Best Neighborhoods in Portland

The city of Portland offers some of the most luxurious homes in the Northwest region of the country.  Whether you are searching for a convenient location to the office or an estate on acres of beautiful land, you will not find yourself short on options in this city.  Below are the ten best neighborhoods in Portland:

1. King’s Heights/Hillside

2. Forest Park

3. Arlington Heights

4. Pearl District

5. Sylvan-Highlands

6. Eastmoreland

7. Bridlemile

8. Hilldale

9. Grant Park

10. Hosford-Abernethy

Best Coffee Bars in Portland

The Northwest is the birthplace of our current java renaissance, and with that heritage comes a great selection of coffee bars.  One of my favorite aspects of these establishments is the ambiance created by both the style and great service.  Below are the ten best coffee bars in Portland:

1. Seven Virtues

503-236-7763
5936 NE Glisan St
Portland, OR 97213

2. Stumptown Coffee Roasters

503-295-6144‎
128 SW 3rd Ave
Portland, OR 97204

3. Via Deliza Dessert House & Cafe

503-225-9300
1105 NW Marshall
Portland, OR 97209

4. Seattle’s Best Coffee

503-224-4001
1100 SW 6th Ave #102
Portland, OR 97204

5. Peet’s Coffee & Tea

503-493-0192‎
1441 NE Broadway St
Portland, OR 97232

6. Urban Grind Pearl

503-546-5919‎
911 NW 14th Ave
Portland, OR 97209

7. World Cup Coffee & Tea

503-228-4152
1740 NW Glisan
Portland, OR 97209

8. Cooper’s Coffee

503-238-2120
6049 SE Stark St
Portland, OR 97215

9. Pied Cow Coffeehouse

503-230-4866
3244 SE Belmont St
Portland, OR 97214

10. Rimsky-Korsakoffee House

503-232-2640
707 SE 12th Ave
Portland, OR 97214

Best Apartments and Condos in Portland

Whether you are a young professional looking for your first luxury condo or a student searching for your first apartment, this Northwest metropolis has what you need.  The more I reviewed the rental living options, the more I began to appreciate the unique style of these establishments.  Below are the ten best apartments and condos in Portland:

1. Ladd

888-492-8970
1300 SW Park Ave
Portland, OR 97201

2. Riverplace Square

888-316-9876
0308 SW Montgomery #108
Portland, OR 97201

3. Museum Place

866-837-7516
1030 SW Jefferson St
Portland, OR 97201

4. Deveraux Glen

866-805-5184
10600 SW Taylor
Portland, OR 97225

5. Essex House Apartments

503-226-2443
1330 SW Third Ave
Portland, OR 97201

6. The Bridgecrest

503-525-4915
7102-7140 N Alta Ave
Portland, OR 97203

7. Oak Hill Apartments

503-690-6565
15800 Northwest West Union Rd
Portland, OR 97229

8. Morrison Park Apartments

503-221-0466
623 SW Park Ave
Portland, OR 97205

9. Lloyd  Place

503-331-1234
1500 NE 15th Ave
Portland, OR 97232

10. Lynnwood Apartments

503-231-9169
1634 SE Hawthorne
Portland, OR 97214

Best Golf Courses in Portland

With the constant rain throughout the year, the golf courses Portland are consistently a luscious green that golfers of any skill level can appreciate.  I’ve been lucky enough to play on several occasions with spectacular weather, and I can honestly attest to how much fun these links are to play on.  Below are the ten best golf course in Portland:

1. Colwood National Golf Club

503-254-5515‎
7313 NE Columbia Blvd
Portland, OR 97218

2. Riverside Golf & Country Club

503-288-6468‎
8105 NE 33rd Dr
Portland, OR 97211

3. Columbia-Edgewater Country

503-285-3676‎
2220 NE Marine Dr
Portland, OR 97211

4. Waverley Country Club

503-654-6521
1100 SE Waverly Dr
Portland, OR 97222

5. Eastmoreland Golf Course

503-775-2900
2425 SE Bybee Blvd
Portland, OR 97202

6. Rose City Golf Course

503-253-4744
2200 NE 71st Ave
Portland, OR 97213

7. RedTail Golf Course

503-646-5166
8200 SW Scholls Ferry Rd
Beaverton, OR 97008

8. Heron Lakes Golf Course

503-289-1818
3500 N Victory Blvd
Portland, OR 97217

9. Glendoveer Golf Course

503-253-7507‎
14015 NE Glisan St
Portland, OR 97230

10. Broadmoor Golf Course

503-281-1337‎
3509 NE Columbia Blvd
Portland, OR 97211

Best Bars in Portland

With the increasing corporate expansion in the Northwest, especially in Portland, this city has evolved into a great nightlife destination.  From stylish modern lounges to pubs, you are certain to find a drinking establishment to your liking.  Below are the ten best bars in Portland:

1. The Uptown Billiards Club

503-766-3024
120 NW 23rd Ave
Portland, OR 97210

2. Henry’s Tavern

503-227-5320
10 NW 12th Ave
Portland, OR 97209

3. Driftwood Room

503-219-2094
729 SW 15th Ave
Portland, OR 97205

4. On Deck Sports Bar and Grill

503-227-7020
910 NW 14th
Portland, OR 97209

5. Bar Of The god’s

503-232-2037
4801 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Portland, OR 97215

6. Thirst WIne Bar & Bistro

503-295-2747
0315 SW Montgomery St
Portland, OR 97201

7. Bluehour

503-226-3394
250 NW 13th Ave
Portland, OR 97209

8. Crush

503-235-8150
1400 SE Morrison St
Portland, OR 97214

9. Macadam’s Bar and Grill

503-246-6227
5833 SW Macadam Ave
Portland, OR 97239

10. Higgins Restaurant and Bar

503-222-9070
1239 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97205

Best Hotels and Resorts in Portland

If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Portland, then look no further than these luxury accommodations.  Whether you prefer lavish penthouse suites or practical business travel facilities, the city of Portland has it all.  Below are the ten best hotels and resorts in Portland:

1. Hotel Monaco Portland

503-222-0001
506 SW Washington
Portland, OR 97204

This four-star Kimpton hotel is centrally located in the heart of the downtown business, shopping and entertainment district of Portland. The hotel is a 1912 architectural masterpiece and was recently retailored by celebrated designer Cheryl Rowley creating a space full of whimsy, color and life. With luscious flowers, exceptional art and fine furnishings adorning every guestroom you will be sure to enjoy their world of unique luxury.

2. The Heathman Hotel

503-241-4100‎
1001 SW Broadway at Salmon
Portland, OR 97205

This refined boutique hotel offers posh accommodations and award-winning service – a rejuvenating blend of Portland history and modern hospitality. From its distinguished Heathman Restaurant with Chef Philippe Boulot, a James Beard Award for Excellence winner, to its extraordinary art collection, The Heathman Hotel is a Portland landmark.

3. Hotel Vintage Plaza

503-228-1212
422 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97205

From its name you can gather that Hotel Vintage Plaza is a recognition of wine, with a flavor of food and romance. Centrally located in downtown Portland, it  is a luxury boutique hotel that awakens  metropolitan luxury and cultivated beauty throughout its historic building.

4. Hotel deLuxe

503-219-2094
729 SW 15th Ave
Portland, OR 97205

The Portland Hotel deLuxe pays tribute to Hollywood’s golden era and is one of the most unique downtown hotels. Each hotel room is unique, but all have the same hotel amenities that are sure to indulge and relax you.

5. Hotel Lucia

877-303-1984
400 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97205

A Portland hotel where style and comfort coincide.  Guests will enjoy personalized service and grand hotel amenities. Experience cutting-edge design and paramount comfort in the epicenter of all Portland has to offer.

6. Riverplace Hotel

503-228-3233
1510 SW Harbor Way
Portland, OR 97201

From the warm embracing atmosphere of the lobby, complete with a library and fireplace, to the graceful charm of the over-sized guest rooms, every detail, every amenity, speaks to comfort, care and five-star quality.

7. The Benson Hotel

888-523-6766
309 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97205

The Benson Hotel is a high class boutique style Portland hotel convenient to sightseeing, shopping, the Pearl District, performing arts and museums. Accommodations feature the ultimate in rest and comfort with Tempur-Pedic sleep system beds in every guestroom.

8. Avalon Hotel & Spa

503-802-5800
0455 SW Hamilton Court
Portland, OR 97239

Perfectly located at the brim of the Willamette River, this luxury boutique hotel and spa basks in the glow of the city’s lights just minutes from downtown Portland. The Avalon wraps guests in the contemporary finesse and warm hospitality of the Pacific Northwest.

9. The Westin Portland

503-294-9000
750 SW Alder St
Portland, OR 97205

This hotel allows you to relax or be productive.  Their signature ‘Heavenly Bed’ guarantees a restful sleep, and oversized bathrooms featuring dual showerheads and separate soaking tubs. Guests will also enjoy wired/wireless Internet access and iPod docking units.

10. The Governor Hotel

503-224-3400
614 SW 11th Ave
Portland, OR 97205

The Governor Hotel is a fully renovated historic landmark hotel featuring 100 all non-smoking newly remodeled guest rooms and suites. Out of all their guestrooms I really like the Deluxe King rooms because they offer cozy fireplaces and comfortable sitting areas.

Best Home Decor Boutique Shops in Portland

Everytime I spend time in Portland, I enjoy hour upon hour at these fantastic boutique shops.  From luxury home decor furnishings to fashionable art collections, these retail establishments will keep coming back for more.  Below are the ten best home decor boutique shops in Portland:

1. Lille Boutique

503-232-0333
1007 E Burnside
Portland, OR 97214

2. Real Deals on Home Decor

503-869-4050‎
2032 NE Alberta St
Portland, OR 97211

3. Fleur De Lis Floral Boutique

503-963-1839‎
3588 SE Division St
Portland, OR 97202

4. Classic Antiques

503-231-8689‎
1805 SE M L King Blvd
Portland, OR 97214

5. Monticello Antique Marketplace

503-256-8600‎
8600 SE Stark St
Portland, OR 97216

6. Poppy & Ivy

503-284-4804
1315 NE Fremont St
Portland, OR 97212

7. Lucy Palmer Boutique

503-234-7386‎
1631 SE Bybee Blvd
Portland, OR 97202

8. Hidden Treasures Gift and Resale

503-281-0927
1703 NE Alberta St
Portland, OR 97255

9. Digs

503-460-3447
1829b NE Alberta St
Portland, OR 97211

10. Stella’s on 21st

503-295-5930‎
1108 NW 21st Ave
Portland, OR 97209

Best Gyms and Health Clubs in Portland

With the seemingly constant rainy weather conditions, outdoor fitness activities are by nature inconsistently available, which is why this city boasts an excellent selection of indoor workout facilities.  I especially enjoyed the numerous group activities such as spinning and yoga classes that these establishments make available to members and visitors.  Below are the ten best gyms and health clubs in Portland:

1. RiverPlace Athletic Club

503-221-1212
0150 SW Montgomery St
Portland, OR 97201

2. Studio X

503-236-7114‎
2839 SE Stark
Portland, OR 97214

3. Giants Gym

503-281-4776‎
5223 NE Sandy Blvd
Portland, OR 97213

4. ClubSport Oregon

503-968-4500
18120 SW Lower Boones Ferry Rd
Tigard, OR 97224

5. Northwest Personal Training

503-287-0655‎
2714 NE Broadway St
Portland, OR 97232

6. Lloyd Athletic Club

503-287-4594‎
815 NE Halsey St
Portland, OR 97232

7. Portland Rock Gym

503-232-8310‎
21 NE 12th Ave
Portland, OR 97232

8. March Wellness

503-418-6272
3303 SW Bond Ave
Portland, OR 97239

9. 24-Hour Fitness

503-670-0400‎
17942 SW McEwan Rd
Portland, OR 97224

10. Curves for Women

503-977-2051‎
3839 SW Multnomah Blvd
Portland, OR 97219

Top Family Activities in Portland

The city of Portland has a great variety of family activities ranging from educational establishments to great entertainment choices.  So if you’re looking to take the family out of the rain, make sure to check out these destinations.  Below are the ten best family activities in Portland:

1. Oregon Zoo

503-226-1561‎
4001 SW Canyon Rd
Portland, OR 97231

2. Portland Children’s Museum

503-223-6500
4015 SW Canyon Rd
Portland, OR 97221

3. Classical Chinese Garden

503-228-8131
239 NW Everett
Portland, OR 97209

4. Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park

503-823-7529
SW Naito Pkwy from Clay St to Glisan St
Portland, OR 97204

5. OMSI – Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

503-797-4671‎
1945 SE Water Ave
Portland, OR 97214

6. Oaks Amusement Park

503-233-5777
7805 SE Oaks Park Way
Portland, OR 97202

7. Portland Art Museum

503-226-2811‎
1219 SW Park Ave
Portland, OR 97205

8. Pittock Mansion

503-823-3624
3229 NW Pittock Dr
Portland, OR 97210

9. Oregon Holocaust Memorial

503-245-2733
SW Washington Way & Wright Ave
Portland, OR

10. International Rose Test Gardens

503-823-3636
Washington Park
400 SW Kingston Ave
Portland, OR 97205

Best Restaurants in Portland

If you are looking to spend a great night out at one of the many fine dining establishments in Portland, prepare your tastebuds for a treat.  From steakhouses to fresh seafood, this Northwest gem has what you are looking for.  I especially enjoyed the many vegetarian dishes offered at these hotspots, they’ve worked hard to combine taste, style and great service.  Below are the ten best fine dining restaurants in Portland:

1. Wildwood Restaurant – Local Cuisine

503-248-9663
1221 NW 21st Ave
Portland, OR 97209

2. Gracie’s – American Cuisine

503-222-2171
729 SW 15th Ave
Portland, OR 97205

3. ClarkLewis – European Cuisine

503-235-2294
1001 SE Water Ave
Portland, OR 97214

4. El Gaucho – Steakhouse

503-227-8794
319 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97205

5. Beast – Northwest Cuisine

503-841-6968
5425 NE 30th Ave
Portland, OR 97211

6. Bluehour – French Cuisine

503-226-3394
250 NW 13th Ave
Portland, OR 97209

7. Morton’s Steakhouse – Steakhouse

503-248-2100
213 SW Clay St
Portland, OR 97201

8. Paley’s Place – French Cuisine

503-243-2403
1204 NW 21st Ave
Portland, OR 97209

9. Siam Society Bistro and Bar – Thai Cuisine

503-922-3675
2703 NE Alberta
Portland, OR 97211

10. 23 Hoyt Restaurant & Bar – Modern French Cuisine

503-445-7400
529 NW 23rd St
Portland, OR 97210