Summer Vacation Ideas in Portland

July is Oregon's Craft Beer Month and a popular event is the Oregon Brewers Festival, usually celebrated for 4 days with over 70 breweries offering their handcrafted brews and home brewing demos to more than 60,000 beer lovers. This year's celebration takes place July 24 through the 27th at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, SW Naito Parkway following a brunch and parade originating from PGE Park.

The Japanese Garden at 611 SW Kingston Avenue presents their biggest art event of the year from July 26 through September 2 with their annual exhibition and sale of Asian inspired original artwork. Choose from glass, jewelry, pottery, photography, and more.

Bike-friendly Portland shuts down 10 Willamette River bridges to cars for 20,000 bicyclists for their annual Providence Bridge Pedal on August 10. Naito Parkway, Waterfront.

Kids will love the Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Road. Concerts presented from mid June to mid August. While you're in the area, check out the Children's Museum at 4015 SW Canyon Drive where you can learn all about dinosaurs.

Want to get away from the city noise and traffic? You don't have to go far. Forest Park, Portland's largest park with over 5,000+ acres is just the place for walking, hiking, or biking, or just enjoying the quiet surroundings and the picturesque views of the mountains.

Fall Vacation Ideas in Portland

Portland's Walking Tours, voted by USA Today as one of the top 5 Walking Tours in the nation, offers a number of different tours.

• Best of Portland - the most popular tour, both entertaining and informative, gives you a close up look at the most popular sights of Portland.
• Beyond Bizarre - full of mysteries and ghostly adventures, see the paranormal side of Portland.
• Underground Portland - explore Old Town and China Town underground for the sordid side of Portland.
• Epicurian Excursion - enjoy the Pearl District, sampling food along the way.

Information on these and other popular tours can be obtained by calling 503-774-4522.

Read more about Portland's Pirate Festival, a fun-filled event you won't want to miss in September.

Winter Vacation Ideas in Portland

Portland's Christmas Ship Parade is a beautiful display of festively decorated boats for the holiday, drawing thousands of people to the Columbia and Willamette Rivers in December.

Year Round Vacation Ideas in Portland

For all you book lovers, come on out to Powell's City of Books at 1005 W. Burnside in downtown Portland, Oregon for new, used, rare, out of print, and hard to find titles. The largest bookstore in the world, covering an entire city block, housing more than a million books on the shelves and 3,500 different sections. Monthly exhibitions, author events, and readings all play a part in giving you a comfortable atmosphere at Powell's. As you enjoy your browsing experience, take time out at their coffee shop for some coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, cookies, or a cold beverage. A family owned business, Powell's is open 365 days a year and was voted by USA Today in 2002 as one of America's best bookstores. Telephone Number 503-228-4651.

Take an interesting side trip to visit Portland's Velveteria Museum of Velvet Paintings, the world famous museum of black velvet paintings, everything from Elvis to Jesus to clowns and hula girls and so much more. Located at 2448 E. Burnside St. Telephone for hours: 503-233-5100

Pioneer Square, in the heart of downtown Portland, considered to be Portland's "living room", frequently visited by locals and tourists and hosting over 300 events yearly, is a must see while in Portland. It is considered one of the most visited sites in Oregon with its shopping, dining, entertainment, and considered a friendly meeting place for relaxation and a great way to learn about the local culture. Thousands of people pass through Pioneer Square daily, many using the convenient Light Rail.

Visit the Portland Farmer's Outdoor Market where approximately 20,000 people frequent weekly throughout most parts of the year for baked goods, meat and seafood, cheese, flowers, and specialty items from over 200 vendors. Different locations, different days and hours. Call for specific information 503-241-0032.