Within the Metro Area

Powell’s Books | The bookstore so large you need a map…which they provide for free.

Portland Classical Chinese Garden

Washington Park | If you’re from San Diego you can skip the zoo, unless you think the SD zoo is too big. Otherwise, here are a few things to do here

• Oregon Zoo
• Japanese Garden
• International Rose Test Garden (especially May-July)
• The Children’s Museum
• Western Forestry Center

OMSI | Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

Day-trip or part day-trip to the east

Columbia River Gorge One of my favorite places in the world, especially in the fall. Here are some of the attractions within the lower gorge:

• Multnomah Falls
• Crown Point : an amazing vista/overlook
• Bonneville Dam : you can tour the dam, fish ladders, fish hatchery, and see really huge, old, sturgeon, even feed the fish
• Hood River : visit a fresh fruit stand in the fall and get the best apples and pears
• Nearby is the Pittock Mansion

Day-trip or part day-trip to the west

• Drive on Hwy 30 from downtown Portland and see Sauvie Island, St. Helens, a great drive, and end up in Astoria for tons to do

Ack…I want to get this list out for a friend so I’ll publish this and add more info later….

the West Hills

Winery Loop

Portland Aerial Tram

Waterfront Park / East Bank Esplanade

Pioneer Courthouse Square

Vintage Trolley

Portland Saturday Market

Portland Farmer’s Market

Esther Short Park/Vancouver Farmer’s Market

Forest Park

South Park Blocks

Council Crest Park

St. John’s Bridge

On warmer days they open the big overhead door and you get an open air cafe feel. It was hard to see what it might be like on a wintry day but I’m hoping we’ll find out soon.

They have a small kitchen which is just barely big enough for the one cook. The espresso machine is standard La Marzocco and the barista knows how to use it. The quality is very good. I had one of my safety drinks, a mocha, because I really dislike bad machiatti, espressi, and cappuccini.

I watched the man make the drink in the crowded coffeehouse and he dumped the first pair of shots he pulled. He looked up and said, “you wouldn’t like that one. It’s just going to be another minute.” Good words, man.

The food we saw walking into the restaurant seating area made me salivate. We’re planning a trip back. Check out Astoria Coffeehouse at 243 11th St, Astoria, OR 97103 (503) 325-1787 or www.astoriacoffeehouse.com.

I’m happy to see that Astoria Coffee House is listed on www.espressomap.com.

-Daddoo!