union Station so I am close to walk with my rolling suitcase the next day to the train. thanks

We are going on an organized cycling tour the 3rd week of June, but will arrive 3 days before the trip begins. We will be bringing our bicycles and will be staying in a B&B in Southeast Portland. Which trails are the best ones to go on?

Hi We will be on a road trip in a couple of weeks time and will get to spend 1 day 1 night in Portland. Can someone provide us recommendation on the top must-see? (Already booked accommodation and we will have a rented car to go around). Keen to explore good places for food where locals go. So hope to get recommendations on this too (already making plans to go for Voodoo doughnuts!) =) Thanks!

Hello, my son is going to have an interview at OHSU. My questions are: 1) What neighborhood is OHSU located? We are thinking about bidding for a hotel room online, but don't know which neighborhood(s) should we check from the list. 2)Does anyone have recommendation for inexpensive stay near OHSU and with convenient public transportation to/from OHSU? Thanks.

I'm going to be in Portland the first week of January with a bunch of foodies. Does anyone have a must-visit restaurant, gastro-pub, food shack, that they recommend? thanks

hi :) im from southern california and was wondering if anyone could tell me what to expect weather wise ( other than rain, rain, and more rain :) Being from a warm climate i only have casual clothing and i love to dress pinup..(ha! that sounds so stupid.. but hey, i love the whole vintage look.. and it's huge and not silly at all down here. most of my wardrobe is bettie page inspired. bah) my new bf is from here, is used to the cold and well lets face it, he's a guy and has no clue as to what to advice me to bring.. I was just wondering if it's completely ridiculous to bother bringing any of my usual dresses in january... hopefully someone can answer this without making fun. ;p although i dont mind it.. thanks :p kim

Coming to Portland next week. is there an easy way to go the coast for a day trip via public trans? Cheers NYTim

I'm thinking of coming down either Thursday the 26th or Friday the 27th with my wife. it will be our first real Portland visit (from Seattle area). Any tips on how foot-based tourists could enjoy themselves? local hotel you'd recommend, maybe near a good night club or two? we like to dance, drink, explore cultural areas, and are considering hitting the Portland Center Stage for live theater one night as well. Any tips? we're not so much the t-shirt and baseball cap type tourists....as much as we prefer the nitty gritty. good night clubs, dive cafe's, where the locals romp. thanks guys :) IronTitus

I am going to be visiting Portland in February (amongst other places) and wondered if anyone could advise me on the best things to see. I am estimating about 3-5 days will be spent there before I leave to San Francisco (is this too many?). I also wondered what the weather would be like? I am interested in interesting/unusual tours, music, art/history museums and book shops. I am an avid walker and am also keen to know how easy it is to get around Portland by foot (and occasional public transport). The tours don't have to be city tours - if there are day trips from Portland that you think shouldn't be missed? many thanks in advance

My sister is getting surgery at Good Samaritan. Where do people stay who are visiting a patient at that hospital?

I am planning a visit to Portland, a city legendary as "bike-friendly". Last time I was there, I had a rental car. But in light of the bike-friendly reputation, I thought maybe I'd rent a bike this time. I'm betting that not one bike shop from the 50's when I rode bikes there is still around. But maybe Portland has jumped on the Nice Ride bandwagon and has rental stations all over town. Maybe Portland has a more clever name. So is this realistic. I know I can probably ride a train or bus wherever I want to go, but riding a bike might be fun part of the time.

Is there a cheap way to get from the Portland Airport to the Greyhound station in Portland? I am traveling to Salem from the Portland Greyhound Station. 7000 NE Airport Way Portland, OR 97218 PORTLAND GREYHOUND STA 550 NW 6TH AVE Portland, OR 97209

Anyone know the drive time to Johnston Ridge Observatory from I-5? Thanks!

Hello, my boyfriend and I will be visiting Portland in Oct. Was curious if NW Naito Pwky is a good place to stay...that's where our vacation rental that we're looking at is located. I've heard that Old Town is a bit unsafe and know that we're near it so wanted to make sure that area is okay. Also, looking at Hotel Modera if anyone thinks that's in a better location. Thank you!

Hello, my boyfriend and I will be visiting Portland in Oct. We are wondering if there are any lockers located in the city (maybe at the train station?)where we could store our luggage on our last day as our flight leaves late and we are unable to keep it at our vacation rental after a certain time. We'd obviously prefer it to be close to the Max red line that will take us to the airport. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Looking for a recommended Seafood restaurant in Portland, or Portland area, with a Northwestern or Pacific Northwest setting. A great view would be good, but more interested in a large variety of Pacific seafood, salmon or halibut in particular. Also, will be meeting a friend for dinner who has recently moved to Portland, and would like for this restaurant to be a good place to relax, not be rushed, and able to not only enjoy a great Pacific Northwest seafood dinner, but also have plenty of time to catch up in conversation with an old friend. Or, maybe a brewpub, one known for excellent beers, but also a great menue, with hopefully some good Pacific seafood as well. Thanks for your suggestions.

I will be bicycling the Oregon coast through the Redwood forest in early Sept. and I have searched VT for guides on this activity but the results seem to be focus on driving or visiting. If anyone else will be touring the coast via bicycle, let me know. I have found plenty of information via the web but would welcome "real" feedback on the following: 1) I get into PDX late and plan on spending the night and then taking a train and bus to the coast. Any recommendations on where to stay and best method to get to the coast (I will have bicycle in tote)? 2) What and where to avoid Thanks for the help. Trailhead

I am going to Portland and would like to visit Multnomah Falls and Mt. Hood (Loop Tour). However, I prefer not to drive. Are there any budget one-day package tours available in Portland, which is prestigious and the cost is around60-$80. Appreciate all answers and suggestions. :-)

Hola Salseros! im looking for a good place to salsa in portland on Sunday feb 27th 2011. anyone have suggestions or know of a place? Ive look all over on line, i only came up with the Hob Nob Grill. Will be in PDX for Sunday, Sunday night and Monday. Thankyou in advance!

We're coming up to visit this weekend and looking for good shows. Got any tips?

I am so excited to be planning our vaction for next Spring! We have been a FL/Disney family for the past 5 years and can't wait to see something new! It will be me, my dh, my dd-9, and ds-1. The furthest West we have been was a week in the Denver area in Feb. 09. We will have 2 weeks. I have been back and forth on how to do this. I need to figure out what is the ceapest airport to fly into. From there we will make a loop, rturning to the same airport and flying home. The main things we want to see are San Francisco (we plan to visit some family), Sooma, Redwoods, Cannon Bch, Portland, Olympic Pen., Victoria BC, and Seattle. It's a lot, I know. But some places will just be a break in the drive, like Sonoma. I watched a National park special once about Olympic NP and have loved it since. I can't wait!!!! So, newbie here! Going to be looking for info on EVERYTHING! Hotels, routes, what to pack, must sees, ect...!!!! Thank you! You VTers look like you know your stuff!

Hi! We'll be in Portland for a few days and I'd like to hear your recommendations for the best historic pubs and breweries in Portland - seems like there's just too many to choose from on my own! I'm not really concerned about the food, it's mostly the atmosphere (and beer) that's important. Thanks!

We are coming in next week for my wife's birthday and wanted to know if anyone knows of a nice vegan restaurant near the Paramount Hotel? I know there are lots of vegan places, just wanted to no if someone could suggest a nice place to go for a birthday dinner.

I will be visiting NE Portland, Oregon Sep 16-25 and I am interested in taking a few beginner classes in the TRX suspension training. Does anyone know of a place that offers this? I have been checking online but am not sure if the places are reputable. Thank you much.

Hi folks, We're taking the Amtrak Empire Builder from Chicago to Portland and will stay in Portland for a couple days before heading over to the Willamette valley and then ending up near Mt Hood on the river. My question is what should we be sure not to miss? Might sound goofy, but I definitely wanted to see the Spruce Goose while in Willamette, and I've heard that the area along the river is beautiful. What else should we catch? Thanks.. Tom

I'm visiting Portland on August 26 for a week. I was wanting to get some recommendations on some good/sceneic camping spots, hiking spots, and good areas to do white water rafting, etc. We really want spots that look amazing and will give us the best experience. Thanks for all the suggestions in advance.

I'll be spending the weekend in Portland in mid-Sept with my wife and another couple, and was hoping for some recommendations on places to eat downtown. We are very flexible in terms of types of food, just looking for those types of restaurants that make you want to return. We don't want a super upscale place that takes a couple hours to eat, but also not looking for cheapest pub grub. Any help is appreciated? Thanks

Hi -- I'm looking for a recommendation for a nice mid-level to upscale restaurant somewhere in/near the Pearl District. I'd like something with a decent wine/drink list, nice ambiance and possibly regional cuisine (but open to anything if it's really good :) Thanks in advance!! Valerie

With the weather being so nice, we'd like to walk from Macleay Park, 29th and Upshur to Washington Park, stopping along the way of course and taking in the sites and sounds of nature. What's the distance between these two points and are there mile markers or signs to lead me to my final destination? Any info. would be much appreciated:>)