Fun in the Sun Product Guide
By Nicolle Camarata

No season invites the soaring adventure of a daytrip better then the warm months of summer. In college I used to pile my girlfriends into my deathtrap of a sports car (older model of course) and we’d hit the road for a trip all the way up to Canada or down to Los Angeles. It seemed every chance we had we were loading the car with great music and disgusting snacks before enthusiastically enduring hours of driving. I’ll have to admit that we had the time of our lives on those trips but that was before gas cost more than gold, before 911, and before we all “grew-up” and got full-time jobs. Nowadays if I want to take a week off work to embark on a new adventure I need to accomplish twice the work the week before I leave, work while I’m gone, and expect to hit the ground running when I return … not very relaxing. I know I’m not alone in my quest for instant gratification and I set out to find us the most amount of fun in the shortest amount of time (and driving) as possible. Rip these pages out, shove them in your glove box with your worn out Eagles CD and beef jerky, and get going.

To kick off your in-town vacation your first order of business should be to check into a hotel, so you don’t feel distracted and homeless while gallivanting around the city. Portland is chalk full of great resting spots from the off-beat Jupiter Hotel to the traditional Governor. Being a good girl who’s Momma raised her right I’ve only seen the inside of a couple hotel rooms (or have I?) and my favorites are the 5th Avenue Suites and the Heathman Hotel. If you want to run into a member of the Trailblazers or the US President then the Benson Hotel is your best bet, which is why it isn’t on my list of favorites.

5th Avenue Suites is the #1 Portland hotel according to Travel + Leisure and one of the Top 500 Hotels in the World. One of the things that make this hotel unique is its support of the local art community and they have filled their historic, early 20th century building with original fine art created by Pacific Northwest artists to prove it. Built in 1912, but recently revamped, the downtown luxury hotel is a living gallery, both inside and out. Guests are encouraged to get in on the fun during their painting parties held daily at 5pm. Everyone is invited to create their own works of art as the lobby is filled with easels, canvas, paint and paper for big and small kids alike. Only in the Northwest can you sip a complimentary glass of Pinot Noir and quietly watch a child finger paint while noticing a doodling graduate of the Art Institute peeking over for inspiration. I’ll toast to that. But before you leave your home make sure to clear off the mantle because you’re allowed to take your masterpiece with you. Before socializing with your neighbors for the night you can head up and check out your room. The soft color scheme of gold, cream and buttercup yellow is brightened with apricot carpeting and vivid French poster art. The cheery splashes of color and subtle humor (like the teddy bear lying on your bed, live pet fish, and animal print bathrobes) make for undeniable comfort. There is a strong euro-charm at 5th Avenue down to the sliding glass French doors that divide the living and sleeping quarters of the suite, allowing for some private time. Hopefully you won’t be working while you’re taking time off, but if you are you can already feel accomplished that you chose a hotel with free high speed wireless Internet access, a fax machine upon request and a large dining/writing table in your room.

Hungry? You won’t have far to go because the hotels Red Star Tavern & Roast House is where hoity-toity food meets a nonpretentious atmosphere. No matter what your flavor they have it here, everything from the Heartland to the Southwest, New England to the deep South, and the Northwest to Californiastyle cooking is brought to the downtown restaurant. Woodfired ovens, smoker, rotisseries, and grill, this isn’t a sushi restaurant…they know how to cook food. The 5th Avenue Suites is located at 506 S.W. Washington, Portland Oregon 97204, hotel reservations can be made at (888)207-2201 and the restaurant can be reached at (503)222-0005.

The performance arts center, concert halls and ritzy shopping stores are all within walking distance from the Heathman Hotel even if your shoes are cuter than comfortable. When you set out for dinner and a show you won’t have to look further than the lobby. The Heathman Restaurant exemplifies the best of the Pacific Northwest using seasonal ingredients inspired by the flavors of France. Gourmet Magazine recently recognized the Heathman as one of Portland’s best restaurants in the 2005 Restaurant Guide and who are we to argue with those professional pallets? Take your sweetie to share their amazing panko pan fried oysters and toast your culinary adventure with a glass of dry bubbly. Chef Boulot, who prides himself on using fresh local ingredients, was recently honored by the Academie Culinaire de France as the Academie’s Chef of the Year and one bite will tell you why. They also offer casual dining in the adjacent Marble Bar, outside on the sidewalk café and live jazz in the intimate Tea Court. The Heathman Hotel & Restaurant is located at 1001 SW Broadway Portland, Oregon, (503)790-7752.

The great Northwest is also known for its shopping and with several streets considered fashion hot beds you are sure to find something for yourself, your home and your honey. The artistry and entrepreneurship are abundant in the Rose City from Saturday market (happening all weekend under the Burnside bridge) to North Mississippi and can result in finding one-of-a-kind pieces for a fraction of the price. To see a good sample of up-and-coming local clothing designers that don’t take themselves too seriously pop into SaySay Boutique. The stores off-beat girlish clothes and sassy accessories are a nice 20 AUGUST 2006 LACAMAS LIFE MAGAZINE change from the ordinary. SaySay and its merchandise are full of color and unexpected must-haves. SaySay Boutique is located at 1010 SW Morrison, Portland Oregon, 97205 (503)223-1287.

If you have a foot fetish that only a true shoe shopping experience will cure…run, don’t walk, to Baddoll Shoes. Their selection is complete with heavy-hitting brands such as Tsubo, PF Flyer, Diesel, Vans and hard to find styles that you won’t find anywhere else. Since they have men and women’s shoes, your man won’t have to hang out in the lounge (though they have one...groovy) because he’ll be busy shopping the very large and hip men’s selection. Don’t’ wait until the end of the weekend to visit Baddoll because they are closed on Sundays … to be good. Baddoll Shoes is located at 1639 NW Marshall, Portland, Oregon 97209 (503)525-2202.

To see Portland’s latest development success story head to the Pearl district. The old industrial area has been reborn into condos, galleries, restaurants, and more shops. One of my favorites is the whimsical furniture store Simply Divine. The cheerful two-story corner spot is much bigger inside than it looks from the street and it is full of colorful home décor and merchandise that ranges from stylish and sophisticated to funky and functional. The prices are surprisingly low especially given its location in the middle of Portland’s poshest neighborhood. Luckily, you are only a short drive away and can fall in love with something too big to take as an airline carry-on. Simply Divine Home Décor, 828 NW Hoyt, Portland Oregon 97209 (503)796-0999.

You can mull over your potential furniture investment or just whet your whistle a few blocks away at Fenouil. The two story white and wrought iron masterpiece has so much old world charm it is hard to remember it one of Portland’s newest restaurants. It spills out onto Jamison Square’s neighborhood fountain, which is filled with children playing in the unpredictable water. The cuisine is strictly French and house favorites include the wild boar, frog legs and scallops. Make sure to save room for an order of truffle oil French fries for a really unique version on a classic. Fenouil, 900 NW 11th, Portland Oregon 97209 (503)525-2225.

Vacationing close to town decreases your expenses (no pesky plane tickets) while maximizing your time to play. Sure, I didn’t get to eat a bunch of junk food and rock out to Billy Joel while the long drive melted away my stress, but I did get to explore the great Rose City and relaxation came as fast as you can say “Hotel Valet, Please”.

Nicolle Camarata is a lifestyle reporter and television personality from Portland, Oregon. She can be seen on FOX 12, MORE and reached at www.nicolleshopsportland.com .
 

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