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Re: Oregon Hiking/Brewing

Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 8:09 pm
by kimo
There seems to be 100-some McMenamins out there - an evil chain by many measures - but I'm talking just about the Edgefield Manor in Troutdale. I don't know about their dive bars or music venues - they may suck (although I hear the Crystal Ballroom and White Eagle are pretty cool) - and I've read that they take a lot of s**t from the locals for being a "chain" - but any corporation that takes old deserted historic buildings like the county poor farm (Edgefield) or a historic elementary school (Kennedy School) and restores them into interesting and useful places, while asking local artists to paint the walls and rooms at their whimsy, while brewing beer, mediocre as it is, out in the backroom, while offering modestly priced accomodations, is absolutely alright by me. They aren't perfect - not even close - but the Edgefield is very unique. Unique like Disneyland, but for grownups. And without slot machines.

But I'm into cool old hotels. Heck, I've enjoyed a number of nights in the St. James Hotel in Cimarron NM (still with bullet holes in the copper ceilings) with circa-1900 wallpaper peeling from the walls of the rooms and carpets stained by time. McMenamins Edgefield is of similar stock, from which not many are left, but in this case complete with vineyards, brewery, and expansive wandering grounds with minature details to explore. Love it or hate it, it's just too unique not to recommend.

And Derek, with the suggestions here it sounds like you have a GREAT trip lined up. I've thoroughly enjoyed the all too limited time I've spent in Portland. Hope it's a good time for you and your wife.

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Re: Oregon Hiking/Brewing

Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 8:37 pm
by Theodore
The one in McMinville is neat, it also has a GREAT roof top patio and if memory serves the largest urinal in the something... :D

The one in Bend is pretty fun as well...so I'm told. The details of that night are fuzzy as it was my Hood celebration night.

For actual food in Portland, check out Por que no for tacos.

Pok Pok on Division is good for Thai.

Again... jealous. Wife and I are hoping to move out of the flatlands in the next 5 years or so and either Denver-land or Portland are on the list of 2.

Re: Oregon Hiking/Brewing

Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 9:38 pm
by Aubrey
Derek, my wife and I did a northwest loop of Oregon earlier this year. I've been there a few times before ... it's a fun region.

One good, easy and quick hike not far from Portland is Angel's Rest on the Columbia River Gorge. I think it's only like a half hour from Portland to the trailhead.

http://www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org ... gel's_Rest" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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We also did some fun coast hikes.

Cape Lookout wasn't overly difficult, but it was interesting.

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And even though it's not a hike, Cannon Beach is a must-stop.

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As for beer, there are too many awesome breweries to mention. In Astoria, Fort George Brewery is good. And if you like sour ales, Cascade Brewing in Portland is world class. But if someone told me I could only hit one place, I'd go to Belmont Station, which is one of the best beer stores in the PNW attached to a great taphouse. http://belmont-station.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

In short, there are many great breweries in Portland, but there are also many great taphouses where you can sample beers from multiple breweries. Belmont Station, Green Dragon, Bailey's (a little something I wrote on Bailey's here: http://www.examiner.com/craft-beer-in-s ... eer-lovers" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; )

And if you really want to overload your system, go to John's ( http://www.johnsmarketplace.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ), which is worth the short drive just south or southwest of town. It's one of the few beer stores that, upon entering, actually makes my eyes dilate, my heart pump faster and my forehead sweat (out of excitement) -- every time I've been in there.

This is just one-tenth of the beer area:
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Have fun!

Re: Oregon Hiking/Brewing

Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 9:59 pm
by kimo
Oh my oh my. That is special.
Aubrey wrote:This is just one-tenth of the beer area:
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Have fun!

Re: Oregon Hiking/Brewing

Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 6:38 am
by Brian C
kimo wrote:There seems to be 100-some McMenamins out there...
I had no idea there were so many! The one on the McKenzie in Eugene is pretty good.