For the AJC
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Moderate
Getting there
Rates start at $352 each way with a 14-day advance; $462 one-way with a seven-day notice; nonstop Alaska Airlines.
Stay
A “Spark Winter Fun” package at the luxurious Hotel Monaco starts at $184 per night. For $1 more, guests can choose continental breakfast or a cocktail; www.monaco-portland.com, 506 S.W. Washington St., 503-222-0001.
Eat
Tapas, or small Spanish-influenced bites, are the rage at Toro Bravo. Loyal patrons rank this restaurant as Portland’s best. Dinners $10 to $25; www.torobravopdx.com, 120 N.E. Russell St., 503-281-4464.
Experience
A full-day guided adventure with Eco Tours of Oregon visits the state’s most famous scenic attractions from sea level to over 6,000 feet in one day: Multnomah Falls, the Columbia River and Mount Hood; $59.50; www.ecotours-of-oregon.com, 3127 S.E. 23rd Ave., 503-245-1428. Visit the open-air Portland Saturday Market on Saturdays and Sundays from March to December; www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com.
Splurge
Getting there
Round-trip Economy class rates of $1,309 are valid daily with no advance purchase notice. One-way, walk-up Business Class rates start at $855. Valid on Delta; nonstop.
Stay
The RiverPlace Hotel is situated along the Willamette River. A “Romance” package, starting at $264 per night, includes Parlor Suite accommodations, chilled champagne and Moonstruck Truffles upon arrival; www.larkspurhotels.com/collection/riverplace, 1510 S.W. Harbor Way, 503-228-3233.
Eat
Take in one of the most splendid settings in the Pacific Northwest from the Chart House Restaurant, which overlooks the Willamette River and the twinkling lights of the city. Entrees from $30 to $50; www.chart-house.com, 5700 S.W. Terwilliger Blvd., 503-246-6963.
Experience
A full-day tour combines a visit to the breathtaking Columbia Gorge waterfall with visits to a number of wineries of the Northern Willamette Valley. Offered Wednesday or Saturday at $108 per person; www. americashubworldtours.com, 1-800-637-3110.
Budget
Getting there
One-way rates start at $244; 21-day advance; nonstop Alaska Airlines.
Stay
Guests enjoy complimentary high-speed Internet access, continental breakfast, airport shuttle service and use of an indoor pool at the Fairfield Inn and Suites Portland North Harbour. Starts at $79 per night; www.marriott.com, 1200 N. Anchor Way, 503-286-6336.
Eat
The Portland Classical Chinese Garden offers public and audio tours; $8.50 adults. During your visit, enjoy a tea ceremony, lunch, wine, sake or snacks at the garden’s teahouse; www.portlandchinesegarden.org, Northwest Third Ave., 503-228-8131.
Experience
Waterfront Park is a 29-acre green corridor running the length of downtown along the Willamette River with promenades, cafes, shops and walking trails. The park is the site of big seasonal events such as the city’s signature Rose Festival (www.rosefestival.org) in June. Head west out of town for about 90 minutes to experience the dramatic Pacific coastline.
Clara Bosonetto Maerz is a retired travel consultant. Look for her daily deals on ajc.com/travel.
