Goldilocks--How was the visit?

[mandarin2j]

Didn't you mention that you were looking at moving from the Bay Area? Did you find Portland tempting?

-Amanda

[hka]

Goldilocks, you live in the Bay Area? So do I! I'm sure this is on another thread but where in the Bay Area do you live? I live in San Jose and work in Redwood City.

[goldilocks]

Amanda - My trip to Portland was wonderful. Our friends just relocated there from the bay area, so we went to visit them. It was also our first year anniversary, so we decided to make a trip out of it. It's pretty amazing what the difference is in regards to housing. They were able to buy a cute new house for a fraction of the cost out here.

Anyway - I have to say that because of your detailed post and the others on the Portland thread, I was well prepared for our trip and was even able to take our friends to places they did not know about. On Friday, when our friends were working, we jumped into the car and drove to Portland - without a map, just knowing that I had to find 23rd street. Compared to SF, it is a very navagatible city and we really enjoyed ourselves. Here's the play by play:

Thursday - We left for our 10 hour drive to Portland. We stopped halfway in Ashland for lunch at a food stand (it had no walls, just a BBQ). This was very good for burgers and chicken.

Friday - We ventured out to Portland and found 23rd. We ate at the Blue Moon a couple of blocks from there. We later wound up at the Pilsner Room where we sat outside and enjoyed the great weather. We then went back to 23rd and after looking at almost every restaurant's menu, we ate at Papa Hadyn's. Everyone loved this place and I can't thank you enough for posting about it.

Saturday - Had breakfast at a place right next to Restoration Hardware on 23rd. I can't remember the name, but it was very good. Then we went shopping to the "Saturday Market", Washington and Pioneer Squares (I hope I am getting these names right).

Sunday - Another day of shopping, and then met our husbands at TKs BBQ, in Beaverton.

Monday - We left Porland and drove to Ashland where we stayed at the Ashland Springs Hotel. We did not even have reservations, we just drove on in. We realized that when we are spontaneous, things work out better for us in terms of travel. When we plan, things seem to go awry. We enjoyed a nice stay and good food at Beasly's on the Creek.

Thanks again for taking the time to post all the information. It was so weird knowing something about the places when we passed Powell Books, the Pittock Mansion, etc. I really appreciated it!

hka - Yes, I do live in the bay area. I live in Walnut Creek and work in SF. I used to live in San Mateo which is closer to your side of town.

[This message has been edited by goldilocks (edited 05-30-2001).]