Cannot believe I'm so behind in answering the one question you pose for which I actually have some wisdom to share! :-)

Another Portlander here and I say you should stay at my place! Seriously, you're always welcome! But in terms of privacy, romance and vivacity, you've had some great suggestions. I can't recall if anyone mentioned Hotel Lucia, but I hear from our visitors that it's extremely charming, and in the heart of this great city. I think the Paramount has a great location, too, right by the park blocks and just a tad off the main drag--but it's a rather typical, upscalish hotel. We once stayed at a B & B in the Irvington district (very charming neighborhood) called Portland's White House and I loved our room and the proprietors. Breakfast was decandant.

To add a voice to the chorus, 21st and 23rd are fantastic and not really yuppie, IMO. Once you walk a bit past the Pottery Barn you get some wonderful sole stores and a more bo-ho vibe. I mean, everything here has a slightly guilded hipster edge, it can't be helped! I just had my hair done at the "end" of the street and noticed the packed creperie below (23rd & Pettygrove) which had delectible smells wafting up the stairs to the salon.

The Pearl, some galleries, some gentrification, some damn good restaurants (Olea, Giorgio's, The Paragon for happy hour), and a good Anthropologie store although I can't afford them, a Whole Foods with a nice juice bar, and HELLO, POWELL'S!!! Don't tell me I'm the first to mention Powell's, the bookheaven that saved me from suicidal seasonal disorder issues the first year I lived here.

What more can I add about the Kennedy School--a completely wonderful, original spot--self-contained surrealism. The cigar bar pours a mean martini. Pambiche for holy-cow yummy Cuban, and everyone is talking about Carafe and Andina--I've yet to go. The Doug Fir is very characterful, but kind of a scene. Voodoo donuts is a pre-requisite, but damn if it isn't sometimes tricky to find them open!

Oh, do come, yesterday was one of the most beautiful days EVER, and harkening in my b-day it was, I love fall ...

Really enjoyed reading the comments about our old town. I stay at the Jupiter. Love the Doug Fir. And KBOO is around the corner (not to visit...but to tune your radio dial to). NW 23rd (and 21st) was too Yuppie for my taste during my years there...more so (and more expensive) now. But, to each her own. I prefer Alberta, Belmont and Hawthorne. (But they're not nearly as fun as they were 15 years ago...but then, what is?) :) It cracks me up that Mississippi St. is so trendy...since that's my mate's old neighborhood...before it got smeared with a big layer of hip. If you go there though (Mississippi), be sure to stop in at the ReBuilding Center. Opened after we left, but it's amazing. A Rebar guy might have a field day there. ;)

not sure if anyone mentioned this up there, but if you are headed to Oregon (I just got back from a fantastic road trip up there) we stopped in the City of Rogue River to stay the night and stayed at a little place called Motel Del Rogue. It was right on the river, funk and fun. The owner and his wife and daughter run the place and it is really mellow and beautiful. You get a kitchen and a back porch. It is like driving into your hippie granmother's place. http://www.moteldelrogue.com/
Once we got to Portland we stayed at the Ace Hotel and it was a total hit.(complete other side of the coin than Motel Del Rouge, but in a good way- very hipsterish) I have also heard good things about The Jupiter.
hope those are good hints...

I think Bend is a better place to see the fall colors and it's closer than Portland! Ben would rather come here I just know it!

Love Edgefield, but it's a good 20 min or so from downtown. We just stayed there for our 10 yr anniversary since that's where we were married. I have a photo of it on my blog a few posts back. Very cool place. Must experience NW 21st and 23, The Pearl district, Alberta street (very funky and hip street)Hawthorne street is totally you. For great fall colors.....gotta see Multnomah Falls in the gorge. You can hike to the top, even with a stroller.

Love the video of Ben. So cute when his belly pops through. Time to remove the bumpers too. My son would step on them.
Have a great trip.

I'm in Portland and I just collected leaves today with my nephews! We're making books out of them along with chestnut people. What else would you do on a Thursday afternoon?

I've been here two years and as a writer/kid's yoga teacher who constantly looks for inspiration, I'd recommend this little jaunt:
- Kennedy School (because they have a soaking pool. outside in a garden. Yum.) Also, K. School is really close to Alberta Street, a place you'll love. Skip eating at Kennedy School and instead try something on Alberta: Vita Cafe (vegan), the thai place is great, too. There's a new Sake Bar further down that's yummy.
- Alberta Street: shop and play here, eat breakfast at the Tin Shed (the have this thing called Belly Pleaser - jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk. Yum!)
- Hop across MLK to Mississippi Street. Also good restaurants and artisan/crafty places including Scrap and the Rebuilding Center for photo treasures.
- Forest Park - at the end of Thurman Street. Ask around. You can hike in the city! Easy hiking, too.
- Laurelhurst Park - also a beautiful park with a pond and ducks and sometimes heron.
- Laurelhurst Theater for movies or the Bagdad
- Clinton Street - in SE - also has a handful of yummy restaurants, some stores and a theater.

Ace Hotel is nice, not as homey as Kennedy but fun. And close to Powell's. And Canoe, a neat shop. The Jupiter is also nice, close to Doug Fir and artisan shops across the street. Just depends on what you're feeling. Alberta is the most kid-friendly, I think.

Either way, the trees are beautiful around here right now. I feel lucky to live here! Have fun if you come. This town is alive with color and not raining yet!

www.happylittleatom.com

I'm in Portland and I just collected leaves today with my nephews! We're making books out of them along with chestnut people. What else would you do on a Thursday afternoon?

I've been here two years and as a writer/kid's yoga teacher who constantly looks for inspiration, I'd recommend this little jaunt:
- Kennedy School (because they have a soaking pool. outside in a garden. Yum.) Also, K. School is really close to Alberta Street, a place you'll love. Skip eating at Kennedy School and instead try something on Alberta: Vita Cafe (vegan), the thai place is great, too. There's a new Sake Bar further down that's yummy.
- Alberta Street: shop and play here, eat breakfast at the Tin Shed (the have this thing called Belly Pleaser - jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk. Yum!)
- Hop across MLK to Mississippi Street. Also good restaurants and artisan/crafty places including Scrap and the Rebuilding Center for photo treasures.
- Forest Park - at the end of Thurman Street. Ask around. You can hike in the city! Easy hiking, too.
- Laurelhurst Park - also a beautiful park with a pond and ducks and sometimes heron.
- Laurelhurst Theater for movies or the Bagdad
- Clinton Street - in SE - also has a handful of yummy restaurants, some stores and a theater.

Ace Hotel is nice, not as homey as Kennedy but fun. And close to Powell's. And Canoe, a neat shop. The Jupiter is also nice, close to Doug Fir and artisan shops across the street. Just depends on what you're feeling. Alberta is the most kid-friendly, I think.

Either way, the trees are beautiful around here right now. I feel lucky to live here! Have fun if you come. This town is alive with color and not raining yet!

www.happylittleatom.com

there's a burning man decompression on Oct 20.

Portland is gorgeous. I have lived in this area pretty much my whole life. If you come, you must visit Voodoo Donuts. Killer. Portland also has a pretty rockin' hostel, if you like hosteling.

Portland is gorgeous. I have lived in this area pretty much my whole life. If you come, you must visit Voodoo Donuts. Killer. Portland also has a pretty rockin' hostel, if you like hosteling.

I lived in Portland for a few years, and it is definitely gorgeous this time of year. Go for a drive in the Columbia River Gorge, where you drive along and see waterfalls and lots of places to hike. Or drive up to Mt. Hood for snow, mountains and lots of fall colors along the way. In Portland, the Japanese Gardens are lovely this time of year, as everyone has rightfully pointed out (and right next to the Rose Gardens, should still be some nice roses out).

I'm heading for Portland on Monday! It's good to hear so many rave reviews...I kept hearing how it's going to be rainy and drab, so I wasn't holding out much hope for fall colors. Now I'm even more excited to go!

I used to live in Portland and miss it every day I'm still alive. LOVE. If you go about 25 miles west of Portland, you'll find a little suburb called Forest Grove. Stay at the McMennimans Grand Lodge. Proceed to swoon and sigh at the beauty of the hills and the colors and the absolute delight that is around you. Then go eat a Maggie's Bun (restaurant called Maggie's Buns) for me before you trek off to downtown Portland. Sigh....

Oh! We just returned from Portland! It was lovely! Swoon....

We stayed at the NW International Hostel (18th and Glisan). That was fun!

You MUST check out the Japanese Gardens, the Rose Gardens (right next to them), Powell's Books (of course), the Blossoming Lotus restaurant (organic, vegan, attached to a yoga studio), and Ken's Artisan Bakery (authentic French pastries). Also, a really neat stationery store is Oblation Papers & Press (oblationpapers.com)...more swooning!

Enjoy :-)

Portland is turning all sorts of colors, esp in the NW/SW area which is just above downtown. someone like you for sure must walk around the NW 23rd shopping area with plenty of cute shops and cafes and leaves strewn about too! From there drive up just a mile or two to see The Rose Garden- don't miss it even if the roses are probably gone- its in a HUGE park called Forest park just above the downtown area and its filled with trees turning leaves. Don't miss the rose garden and NW 23rd-its made for you!

I haven't traveled to Portland this time of year, however I was there in June of 2006 and stayed at the Jupiter Hotel. Check it out here:
http://jupiterhotel.com/. It is an urban redo of a 1950/1960s motel. There is a neat restaurant and bar that is part of the hotel that has bands in the evening. Have a great trip and enjoy!

Great photo!

The Kennedy School -- very very fun. Very Portland. Oregon is a wonderful place to go.

Well, coming from Kauai and being stuck on that rock for 13 years, I have to say, I am thrilled with the beauty of Central Oregon. I was in Portland last weekend and the amazing colors I saw as I crossed over the Cascades was simply Fall at it's best. Hey, If you come through beautiful Sisters, Oregon Andrea, I would love to meet you and show you our cute little cowboy town of 1,700. It's only about a two and a half hour drive from Portland, through Eugene and lots of camera action happening. Hmmm. sounds like I am planning your trip.hehehehe. I say Go for it!

What a gorgeous photograph Andrea!

I hope you find some pretty fall leaves.

XO

I would recommend Eugene, OR for an amazing Fall experience. Some places to say...Excelsior Inn, a funky B&B by campus. The walk through the U of O alone is worth the trip. There are a bunch of other B&B's on campus that are great, The Secret Garden is a good one, too.

If you go to Portland, I definitely echo the McMennimans recommendation. You can also check out Bend, OR where there is a McMennimans hotel and Bend is amazing, Fall as well as beautiful snow capped mountains already, and there you are guaranteed sunshine! (And I could meet you for coffee! :)

This picture is absolutely amazing!! I just got back from Europe where my parents had pomagranates growing in their back yard. I smuggled some back (ssshhh) and have been enjoying them every day.

You are a very skilled photographer. Thanks for this little bit of fall. Yes, for a taste of the changes come to New England. Boston is spectacular this time of year, but don't travel on the weekend of the Head of the Charles.

This picture is absolutely amazing!! I just got back from Europe where my parents had pomagranates growing in their back yard. I smuggled some back (ssshhh) and have been enjoying them every day.

You are a very skilled photographer. Thanks for this little bit of fall. Yes, for a taste of the changes come to New England. Boston is spectacular this time of year, but don't travel on the weekend of the Head of the Charles.

This picture is absolutely amazing!! I just got back from Europe where my parents had pomagranates growing in their back yard. I smuggled some back (ssshhh) and have been enjoying them every day.

You are a very skilled photographer. Thanks for this little bit of fall. Yes, for a taste of the changes come to New England. Boston is spectacular this time of year, but don't travel on the weekend of the Head of the Charles.

I echo the comments about McMenamin's Edgefield and/or Kennedy School. Very hip and fun, both places have a Berkeley feel. Good food, too. The parks in Portland are beautiful this time of year, Japanese Gardens as well as Forest Park (gorgeous hikes through lush forest). NE 23rd is fun for eclectic shopping and food.

Writing from Portland, Oregon: The colors are amazing at this time of year. I was just admiring them on my way home from work. It's gorgeous. I, too, recommend the Kennedy School. It's very, very child friendly (as the name sort of implies). They even have an in-house movie theater (with a weekly mommy matinee), a soaking pool, a restaurant (with great food and beer) and lots of art (funky and fun). My husband and I stayed there and booked a Hammerhead Package which includes some fun little extras. Feel free to email me if you have any questions. I'd love to help you plan a trip to one of my favorite cities!
PS I've been reading your blog for almost two years now and I sooo enjoy it. You are such a sweetie!

Writing from Portland, Oregon: The colors are amazing at this time of year. I was just admiring them on my way home from work. It's gorgeous. I, too, recommend the Kennedy School. It's very, very child friendly (as the name sort of implies). They even have an in-house movie theater (with a weekly mommy matinee), a soaking pool, a restaurant (with great food and beer) and lots of art (funky and fun). My husband and I stayed there and booked a Hammerhead Package which includes some fun little extras. Feel free to email me if you have any questions. I'd love to help you plan a trip to one of my favorite cities!
PS I've been reading your blog for almost two years now and I sooo enjoy it. You are such a sweetie!

Come to New England! Fall is amazing here - really, truly glorious and magical - and you could stay with me (in Cambridge) or Kim (in Salem)!

It's lovely here right now...wet, but colorful and lovely...I'd check out portlandpicks.com for ideas.

p.s.: just read that Rafael authored the 'south east asia on a shoestring' lonely planet guide. Have decided on a whim to revisit Vietnam and go to Laos, Cambodia early next year-- I'll have to give it a read!

I'm so jealous! I want to go to Portland and experience a real Autumn! It sounds like it's going to be beautiful, be sure to show us the photos :)

Meanwhile the few weeks of Spring that we manage to experience in Queensland, Australia have already melted into Summer Definitely coming to the US so I can experience all 4 seasons.

OMG!! I love Portland and adore the Kennedy School.

http://www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=57&id=465

Went for thanksgiving last year and loved everyone minute. If you there for the holiday, be sure to have your dinner in the gymnasium and follow it up with a dip in the lovely outdoor soaking pool. ENJOY!

love and hugs to you,
cindy

Oh, me too! First year back from the East Coast, and I'm missing fall quite a bit. Mind you, when winter comes around, I'll be very glad to be back in CA. Well, mostly. I think I'll still miss the blizzards...

honey,
i just returned from a whole week in portland, my home, my favorite place on earth. you will see lots of colors. and i would recommend staying at THE PAINTED LADY b&b where i stayed. you have your own little cottage in the back of the main B&B, nestled in the best historic neighborhood in all of portland, with cafes all around. you will love it and the setup is perfect for and baby. gas fireplace, kitchenette, bathroom, king size bed, etc. and very affordable. call me and i'll dish more.
xo

Another place to stay in the portland area is the Edgefield. Everyone who I've recommended staying there has enjoyed it very much. (owned by the same people as the Kennedy school recommened above)

I know of a great place, however, it's in Northern Illinois! Quite a hike! I am craving the colors and smells of fall too!

I love this photo!

you can always stay with my in-laws, Andrea. They are crazy but they live in a beautiful house on the river. LOL. And really, they gave birth to my husband so they can't be that bad...

I used to live in Portland - make sure you go to the Japanese garden where colors will be beautiful (hear hear, Connie!), drive up the Columbia River Gorge if you have time, it will be gorgeous, and stay in one of the cool places already suggested. My personal pick is the Inn at Northrup Station because it's within walking distance of my favorite restaurant, Caffe Mingo (and has kitchenettes which would be Ben friendly). Kennedy School is also good if you like funky. Eat a Captain Neon burger and some French Fries for me if you stay there. Sigh. I miss Portland.

Hey A!
hmmmm, Portland, good for fall colors... well, it's not Vermont but I think it's gorgeous all the time here, rain or shine.
As for place to stay, the Ace is good, the Kennedy School is fun but off the beaten path, and some folks I know have enjoyed the trendy Inn at Northrup Station... also in a centralish locale
http://www.northrupstation.com/
let me know if you come up here, I know you have lots of friends, but I'd love to see you if get a chance.... are you bringing Ben & Matt as well?
I'm craving fall too, off to get me some pommegrates
xoab

That is hilarious...I am another Jen from Portland who was going to recommend coming here...fall is beautiful and the Ace Hotel was my thought as well for a cool place to stay.
Feel free to email if you have any questions...I would love to offer any suggestions.

In my experience (growing up in Oregon) Portland is a great place to see leaves changing. If I remember correctly I think this is a good time to visit the Japanese Gardens as well.

jen here, writing from Portland!!! :o)
The leaves are starting to turn, and color should be everywhere in a week or 2. Its gorgeous and raining and perfect sweater weather!
I know that the Ace Hotel is cool: http://www.acehotel.com/portland/
(they have a black and white photobooth!!!)
and its in a cool, central part of town.
I'll look and see what else I can find if ya want!
Let me know... and if you end up tripping on up here, I would LOVE to meet up!
- jen