User Lists in Portland, OR Metro

Maybe it's the recession, maybe it's just the generous Portland nature, but there are so many killer dining deals going on that it's hard to sample them all. And we're not just talking cheap-o happy hour with drink minimums, but full dinners at some of Portland's best restaurants. Just one more reason that Portland is the place to eat, er... live. (Photo credit: Flickr user cafemama)

Capture the final days of summer with a bowl of sweet blackberries, a juicy peach or sliced garden-fresh tomatoes from a u-pick farm in Portland. You can harvest these September treats yourself and gather produce for twilight summer meals. (It always tastes better when you pick it yourself.) Just call ahead to make sure what you want is ripe and ready for pickin' that day.

If you're wondering when going to the movies became so expensive, take solace in the fact that these local eateries and parks screen summertime flicks--for free. Check out classics, comedies, art house and family films--there really is something for every taste and practically every day of the week.

Charcuterie plates in Portland are springing up like dandelions on an unkempt lawn. Local chefs at area restaurants and shops are officially crazy for cured meat, from old-timer Higgins to Olympic Provisions (Portland's first USDA-certified salumeria). Here are our top five picks for do-not-miss plates of charcuterie in Portland. (Photo credit: Flick user snowpea&bokchoi)

Bachelor party? High school reunion? Since when did you need an excuse for a man-date with your bros? As Destiny's Child once said: "Fellas leave your girl with her friends, 'cuz it's 11:30 and the club is jumpin', jumpin'." Break out our list for a guy's night out in Portland, full of places where bro-mance can truly blossom. (Photo by Flickr user David Goehring)

We all love camping, barbecue and drinking beer on boats, but why not shake things up for Labor Day (Sept. 5, 2011) this year? Portland is the perfect place to try some new, unconventional Labor Day activities. Who knows? You might start a new Labor Day tradition in Portland. (Photo: Portland Pirate Festival by Flickr user Bandita)

Picking my Portland favorites is like choosing between children. Whittle down what I love about this city into an easy-to-digest list, you say? Whew! Well, since I do spend about 85% of my time and income eating and drinking (coffee, wine, beer, cocktails), why don't I introduce to a few places in Portland where I do just that?

Summer is short in Portland. That means we do everything in our power to work less, party more and generally exercise our vices during long sunshine-y days and balmy nights. We're just here to make sure the spot suits the sin.

From rivers to bridges to sparkling city lights, Portland has got some killer restaurants with a view. As the nights grow longer and the setting sun glows orange and warm, locals and visitors flock to these restaurants with the best perches for taking it all in.

Sunday, Monday, Happy Days. Add Tuesday to that tune and you've got three days of killer drinking deals in Portland. Check out these PDX bars for weekly specials that make living the good life a bit easier on the bank account. (Photo: Flickr user ingridtaylar)