My son and I will be in Portland, Oregon for a few days- arriving mid-day Sunday 4/27 and leaving again on Wednesday, 4/30. I know, very short visit, very long plane ride. We will be visiting PNCA and I would love to meet up with some friendly folks out there. Leave a comment or email me at mimik(at)pobox(dot)com, and we can make some plans!  Otherwise, recommendations for totally amazing, not to be missed, fun places to go, eat, shop, etc. would also be appreciated.
Doll
the art and craft of Mimi Kirchner
Hey Mimi, I’m a bad blog commenter but I read your blog regularly and would love to meet up with you and show you around a bit. I live in the general vicinity of PNCA so am pretty familiar with the area.
There are so many things to see and do in Portland it’s hard to pick a few, but Powell’s books is a must see, if you are visiting PNCA you should also consider visiting OCAC. Forest Park is not to be missed, it includes the Portland Arboretum, the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and many miles of hiking trails. The theater pubs around town are also pretty fun… see a cheap movie and drink beer and eat food while doing so! If you let me know more specifically what you like I can send more recommendations your way!
I’m booked up but I can suggest a few places, I’ve lived in the area for ages…
The street car goes up and down 10th and 11th near PNCA and there’s a lot of cute little shops between there and Burnside. If you like books, you MUST hit Powell’s. http://www.powells.com/info/storeinformation.html HUGE bookstore, used and new books. Pick up a map at the entrance ! Its at 10th and Burnside (also on the streetcar).
I like the Daily Cafe http://www.dailycafe.net/ (13th and Kearney)for lunch, which also happens to be near PNCA. Their website is sorely lacking :) They have sandwiches/salads/burgers etc usually made with quality ingredients and always something for vegetarians if needed.
If you’re sticking to downtown, there’s one fabric store and at least 3 yarn stores that I know of (and an embroidery store and a button store!). Art Media http://www.artmediaonline.com/ also. The Chinese Classical Garden is downtown. Japanese and Rose gardens are not far away by car in Washington Park.
I’d suggest making plans for rain or shine, you never know what the weather will be like :) The waterfront is nice to walk along, there’s a loop that’s a couple of miles that goes on both sides.
Let me know if you want more info on anything, I could babble all day! I think I can tell you where all the fabric and yarn stores are in the metro area are if you’re interested :)
Hi Mimi, Enjoy your visit to PNCA. I just visited there last month with my daughter and I was very impressed. She has been accepted for fall semester admission, but we’re still weighing all her options.
Enjoy Portland, which is a wonderful city. Make sure to tour the school’s apartments as well. They’re a nice alternative to most college dorms.
We are going to be there from the 25th-26th just for a concert otherwise I’d love to meet up. Emily at the Black Apple just went there last week and had a whole post on people’s recommendations so you may want to check it out. I’m going to try and hit a few fabric stores in town when I’m there. Have fun!
I love your latest man!! One of my new dolls has a tattoo and I’m sure the two would hit it off..hehe:)
Hi Mimi:
I actually live in Portland. Please feel free to contact me if you’d like company. Other respondents have already made some excellent suggestions. I’d be able to proffer additional suggestions for food if you give me some likes / dislikes. Regardless, I quite hope that you enjoy yourself during your stay.