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As a means of preserving my sanity while the long tail of this pandemic plays out interminably, I'm starting to daydream/plan a short, sweet coastal getaway for partner, me, and our two doofy dogs for....late spring? early summer? mid-fall?? whenever things are safe and open again!! Given that very vague timeline, where should we go? Wish list inside! [more inside]
posted by Dorinda around Portland, OR at 4:48 PM - 15 answers

I've recently committed to getting a car, but don't have anywhere to put it. I live in the limbo that is Portland, Oregon's dreaded Zone N, the result of which is that I am apparently not eligible for any street permit parking. Worse still, all the lot/garage options I've been able to find even semi-nearby are upwards of $75–150 a month. This… isn't workable. How/where do people who live in inner SE park affordably? [more inside]
posted by caliche around Portland, OR at 10:54 AM - 6 answers

Tomorrow I am getting rid of my car. Today, I would like to park somewhere in the Portland Metro area and enjoy a snack and a book for a few hours. I don’t really want to get out of the car, though. Where can I park to enjoy a nice view and not feel weird about doing it? [more inside]
posted by the thorn bushes have roses around Portland, OR at 10:10 AM - 7 answers

Help me plan a relaxing but fun solo birthday "weekend" in Portland, Oregon. [more inside]
posted by lunasol around Portland, OR at 2:02 PM - 18 answers

I'm looking for podcasts about Oregon history, and particularly the little strange bits of history. For example: I like the podcasts from the Montana and Virginia Historical Societys that are recordings of conference speakers talking about very specific things. I like the "Lost Highways" podcast from Colorado. I am NOT looking for two dudes sitting around and talking to each other about beer or what they think about Oregon history, which is most of what I found. Podcasts I would totally listen to would be: history of Japanese-Americans in WW2, particularly those who were inland from the coast // LGBT in the 1970's // how interior Oregon agriculture has changed // Native American history // Shipping // early white settlement failures // wildlife Give me just the podcasts with history facts, well reported.
posted by ITravelMontana around Oregon at 5:36 PM - 4 answers

A friend is taking me to see the Nutcracker this weekend, and I'm getting dinner. I'm being indecisive about picking a place and also about how early to make a reservation for a 7:30 show (we will walk/transit to the Keller). I'm looking for something cozy, convivial and in the American/English/traditional range, ideally with good beer or cocktails. No dietary restrictions. Price range is $100ish for the both of us, but flexible. Post-show drinks recommendations also welcome.
posted by momus_window around Portland, OR at 9:28 AM - 7 answers

I had a great time in Portland last November and am about to return. What's new that wasn't there before? [more inside]
posted by kitty teeth around Portland, OR at 1:20 PM - 5 answers

Random 3-4 day roadtrip to Portland because I need time and space to think about things, please share your best deep thought spots. [more inside]
posted by Cosine around Portland, OR at 1:19 PM - 12 answers

Has anyone on MeFi used Getaround for car sharing? Tell me about it! [more inside]
posted by pdb around Portland, OR at 1:50 PM - 3 answers

This Sunday we’re picking up our cousin at PDX around noon and driving to Manzanita, where our checkin Time is 4:00. He is a foodie/winery kind of guy, and we’ll all need to eat lunch in that time frame. (We’ve been to Manzanita dozens of times and don’t need advice about getting or eating there, thanks.) What route should we take- 26 or 6- that will provide a delicious but casual opportunity for lunch? Oh, yes, we’ll have our 2 dogs with us. . [more inside]
posted by carterk around Oregon at 11:09 AM - 12 answers

I couldn't find a straight-up, 'vacationing in Portland, OR' question*, so here it is! We are traveling there for a wedding and decided to extend on both sides, so we'll be there this Thursday to Tuesday. What would you do with that time? *(despite the fact that 'Portland, OR, USA' is used as *the* example in the Travel Location prompt...if I have just somehow missed earlier questions, please let me know!!!!) [more inside]
posted by Tandem Affinity around Portland, OR at 2:13 PM - 24 answers

Some friends and I will be in Tigard this weekend for a Saturday night wedding. The USWNT is playing in the World Cup final at 8 AM Sunday morning. Are there any good soccer bars nearby that we can hit up? Would prefer to stay in the general Tigard area, but also open to suggestions in Portland. Thanks!
posted by bassooner around Portland, OR at 10:17 AM - 4 answers

Where are some good sites for primitive camping in Oregon this coming week? [more inside]
posted by diode around Bend, OR at 7:56 PM - 2 answers

We're planning a roadtrip! Roughly, Bend OR --> Columbia River Gorge --> Olympic National Park -->Squamish, BC --> Seattle. If you're familiar with that part of the world, please pick apart/augment my plans within. [more inside]
posted by geegollygosh around Portland, OR at 7:18 AM - 13 answers

So in 2020 I have to attend a huge conference in Portland. I'm planning to get an AirBnB rather than staying in one of the conference hotels. I know nothing about Portland but I need to stay in a place where I can catch the MAX light rail to and from the Oregon Convention Center. What part of town would be good to stay for some evenings and also have the light rail to/from the Convention Center?
posted by ITravelMontana around Portland, OR at 7:26 PM - 6 answers

This is me. I think I've done pretty well on the plane piece, and now I'm wigging out looking at the public transportation system. [more inside]
posted by intrepid_simpleton around Portland, OR at 7:32 PM - 14 answers

We are moving to Oregon in a few months! Please help me choose an appropriate vehicle for the Willamette Valley area. [more inside]
posted by tllaya around Eugene, OR at 7:51 PM - 15 answers

I need to find a five day low-cost trip that needs to be driving distance (6-10 hours okay) of Seattle. However, my dog is a jerk that hates all people. I can keep him muzzled when around people, but we need a cabin or someplace that will let us be separate from humans and accept dogs. [more inside]
posted by corb around Portland, OR at 4:20 PM - 6 answers

We are a collective of people - 4 adults, a baby, a tween, and 2 dogs - and we want to do something driving distance from Seattle and Portland the weekend before Christmas up to Christmas Day. What should we be looking at? [more inside]
posted by k8t around Portland, OR at 8:59 AM - 6 answers

Partner and I just decided we'd like to spend Thanksgiving at the Oregon coast. We have two midsize dogs. Where should we stay? Airbnb pickins are reasonable but I'm curious about other/interesting options. Some details and bonus wishes under the cut. [more inside]
posted by adastra around Newport, OR at 12:00 AM - 3 answers