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So my husband and I are considering an international trip (Scandinavia), and possibly renting a car. When I started googling this, it seems like a large percentage of rental cars in these countries are stick-shift. While there are some automatic transmission options, I'd want to be prepared in case a rental company screwed me and gave me a manual (I'm usually unlucky when I travel). I'm having real difficulty however finding driving school options in/near Portland, OR that will teach stick. Please help! [more inside]
posted by FireFountain around Portland, OR at 7:44 PM - 26 answers

What are some current quirky Portland lodging alternatives? Going to be in Portland for 4 nights at the end of the month. Most of the popular airbnb places are booked. Looking for lodging for around $100 a night. Clean and quirky are my priorities.
posted by Xurando around Portland, OR at 11:26 AM - 4 answers

I'm going to be in Portland, OR in May. I was looking around for things to do and saw that I'll be there the weekend of the St. Johns Parade. Is it worth checking out? Relevant info: I'll be relying on public transportation. This isn't my first visit, so I've already done many of the usual must-do things. I am a big fan of parades in general!
posted by atropos around Portland, OR at 4:20 PM - 6 answers

I'm looking for fun excursions, eateries, etc to undertake during MLK weekend in Portland OR with my wife. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by miltthetank around Portland, OR at 11:52 AM - 8 answers

What are some fun things to do with kids in Portland? [more inside]
posted by Chaussette and the Pussy Cats around Portland, OR at 12:25 AM - 11 answers

We have two big dogs and will be adding a second carseat in the next couple weeks. Our crossover is already not cutting it space-wise. What large SUV should we get? [more inside]
posted by ugly around Portland, OR at 11:48 PM - 25 answers

Portlanders! Here is a map of a waterfront bike tour route. Can you tell me cool stuff to see/do/and especially eat along this route? A two- or three-block detour is okay but we will be a bit time pressured so can't go too far afield. Thanks!
posted by HotToddy around Portland, OR at 8:41 PM - 4 answers

It's supposed to be ONE BILLION degrees (OK, 90-something in Portland for the next few days, during my first visit to the area. I need help. What's fun for two people to do while avoiding the heat? [more inside]
posted by wintersweet around Portland, OR at 8:19 PM - 15 answers

Looking for a few quick recommendations for my trip to Portland, Oregon this weekend. Ideally I am looking for places reachable by public transit, since I won't have a car. 1 - Best grilled cheese sandwich. 2 - Best dim sum. 3 - Best sushi that isn't insanely expensive. 4 - Best macaroni and cheese. 5 - Best food cart that is hopefully open for lunch on Saturdays. Thanks!
posted by skycrashesdown around Portland, OR at 3:34 PM - 17 answers

Six days in Portland, OR, next week (May 3rd-9th). Interesting places to eat, sketch, or both? [more inside]
posted by fatbird around Portland, OR at 2:10 PM - 9 answers

Hello Portlanders - I'll be coming to your fair city in mid-April and although I've visited a few times previously I don't really have a go-to hotel near the city. Can you recommend some good options? [more inside]
posted by karizma around Portland, OR at 5:22 PM - 10 answers

This (very) recent question had a lot of good suggestions of things to do in Portland, but I'm in Portland and Seattle for several days each this weekend, and I'm looking for advice about what to do in both cities. Difficulty: like outdoorsy things, but don't have a car. [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar around Portland, OR at 3:19 PM - 9 answers

What 2 things would you recommend a friend do during a 5 day trip to Portland, Oregon in mid April?
posted by garlic around Portland, OR at 10:52 AM - 25 answers

Driving from Cincinnati to Portland near the end of March. Bit concerned about the mountain passes in late winter. The basic options are I-80 to Salt Lake, then on to I-84. Or a more northern route through S. Dakota and Montana on I-90 into Washington before heading southwest. Both drives would be ~34-35 hours—any compelling reasons to choose one over the other?
posted by cramer around Portland, OR at 7:45 AM - 15 answers

I just bought a bike, and now I need a killer multitool. [more inside]
posted by pdb around Portland, OR at 4:06 PM - 16 answers

I probably should have asked this weeks ago... My husband and I will be in Portland, OR, for Valentine's Day and we'd like to have a nice but not ludicrously expensive dinner. We like Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, Italian, northwestern, seafood. Neither of us eat beef. Doesn't need to be fancy but does need to take reservations. We'll probably be eating early-ish, maybe 6 pm, which will hopefully help us find a spot. Any thoughts? Thanks!
posted by skycrashesdown around Portland, OR at 3:30 PM - 13 answers

Have not been to PDX in 5-6 years. Will be there next week from Wednesday 12/3 through Saturday 12/6. I'll be staying in DT Portland. Restaurants are covered. Looking for a bike rental shops, coffeehouse's with awesome pastries and pies, and other random cool places. My hangout spots are Hawthorne District and (of course) Powell's. I am also a Farmer's Market junky and would appreciate suggestion on local markets that will be taking place during that time. Thanks in advance...
posted by goalyeehah around Portland, OR at 6:30 PM - 7 answers

On a whim, we booked a trip to Portland, OR for next month. Then I went to book hotels, and apparently it is marathon weekend, and there are very few hotel rooms available downtown, and all above $200/night. We are looking to AirBnb as an alternative, but it's unclear which neighborhoods are good and which are bad as a tourist base. Every single listing says it's in a great neighborhood with easy access to public transit, so any tips?
posted by smackfu around Portland, OR at 8:42 AM - 12 answers

What to do with a 1-year-old this weekend in Portland, OR? [more inside]
posted by town of cats around Portland, OR at 9:19 PM - 5 answers

For instance, my SO really wants to find a place that serves gooseneck barnacle like they did here and explore spots like the abandoned Upper Salmonberry River Railway. We wanted to see sloths, but it was booked. We know these kind of unique local gems are coveted, but does anyone mind sharing their favorite off-the-beaten path activities in PDX? [more inside]
posted by doctordrey around Portland, OR at 2:05 PM - 7 answers