Best Of Portland

Old Town Florist for Holiday Swag!

Old Town Florist carries an incredible selection of locally grown seasonal stems. Choose from a selection of design styles; Asian inspired "Ikebana" type of arrangements, with strong lines and bold exotic flowers. English garden style bouquets, a more romantic feel in clear glass or a handsome basket. Equadorian roses of many colors are always available, designed in clear glass in a simple and elegant manor.

We have been a part of the Pearl district for over 15 years, servicing both residential and commercial needs.  For more information drop in, place a order online or call them at 503 223 1646.

What is this thing they call "SantaCon"?

SantaCon is an annual mass gathering of people dressed in Santa Claus costumes parading publicly on streets and in bars in cities around the world. The focus is on spontaneity and creativity, while having a good time and spreading cheer and goodwill.

The original inspiration came from an earlier SF adventure club called The Suicide Club who's founder came up with the idea after reading an article about a Danish politician who mobbed a Copenhagen Department store just before Christmas. However, the first American and all subsequent SantaCons around the world are non-political, purely surreal Santa prank events. Read the full story here

Click Here for more details on the Portland chapter of SantaCon.

It's A Wrap! TheBestOfPortland's Holiday Bucket List - 2013

Pioneer Court House Square - photo credit dave andrews

Not in any specific order...

Entertainment

Peacock Lane

Polar Express Mount Hood Railroad

Winter Wonderland Light Show at Portland International Raceway

ZooLights

 

Food & Lodging

Gustav's / Rheinlander

Heathman Hotel for High Tea and after? A little 50 Shades of Grey

Huber's for a Spanish Coffee

The Nine's - the "Ultimate Wrap Station" for Mom & Dad has to be a suite at The Nine's with room service from Departures, and valet schlepping of packages to the car.

Salty's on the Columbia for dinner and a front and center seat for the Christmas Ship Parade

Timberline Lodge

 

Shopping

Elephants Delicatessen

Pioneer Place Mall

Washington Square

Lloyd Center Mall

Clackamas Town Center Mall

 

Our favorite Christmas Tree Boutique?  

Drake's 7 Dees

Timberline's Silcox Hut takes the ultimate winter experience to new heights!

Located one mile above Timberline Lodge, you can have the whole place to yourself. It’s perfect for groups of 15-40 people. It’s rustic beauty and craftsmanship can’t be beat. For winter weddings and events Timberline transport you, your friends and family by Snow Cat! Overnight accommodations for up to 24 close friends are available at Silcox Hut.

Click Here for more details.

Places to be in and around Portland, Oregon this New Year's Eve!

Click Here for more details on this New Year's Eve event at the Governor Hotel!

 

Click Here for more details.

 

Click Here for more New Years Eve venue ideas compliments of ClubZone

Ugly Chistmas Sweater Contests are all the rage. We scoured the internet and found what we believe are the "best of the worst", check 'em out. 'Tis the season to go forth and get creative!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upside-down Christmas Trees Have Us All Turned-Around!

Click Here to check-out other crazy Christmas Trees on TreeTopia.com!

TheBestOfPortland's Holiday BucketList for 2012...

Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway - recognized throughout the northwest as the largest holiday lightshow west of the Mississippi, the 20th annual Jubitz Winter Wonderland will grab your family's attention with over 250 colorful light set pieces and many animated scenes to be enjoyed from the comfort of your vehicle.  Click Here for more details.  

 

 The Christmas Ship Parade averages about 55 to 60 boats between the two Columbia and Willamette River fleets.  Both fleets will be out every night for two weeks beginning December 7, 2012 and running nightly through December 21, 2012. The fleet will do a special performance in Camas, WA on Dec. 1st.  As we are an all volunteer organization, not all the boats make it out every night.

Click Here for more details.

Peacock Lane - Since the 1920s, each house in this quaint southeast neighborhood has been decorating for Christmas. Mostly Tudors, the houses are adorned with not only beautiful sparkling lights, but also nativity scenes, rotating Christmas trees and stunningly life-like replicas of Santa and Frosty.

Be forewarned: this is a very popular Portland tradition and the crowds can get quite thick. It is wise to park several blocks away and walk, rather than drive through the area. Better yet, take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. More info about the carriages is avaiable at Cowboy Carriage.  For more details, click here.

 

Our favorite Santas can be visited at:

Macy's Santaland (downtown Portland) - The tradition of visiting Santaland and having family portraits taken with Old St. Nick continues at the downtown Macy's store on the Level A. Macy's will once again offer a wide assortment of digital photography packages and families will be able to take their Santa photos with them immediately after they're taken. Santa photos will be available every day from Friday, November 23 through Monday, December 24. For more information click here or call 503-248-4515.

Washington Square Mall - Now through December 24, 2012 Santa will be available for photos and visits at his holiday lodge.

Washington Square has introduced a new, convenient twist with our Santa Fly By Program. Families enter Santa's virtual line via web, text, phone or in person at Santa's Lodge. You'll receive an approximate wait time - and are free to shop, dine or relax while awaiting your turn to visit Santa. Click Here for more details.

Mt. Hood Rail Road - Passengers are invited to wear their pajamas on the train. Passenger cars are decorated for the holidays. The Conductor will punch each passengers train ticket.

En route to the North Pole:
The book, The Polar Express will be read. Music from The Polar Express movie will be played. Passengers are served hot chocolate and cookies by chefs.

At the North Pole, and the return portion of the train tour:
Santa Claus and elves await the passengers at the North Pole (passengers just watch but do not leave train at this portion of the trip). Santa Claus and elves then board the train. Elves will be in each train car and will entertain passengers and lead them in singing Christmas carols. Santa Claus moves through each train car, will greet each child, giving them their own personal silver bell. Click Here for more details.

 

More great holiday experiences on our BucketList include:

The Heathman Hotel for dinner followed by a Lemondrop in front of the Heathman Library's warm crackling fire.  Click Here for more details.

Huber's - for Spanish Coffees which consist of Bacardi 151 rum, Bols Triple Sec, Kahlua, coffee, fresh whipped cream and a touch of nutmeg on top. The drink is made tableside with great flair. Click Here for more detailed information.

The Melting Pot -  enjoy a four-course dining experience including cheese fondue, salad, entree and dessert.  Or, drop by for fondue cheese paired with that perfect glass of wine from our extensive selection.  That's not to say, we haven't had more than a few stop by to satisfy that chocolate craving after a movie. Click Here for more detailed information.

The Nines Hotel - unwind with a glass of wine after a hard day of shopping, and take your time wrapping your gifts in one of The Nines Hotel's elegant suites.  Click Here for more details.

Timberline Lodge -  this picturesque rough hewn timber lodge built in the 1930s is nothing short of magical, and the reason why it's exterior facade was used as the backdrop for the movie "The Shining" starring Jack Nickelson. Time your visit with one of Timberline’s monthly Winemaker’s Dinners at the Silcox Hut ($175 per person). Travel by Snowcat to the historic annex for a six-course dinner paired with Oregon wine and hosted by the winemakers.  Click Here for more details.

Zoo Lights - More than a million LED lights transform the Oregon Zoo into a luminous winter wonderland filled with moving sculptures, forests of lighted trees and animal silhouettes. Cap off your visit by boarding the zoo's light-bedecked steamer train, which provides a unique view of the ZooLights splendor.  Click Here for more details.

TheBestOfPortland's got a sleigh-load of fabulous online holiday shopping finds for the lucky man and/or woman on your list.

For Her

 

Ippolita 'Rock Candy' 8-Stone Sterling Silver Bangle Silver - Clear Quartz
Light-catching quartz is surrounded by warm pink silver on a distinctive handcrafted bangle.Faceted semiprecious stones are surrounded by sterling silver on a distinctive handcrafted bangle. Color(s): silver - black onyx, silver - clear quartz, silver - turquoise. $545 + shipping

 

 

Estee Lauder 'Tuberose Gardenia' Fragrance Set
Timeless and luxurious. The exquisite fragrance combines the rich essences of precious tuberose and exotic gardenia.The limited-time collection includes a wonderful duo of an eau de parfum spray (1 oz.) and eau de parfum travel spray (0.14 oz.) in an exclusive gift box. $85 + shipping

 

Jo Malone Vintage Gardenia Scented Home Candle
A captivating blend, the classic florals gardenia and tuberose are combined with cardamom, sandalwood and myrrh to create a rich seduction of the senses. The Vintage Gardenia with Cardamom and Myrrh Home Candle infuses any room with evocative scent and lasts for hours.ox. $65 + shipping

 

 

 

"Hot Reading Material" Do-It-Yourself Tea Leaf Reading Kit. $19 + shipping

 

Tazo(R) Berryblossom White(R) Loose Leaf Tea
A loose-leaf white tea with enticing hints of blueberry and white cranberry. $13.95 + shipping

 

Ralph Lauren Sleepwear
Leopard-spotted boyfriend pajamas are cut from exceptionally smooth, subtly lustrous cotton sateen. Color(s): kentallen leopard. Brand: LAUREN RALPH LAUREN. Style Name: Lauren Ralph Lauren Sleepwear Pattern Pajamas. $68 + shipping

 

 

CitySlips Slippers, Fold Up Ballet Flats with Carrying Case
Completely foldable with an innovative split-sole design, these chic flats fold into a small pouch that conveniently fits into most handbags. And, not to mention, the nylon pouch converts into a full-size tote bag, perfect for lugging her heels during her long commute home. A fantastic for the girl on-the-go. $30+shipping

 Powell's City of Books Staff Pick

J. K. Rowling's new book "Casual Vacancy"  possesses Rowling's uniquely addictive storytelling, and you'll soon find yourself needing to know what will befall the small town's inhabitants next. Though frequently dark, it has a quaint and charming quality that makes it the perfect book to curl up and read by lamplight while drinking tea on a winter's night. $24.50 + shipping

 

French, Plus: Learn to Speak and Understand French with Pimsleur Language Programs
Pimsleur,Compact Disc - 10 Lessons,Series: Comprehensive Series 4, English-language edition.  $58.42 + shipping

 

Make a statement with Krug Champagne Brut Grande Cuvée and Vosage's signature Exotic Truffle Collection, our most luxurious gift box. $295 + shipping

 

 

For Him

 

 

Brooks Brothers Stripe Suit
Fine worsted wool structures a professional deco stripe suit consisting of a two-button jacket and flat-front trousers. Color(s): navy pinstripe. Brand: Brooks Brothers. Style Name: Brooks Brothers Stripe Suit.  $698 + shipping

Hyper-Links Silver USB Cufflinks

Remembering that all-important memory card/flash stick/USB drive can be a
real challenge, but with these clever cufflinks the modern man can dress for
success by keeping these genius tech-ccessories on hand. Whether he's carrying a
spreadsheet for a business meeting or a slideshow for a family reunion, he'll
always keep his go-to tool up (or rather, on!) his sleeve when he dons these
sleek, functional cufflinks that each pack powerful 2GB USB drives. The
rhodium-plated base metal is topped with a chic, silver finish that can be
engraved with his initials or a special date for a personal touch. $200

 

Beats by Dr. Dre 'Mixr' High Definition On-Ear Headphones Black One Size
Lightweight, high-performance DJ headphones are designed with pivoting ear cups that deliver full-range audio clarity with deep bass frequencies and feature an inline microphone with controls built in for iPod, iPhone, iPad and Blackberry devices. $249 + shipping

 

1,911 Best Things Anybody Ever Said
From the sagacity of the ancient philosophers to the urbanity of Groucho Marx, this comprehensive edition quotes some of the most quotable people who ever lived. They are the famous, the infamous, the little known, and the unknown. Illustrated. $16 + shipping

 

Gucci Guilty Pour Homme EDT 1.06 oz. spray for men $54.19 + shipping

 

Easy to use—just dock your iPhone 4 device and project videos or iPhone Photo Slide Shows onto any surface.

Perfect for travel, meetings or keeping kids entertained on the go.

Super-bright 15-lumen projector lamp ensures clearer,  more brilliant images

640x360 native display resolution—projects up to a 50" image

Built-in 0.5W speaker and focus adjustment for an  optimum viewing experience

Built-in 2100mAh battery functions as a back-up battery for your iPhone 4 device  when fully charged

Take the show on the road with Brookstone's Pocket Projector for iPhone 4 is perfect for on-the-go travel entertainment. Its super-bright 15-lumen LED projector lamp ensures clearer, more brilliant videos and iPhone Slide Shows than other pico projectors. 640x360 native display resolution projects up to 50" (diagonal) images. Focus adjustment lets you control image clarity while the integrated 0.5W speaker delivers the audio. Great for keeping kids entertained with their favorite videos on the road!

Rechargeable—powers your device, too!
The Pocket Projector’s built-in 2100mAh battery charges via USB connection with the included cord. When fully charged, the projector may also be used as a back-up battery for your iPhone 4 device.

Take your video to go with Brookstone's Pocket Projector for iPhone 4.

iPhone not included. iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. “Made for iPhone” means that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPhone and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Please note that the use of this accessory with iPhone may affect wireless performance. $199.99 + shipping

 

Krups BeerTender® offers the ultimate at-home draught beer experience. It maintains
beer at the ideal temperature for drinking, andwill let him draught beer at home
like an expert. It's engineered to work exclusively with Heineken®, Heineken
Premium Light® and Newcastle Brown Ale®. It has ultra-quiet electronic cooling
systems. The DraughtKeg™ and BeerTender® also keep beer fresh for 30 days after
tapping. $149.99 + shipping

 

Get Smokin': 190 Award-Winning Smoker Oven Recipes
Cookshack, Cooksback Alternate Selection for Outdoo,Hardcover, English-language edition,Pub by Running Press Book Publishers. $10 + shipping

Winter Wedding Inspiration...

 

Dresses by Angelina Calaruso