A trip to Hood River will make you not want to leave there. Between the great downtown, vineyards and wine tasting, pear orchards, drive to mount hood, wind surfing and so much more, it sounds like a place you might want to consider visiting. Not to mention the drive down the gorge to Hood River is awesome.

It was recently ranked #1 for Outdoor Living this year.

Here is a map

http://tinyurl.com/zewjm

Unless you know people who can help you, I would recommend taking a class, they will get you started and take you to the right places. Here are a few…

http://www.hoodriverwaterplay.com/windsurfing_lessons.htm

http://www.brianswindsurfing.com/

http://www.bigwinds.com/lessons/

I recommend doing this because if you do not know what you are doing, you can hurt yourself and other people pretty easy. Especially if you want to try Kite Boarding.

Since you mention Pinot Noir, in the city I would check out Noble Rot or Navarre, both wine bars with lots of options by the glass (at Navarre, I believe this includes champagne!), and good food. Portland is totally a foodie town, so if that’s your thing, you’ll have plenty of options. Check out other threads here for restaurant recommendations.

Also, you shouldn’t miss the Rose Garden (free, gorgeous, lovely view of the city); the Japanese Garden, close by and charging a small entrance free, is also quite lovely. These are especially nice on a hot day.

Finally, Powell’s Books. (Okay, so I used to work there). The place is world-renown; it used to be a garage; the store takes up an entire city block, houses a coffee shop, small gallery, and more books than you can imagine. New and used are shelved together, which is nice. Current best-sellers to the most random and esoteric finds, plus a great magazine selection. Even if you leave empty-handed, Powell’s is a great place to soak in some Portland flavor.

If you can spare half a day, I would suggest hiking up Oneonta Gorge to see Oneonta Falls. Also, any time spent in Mulnomah viewing the many falls is time well spent.

And if you love books, you have got to experience Powells.

check out waterfront park along the willamette river. it’s grest for picnic – ing, biking, walking, etc. and since it’s summer, it’s premo weather to be out and about.

on weekends, saturday market is great to check out too. it’s open saturdays and sundays (contrary to the name), and features local artists, great food, crafts, and jewelry.

If it’s a dry day, and there are usually a few during the summer, take a long walk virtually anywhere downtown. I would stay south of Burnside (safety), and spend some time along the waterfront. You’ll invariably run into a cafe or two along the way if you need a respite.

Thanks, everyone! I’ll share my pics upon my return….

thw saturday market under the bridge, powell’s books, and the art gallery are the three places i don’t miss when i’m in portland.

the art gallery is fantastic for a city the size of portland.

sadly, i don’t have any winery recommendations… :(

I am also not an expert on wine, but I would advise you not to miss Powell’s books. Best used bookstore ever—you can find absolutely ANYTHING there at a reasonable price. I’d also recommend the OMSI if you are a science buff, or if you have children. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Very fascinating, in both the industrial and natural sciences.

Liner & Elsen, a wine shop on NW 21st, is the best place in town to taste and talk wine. Good prices, nice people.