Hi! My boyfriend and I love to travel. Unfortunately, we're just college kiddos without lots of money to spare. However, we've got a got of energy and a willing spirit to go wherever the wind takes us! As long as the wind takes us within driving distance, of course. We live in Portland, Oregon, and on occasion (about twice a year), we like to pack up the car and drive! We've had lots of fun in Lincoln City, Seaside, and Newport. We'd be willing to drive as far as Seattle, or even farther if necessary. Does anyone have any suggestions for little locations (up to a 4 hour drive from the city) that's worth going to for the perfect getaway vacation? Any suggestions on hotel/things to do while we're there?
Thanks!! :]
2007-09-25 18:41:57 · 7 answers · asked by Sunny_Smiles 1 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Portland
Bend is a fun little town to visit. Mcmenamins has a hotel there (St. Francis) which is nice and of course there is the Deschutes brew pub. Lots of shopping and things just outside of Bend like the High Desert Museum and Newport Lava Beds. If you haven't been to Eastern Oregon, Bend is a great place to start.
2007-09-29 15:20:17 · answer #1 · answered by prekinpdx 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hood River can be fun to visit, especialy during this time of year when a lot of the fruit harvesting is going on, there is a think called the 'Fruit Loop' a drive you can take from Hood River up through the growing area. Many farms are going to be having harvest festivals in the next few weeks and they are free to go to. It's a pretty drive and not that far from Portland, about an hour. The little downtown in Hood River is cute and the views of Mt. Hood and the Columbia are great.
Another nice spot is Bend, especially if you are into outdoor activies.
If you're willing to go a little farther about 5 1/2-6 hours, Vancouver Canada is a great city, though with the US dollar about even with the Canadian dollar, deals are not as good as they used to be.
2007-09-26 13:27:20 · answer #2 · answered by Bobbie 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would also suggest Hood River.
This time of year (fall) Hood River is one of the best places in Oregon to visit. Grab coffee walk and around downtown or drive up the valley to Odell. Stop at Rasmussen Farms. They have a corn maze and a really great fruit and vegetable stand. Oct. 19-21 is the Harvest Festival at the Expo Center (near I-84) and that is great. If you drive up toward Mt. Hood, the fall foliage is great. For more foliage, you can pay $.75 each way (toll bridge) and follow the White Salmon River up towards Mount Adams. White Salmon and Trout Lake, Washington are cute little towns, too. There is lots of hiking, mountain biking and outdoor activities centered around Hood River. Full Sail Ale has it's brewery and tasting room downtown, plus there are other great stores and restaurants and pubs.
Usually the weather is better than Portland (less rain) and the wind has died down. The Mount Hood Railroad is really cool, but right now part of it is washed out, so I would wait until the fix the part that runs up to Parkdale.
2007-10-04 01:15:18 · answer #3 · answered by Chris J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds to me that you have yet to explore the Colombia River Gorge, The Vista House has a breathtaking view of the river and the drive holds a wealth of history,beauty and places to discover,and if you like where the wind takes you,you can get plenty of that on Hwy. 80 east!. Check out the McMenamins website (Oregon) their inn at Edgefield is way cool,I think they run the Old Colombia River Gorge Hotel too.Also Oregon travel on the web. Silver Creek Falls,(east of Salem), Eugene, Bagby Hot Springs, Cougar Reservoir, Sisters,Oregon, B&B's in Oregon's wine country are choice. I was born and raised near Portland and am still here, I have seen and experianced much of this entire state and honestly the possibilities are endless You may contact me if you would like. Sincerely
2007-09-29 05:32:01 · answer #4 · answered by sha 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You have lots of choices but have you looked into the San Juan Islands? They are a little farther then 4 hours but taking a ferry to a beautiful island is part of the fun. There are a lot of activities like kayaking, biking, restaurants and b & b's.
www.guidetosanjuans.com
2007-09-26 20:11:09 · answer #5 · answered by Kristina 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Leavenworth, WA... It is like a bohemian village. Awesome getaway spot. I recommend highly. All the places you can stay are small bed and breakfast type places, nice friendly people. Great weekend getaway!! Lots to do in summer and winter (just keep in mind drive slow over the pass... and there is almost always snow in the winter). Big Fun!!
http://www.leavenworth.org/
2007-09-26 18:01:19 · answer #6 · answered by crissygirly 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Central Oregon, specifically Bend, is a fun place to visit. Activities include canoeing, hiking, kayaking, fishing, whitewater rafting, and exlploring. If you like rock climbing, there is Smith Rock.
To cut costs, you can camp out in the many campgrounds available.
2007-09-27 06:46:28 · answer #7 · answered by ElizaMez 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋