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Rooftop Bars in Portland

Patio dining is old hat. Upgrade your alfresco experience this summer by drinking at one of Portland's rare rooftop bars. From old favorites like the McMenamin Hotel's top story bar in wine country to swank lounges, here's where to booze with a view.

Find the Best Jeans

The perfect pair of denim can be as hard to find as a perfect mate. We want our denim to be snug where they should be, loose where they shouldn't and flattering all over. Easier said than done--unless you head to these one-stop jean shops in Portland, where savvy staffers and wide selections put you well on your way to finding the best fit.

Girls Night Out in Portland

The girls night out--that special meetup that usually involves higher heels and endless consumption of fruity drinks or wine--is what ladies do to replace that tradition left behind in childhood: slumber parties. From a wine bar to a tucked-away martini lounge, grab your gal pals for a blast at these girls night out spots in Portland.

Ultimate Singles Guide in Portland

Forget speed dating and those well-intentioned matchmakers. Portlands got plenty of places to mingle with a singles crowd. From bars to dog parks, theres plenty of places to meet someone new or to simply celebrate your life as an unattached Portlander.

24/7 in Portland

When midnight strikes and youre hungry and bored (or both), dont fall back on Dennys or hit the treadmill at the 24-hour Fitness. Instead, stop at Portlands late-night eateries and hangouts for greasy diner food and crowds that will keep you entertained for hours.

Portland Spas: A Recessionista's Guide

With highlights topping $100 and massage prices skyrocketing, its hard to stay beautiful and blissfully stress-free in town. The secret to savings: beauty and massage schools and under-the-radar spas that provide the same services on the cheap. When your wallet is feeling the pinch, schedule an appointment at one of Portlands budget-friendly spas to keep looking and feeling your best at a price you can afford.

Portland Picnic Planner

Take note: $5 footlongs are not picnic-worthy fare. And while a picnic on your front lawn beats eating inside on a hot day, our city's wealth of parks means you shouldn't waste time eating on the back patio when picnic season hits. Here's where to spread your blanket and fill your picnic basket when the sun comes out.

5 to Try: Artisan Breads

Sooner or later, every Portlander pledges allegiance to a particular bakery. Some prefer a refined Parisian-style scene, others a bustling neighborhood bakery that churns out nubby oatmeal cookies. But though the atmosphere and the sweets menu play a hand in these picks, the thing that really sways us in a bakerys favor is its bread. Here are five artisan breads worth trying before you pick a favorite bakery of your own.

Photo: Shutterstock/sharky

Portland Shops: A Recessionista's Guide

Your paycheck may be smaller but if you're a fashionista there's no stopping you from shopping. Fortunately, the down economy means you can shop and still be mindful with your hard-earned dollars. Frequent these local businesses for thrifty clothing, accessories and home goods to satisfy your shopping addiction without emptying your wallet.

Kid-Friendly Portland

Our city is known for being a young and edgy hipster town but there are still plenty of places for family-focused fun. If you know where to look, you can find water parks, ice cream parlors and even pubs that make it their business to accommodate the little ones while still appealing to adults. Treat your tyke to these kid-friendly spots in Portland.

Portland Getaways

We hate the word "staycation." It's so overused and made up to boot, but we love what it stands for: the in-city getaway. Take one, and you get to enjoy a retreat in your own town that makes you feel like you're a million miles from home. The travel times are negligible, and you can take the money you would have spent on airfare and raid the mini-bar. So go ahead--enjoy yourself--at these best staycation spots in Portland.

Top 10 Freebies in Portland

Want to keep your social calendar full without emptying your wallet? Then select a few picks from these 10 free things to do in Portland. Soon, you'll be enjoying makeovers, author readings and art gallery shows without spending a dime of your own.

Dog-Friendly Portland

Portland might be a dog-friendly city, but that doesn't mean caring for and entertaining your four-legged friend is easy. To help, we've found the most fetching places in town for you and your pooch to be treated like top dogs. Whether you fancy an afternoon in a park or want to drink a pint with Fido by your side, we've got a pick for you.

5 to Try: Eggs Benedict

Portland has always been a brunch town offering plentiful choices for the mid-morning dining crowd. Among those many choices, indulgent Eggs Benedict is king. So forget about the waffles with their shiny pools of syrup and the overly sweet brioche French toasts. Instead go for something savory by taking a bite out of the city's best Benedicts.

Portland Green Living Guide

Being green is always in fashion. From all-natural soaps at Camamu to the ecologically sound carpet cleaning from Eco Clean, check out some of Portland's most environmentally friendly places.

Portland Wedding Planner

The big day doesn't have to bring out the bride (or groom) "zilla" in anyone. For a stress-free prelude to the altar, consult our guide to Portland's top reception sites, florists, photographers, bridal shops and more.

5 to Try: The Izakaya Scene

Portland's small plates scene is changing, moving on from Spanish-style tapas to embrace izakaya, a sort of Japanese drinking establishment where free-flowing sake is accompanied by savory foods. Bites range from hand-cut ramen served in steaming broth to salty smoked anchovies and prawn meatballs. You can find this new trend taking place everywhere from a rehabbed old library building to a slick lounge, and best of all, it's cheap.

5 to Try: Vegetable Cocktails

Why eat your vegetables when you can drink them? Yup, those green things you pushed off to the side of your plate are suddenly fun again! And nobody knows that better than Portland's top mixologists. From beets to celery sticks, here's 5 spots where bartenders are stocking veggies behind the bar.

Neighborhood Guide: West End

Tucked between the downtown business and shopping district and the buzzed-about Pearl, the tiny West End offers a collection of independent boutiques and eateries worth exploring.

Editor's Favorites: Ashley Gartland

Favorite way to spend a Saturday morning: Shopping at the Portland Farmer's Market at Portland State University

Favorite Portland Neighborhood: Northwest

Favorite food: Caneles

Favorite wine: Sparking Muscat

Favorite day trip: Hood River

Favorite hometown haunt: Jameson Park

And the list goes on and on. For more of my favorite spots and activities in Portland, see my picks below.

Shopping on a Budget

A little low on cash this season? No need to scrimp on style. From designer duds to funky home furnishings, we've got the inside scoop on the best deals in Portland.

Best New Bars of 2008

Whether you're a wine snob, beer lover, or classic cocktail connoisseur, Portland's newest slate of bars offers something for every kind of imbiber.

5 to Try: Cookies

There's no better way to chase away the coming winter chill than with a freshly baked cookie. Whether you go for the classic chocolate chip or want something more gourmet, stop by one of these PDX bakeries for a sweet snack.

Alternative Movie Theaters

Portlanders thrive on unconventional people, places and things, so it's no surprise our city has a wealth of one-of-a-kind theaters perfect for catching a flick in independent style. Consider swapping a show at the local Cineplex for a film at one of these local theaters.

Good Reads: Used Bookstores

Because the rainy season's about to begin (and because our economy's in a slump) we bring you our city's best used book stores to keep you from getting bored this season without breaking your entertainment budget.

Chef-Driven Dining

Want a truly memorable dining experience? Head to one of these Portland restaurants that let you put your meal selection in the hands of a chef.

5 to Try: Doughnuts

There's nothing wrong with frequenting Portland's doughnut king--Voodoo's--but know that our city's got plenty more doughnut shops worthy of a visit. Whether it's an old fashioned, a glazed cruller, or a cake doughnut for dipping in your morning cup of joe, these five shops have got your covered.

Rainy Day Workouts

When biking or running through a torrential downpour doesn't sound appealing, try one of these rainy day workouts to get your heart rate going during Portland's gloomy season.

Halloween 2008

For help finding spooky costumes and even spookier local events, consult our Halloween guide.

5 to Try: Waffles

With waffle carts, waffle windows, and plenty of cafes serving this morning favorite, Portland has become the West's waffle-making capital. Try these five to get your morning going.

Neighborhood Guide: Alberta Arts District

A trip to the Alberta Neighborhood makes for a wildly good time when it coincides with the monthly Last Thursday Art Walk. But the 'hood is also a great destination any old day, particularly when you plan your wandering around these great Alberta Arts District restaurants, bars and shops.

Lord of the Fries

We love these guilty, greasy pleasures no matter the moniker--pommes frites, chips, or merely the French fry--and particularly crave these versions that prove they're making their way onto the fine dining scene.

$5 Finds Near Public Transportation

If food and gas prices are sucking your wallet dry, try one of these tasty, $5 finds--all located within a few blocks of a public transportation stop.

Take a "Staycation"

If you can't fathom paying for gallons of gas or pricey airfare this year, take a "staycation" instead. Start by booking a room in your own backyard at one of these unique lodgings. Then, head out to explore the local sites ? be they in nearby wine country or simply downtown.

Faking It: Gourmet Foods to Go

So you don't look like Giada, and you certainly can't cook like her. No biggie--unless you're hosting a gourmet dinner party for your friends. Fortunately, in this town you can fake your culinary prowess. Just head to one of these markets for gourmet take-out to fool your friends into thinking you slaved the day away in the kitchen.

Deli Delights: Best Bets for Midday Meals

Between the brunch-goers and late-night revelers in town, lunch often gets overlooked. Still, it's a great time to try the city's best delicatessens and sandwich spots. Head to one of these homestyle joints for fixin's to get you through the day.

Best Spots for Chocolate

Where can the best chocolate be found? Chocolate connoisseurs might reply Belgium, San Francisco, or--thanks to Jacques Torres--even New York. But with a slew of new chocolate shops and chocolatiers, Portland has become a top-tier city for chocoholics. Here's a list of our eight sweetest stores for indulging.

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