Best Of Portland

Irish movies guaranteed to put a spring in your family's step this St. Patrick's Day!

 

Click Here for detailed information on each movie compliments of Kaboose.

Mrs. Prindable's gift basket recipients are left feeling as though there's a "pot of gold" in every gift basket delivery!

Click Here to order yours today!

U.S. News and Saveur magazine rated Portland, Oregon's farmers' market one of the best in the nation!

If you haven't noticed, farmers' markets aren’t just for chefs anymore. Yes, culinary artists have always perused local stands for the freshest ingredients, but the last few years have ushered in throngs of curious foodies following their taste buds to wild berries and fresh greens. And with an eclectic array of markets now featuring ripe fruits and veggies, it's hard not to indulge our inner foodies and race to the stalls, too.

Based on reputation, versatility, online user reviews, and overall atmosphere, U.S. News Travel rounded up America's 11 best farmers' markets.

Click Here to see the full line-up of the nation's best farmer's markets.  Click Here to connect with Portland's farmers' market online.

"Sure, Seattle has plenty of farmers' markets that delight and dazzle. But Portland's sprawling Saturday market, laid out over the central grounds of Portland State University, is a gem. Maybe it's about being in a new city, and seeing things through the lens of a starry-eyed visitor. Maybe it's the Pinestate Biscuits that tip the scales. No matter. The sun shone bright through Portland's leafy trees. From blocks away as we approached, we passed happy customers with their bags laden with flats of berries and their arms wrapped around generous bunches of dahlias. But for all that tempted, nothing could compare with the fresh baby artichokes on sale for $5 a bag."

Click Here to read Saveur's/ A.V. Crofts synopsis.  A.V. writes from Seattle and hosts the website Pepper for the Beast.

The Best Of Portland would like to give a big shout-out to FeastWorks Catering & Charcuterie...for their fantastic chicken liver pate'.

Put the spring back in your family's steps with a memorable local Spring Break adventure!

DAYTRIPS

Ape Caves

Astoria

Enchanted Forest

Kah-Nee-Ta Warm Springs

Multnomah Falls

Mt. Hood Meadows

Mt. Hood Ski Bowl

Newport Aquarium

Seaside

Stonehenge Replica

Timberline Lodge

Treehouse Ziplines

The Water Park at Evergreen Aviation

Wildlife Safari

 

 

IN TOWN

Beard Pappa's

Beyond Bizarre Portland Underground Ghost Tour

Big Al's

Bullwinkle's Fun Center

Classical Chinese Gardens and Old Town

Cowboy Jerry's Horse Backriding Lessons

Forest Park

The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium

Glowing Greens

Grand Central Bowling

Lloyd Center Ice Rink

Malibu Raceway

North Clackamas Aquatic Park

Oaks Park

OMSI

Oregon Glider Rides

Oregon Zoo

Portland Art Museum

Portland Childrens Museum

Portland Rock Gym

Powell's Books

Regal Cinemas

St. Cupcake's

VooDoo Doughnuts

Voicebox Karaoke

Washington Square Mall

 

 

SpringBreak Getaway Destinations

Black Butte

Crater Lake

Detroit Lake

Great Wolf Lodge

Kah-Nee-Tah

Oregon Coast

Sunriver

Coupon

"Wicked" flies back into Portland, Oregon on March 14, 2012 - purchase tickets for magical stocking stuffers!

 

Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for “the most complete—and completely satisfying—new musical in a long time” (USA Today).

On Broadway and around the world, Wicked has worked its magic on critics and audiences alike. Winner of 35 major awards, including a Grammy® and three Tony® Awards, Wicked is “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster” and “the defining musical of the decade” (The New York Times).

This show is a Season Special and is not part of the Season Package and must be purchased separately.

Visually stunning, Wicked boasts a soaring score from Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin), Tony Award winning sets and costumes and some of the most gravity-defying moments the Great White Way.

Click Here to purchase your tickets now.

10+ Oregon Beach Destinations You'll Be Swept Away By~

 

One of the reasons Oregon is such a desirable state to live, is well...because of it's unlimited options of vibrant culture with an equal measure of undeniably raw, natural beauty.  And if you're in the mood for sand between your toes, Oregon's beaches are nothing short of spectacular. 

From romantic secluded stretches of beaches for the most intimate of get-togethers, to a Coney Island style boardwalk.  Oregon beaches offer all that AND MORE!  Check-out The Best of Portland's  choices for the most desirable stretches of sand for your EVERY mood.

Here are just a few of our favorite Oregon beaches:

Beautiful

Bandon Dunes - just one visit and you'll come away a Bandonista!  And for avid golfers, Bandon Dunes has all the hallmarks and spirit of Scotland’s ancient links.  Players from around the world come here to immerse themselves in the traditions of a timeless game along the grandeur of Oregon’s rugged coast.

Sweeping, untamed shores stretch for miles. Primeval grassy dunes that roll to the edge of the sea.  Four distinctly different courses that were conceived in harmony with nature. They combine with all the essential elements to reveal a new golf experience every time you play. The soul of the game resides in Bandon Dunes. Players walk. And at the end of the day, gracious hospitality comforts each guest like a warm, friendly embrace. Click Here to check-out stellar lodging options.

That's Bandon Dunes.  Golf, the way it's meant to be.

Florence located on the northern edge of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (ODNRA) with it's 17 surrounding rivers, is best known for dune buggy and horse back riding, crabbing, clamming, ocean and river fishing, swimming and boating, summer jet boat trips on the Siuslaw River, excursion and dinner cruises on the old fashioned Westward Ho! Sternwheeler, bird watching and hiking.   The ODNRA contains some of the largest oceanfront dunes in the world, ranging up to 500 feet high and forming banks up to three miles deep. The Oregon dunes are the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in the U.S., and stretch for 50 miles between Florence and Coos Bay.

Old Town Florence has a interesting selection of shops and boutiques, coffee houses and nice restaurants to choose from.

Ten miles north of Florence, the enormous sea grotto of the Sea Lion Caves contains the only mainland rookery of Stellar's sea lion in the lower 48 states. After paying an admission fee, visitors descend through a 208 foot elevator shaft cut into the natural basalt and enter the grotto. The sea lions occupy the cave in fall and winter, with up to 200 sea lions living there. Views of the coastline include Heceta Head Lighthouse and nearby cliffs that are home to guillemots, cormorants and other sea birds.

Golfers enjoy the 18 hole Ocean Dunes Golf Links public course, which is surrounded by sixty foot high sand dunes. The course has a driving range, cart and equipment rentals and a pro shop. Open all year, weekend reservations are recommended on this popular course (1-800-468-4833). The Sandpines Golf Resort (public) is a Rees Jones course, including 6 treed holes, 6 water holes and 6 dune holes. It was voted best new public course in America (1993) by Golf Digest. Reservations are recommended (1-800-917-4653). Check-out the River House Inn for lodging.

Gearhart is a destination unto itself.  Names by Travel & Leisure Magazine as “One of America’s Best Little Beach Towns” for the past two years in a row is no surprise.  With just the right mix of town, lodging, grand residential beachfront estates, golf and one of the only beaches in Oregon you can actually drive and have a tailgate party on, it's hard for this coastal destination not to become a family favorite. For lodging be sure to check-out: Fitzgeralds Cottages, Gearhart Ocean Inn and Gearhart Cottages.

 

Fun

Astoria is a intimate city steeped in history on the Columbia River, just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean.  Because of the city's steep hills and beautiful Victorian homes, Astoria has been Called the “Little San Francisco of the Pacific Northwest.”  Astoria's old world charm and scenic coastal beauty is rumored to have been one of the reasons why it was chosen as the backdrop for the movie "Goonies".

There are a number of B&Bs.  If you're looking for a easy and convenient hotel stay consider Astoria's Holiday Inn Express & Suites.

Just across Youngs Bay is Warrenton, a city of 4,500, that encompasses Fort Stevens State Park and its broad, clean ocean beaches.

Florence - see information provided above.

Lincoln City is one of Oregon's most talked about coastal destinations because of the wide variety of activities available.  Clamming, crabbing, fishing, horseback riding, hunting for glass boat floats, water skiiing on Devil's Lake, Golfing, shopping at the factory outlet mall and more.  Lincoln City literally offers something for everyone. Click Here for a direct link to the Lincoln City's Chamber of Commerce.

Newport has been a playground for visitors since the late 1800's and is host to one of the state's largest annual seafood and wine festivals. Nestled between the Coastal Mountains, Pacific Ocean and Yaquina Bay, the natural beauty of the area draws those seeking a unique and exciting coastal experience.

Whether you bring the whole family to visit the aquarium, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, The Wax Museum, to go deep sea fishing  or to just escape by yourselves, you are sure to have a great time in Newport.   Click Here for a direct link to Newport, Oregon's Chamber of Commerce.

Seaside offers the definitive "Boardwalk" experience for the young at heart.  The hustle and bustle of arcades, cotton candy, taffy and fudge shops and virtually every seaside ammenity imaginable, including a factory outlet mall and theater makes this small seaside town a magnate for the masses.  Click Here to visit the Sea Side Chamber of Commerce.

 

Romantic

Cannon Beach is a sophisticated yet quaint haven for connoisseurs of northwest coastal art, wine and dining experiences.  Haystack Rock serves as a backdrop for miles of sandy coastline.  Click Here to find a nice assortment of lodging accomodations.

Gearhart is a destination unto itself.  Names by Travel & Leisure Magazine as “One of America’s Best Little Beach Towns” for the past two years in a row is no surprise.  With just the right mix of town, lodging, grand residential beachfront estates, golf and one of the only beaches in Oregon you can actually drive and have a tailgate party on, it's hard for this coastal destination not to become a family favorite. For lodging be sure to check-out: Fitzgeralds Cottages, Gearhart Ocean Inn and Gearhart Cottages.

Manzanita is a intimate and idealic beachside community with a 7-mile stretch of sandy beach.  The Inn at Manzanita offers a fabulous experience and the hotel's website will tell you everything you need to know regarding why your next beach visit should be to Manzanita!

Pacific City is the beach you head to when you want to really get away from it all.  It's a one Stop Light town with unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and miles of pristine beach to surf along side, to hike and ride horses on or to enjoy just layback and do absolutely nothing on.  The Inn at Cape Kiwanda offers a view from virtually every room. 

McMennamins Edgefield - March 17 thru 19, 2011 proof that baggage can be good.

 
McMenamin's Edgefield is hosting not one, but three days of fun! They'll have two golf tourneys, live music, Irish dancers, bagpipers, McMenamins Irish Stout, leprechauns, limited-edition Devils Bit whiskey, food specials, an outdoor heated tent and much more.

Food and drink:

1. Corned beef & cabbage
2. Irish Reubens
3. MacSleyne Irish stew
4. McMenamins Irish stout
5. Irish coffees for only $5!

Thursday, March 17

At the Loading Dock:
Bob Soper Band · Traditional Irish · 4 p.m.
Irish Dancers · 5:30 p.m.
Hanz Araki Band · Traditional Irish · 6 p.m.
Freak Mountain Ramblers · Hilltop rock · 8 p.m.

In the Winery (21 & over):
The Old Yellers · Acoustic roots · 4:30 p.m.
Whitethorn · Modern Celtic roots · 7 p.m.

Roving About the Property:
Tom Creegan · Irish pipes · 1 p.m.
Balloon Guy · 4 p.m.
Facepainter · 4 p.m.
River City Pipe Band · 6 p.m.

At the Little Red Shed (All ages):
Renegade Minstrels · Artful blues for the soul · 4 p.m.

Friday, March 18

At the Loading Dock:
Irish Dancers · 4:30 p.m.
Hanz Araki Band · Traditional Irish · 5 p.m.
The Flurries · Modern rock · 7 p.m.
The Gentlemen's Club · Non-stop party rock · 8:30 p.m.

In the Winery (21 & over):
The Old Yellers · Acoustic roots · 4 p.m.
Forever Growing · Americana folk · 7 p.m.

Roving About the Property:
River City Pipe Band · 6 p.m.

At the Little Red Shed (All ages):
Whistlin' Rufus · Celtic rock · 4 p.m.

Saturday, March 19

At the Loading Dock:
Irish Dancers · 3 p.m.
Lord's Own Choir · New wave jug band · 3:30 p.m.
State & Standard · Traditional Irish rock · 5 p.m.
Brad Creel & The Reel Deel · Lava lamp country · 6:30 p.m.
Redwood Son · West coast Americana · 8 p.m.

In the Winery (21 & over):
The Old Yellers · Acoustic roots · 4 p.m.
Will West & The Friendly Strangers · Smooth roots groove · 7 p.m.

Roving About the Property:
Joe Mishkin "The Balloon Guy" · 3 p.m.
Facepainter · 3 p.m.
River City Pipe Band · 6 p.m.

At the Little Red Shed (All ages):
Pagan Jug band · Swampgrass · 3 p.m.

Available St. Pat's Day Only or 'Til It's Gone!
Limited-Edition Devils Bit Whiskey

This year’s St. Pat’s Day release from McMenamin's distillery is a special blend of the previous three years worth of Devil’s Bit Whiskey. Eleven year-old rye, 10-year-old wheat and 12 year-old barley whiskies were married together to create a spirit that is both sophisticated and elegant. The palate is a master class in fruit, wood and spice balance. Flavors of marmalade and honeyed-vanilla give way to a spicy and floral finish. The 200 ML flask is only available for sale at Edgefield – and when it’s gone, it’s gone!

Click Here for moredetailed information.

Special Offer

 

It's not to late to Get Motivated, Get Educated and Get Ahead by attending a motivational seminar on Monday, March 14th with our political crush Colin Powell and other nationally recognized business leaders with long-standing records of success.

 

General Powell is one of the most distinguished and admired men in America.  As a four-star General, chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Secretary of State General Powell has experienced leadership at the highest levels.  General Powell will share with you precisely what it takes to be a leader, and provide strategies for "talking charge" during times of great change. 

Learn from a leader how to improve processes, organizations and people, how to remain focused in crisis, how to forge winning alliances, keys to creating diplomatic solutions and hear from other nationally respected leaders including; America's Mayor Rudi Giuliani, President and CEO of Forbes Inc. Steve Forbes, former First Lady Laura Bush, legendary President of Microsoft Rick Belluzo, legendary Hall of Fame Quarterback Terry Bradshaw and others.

Click Here to buy your ENTIRE office tickets online for only $19.00.  That's not per person but for your entire office.

The Get Motivated seminar packs more into a single, life-changing day than any other event in America.