User Lists in Portland, OR Metro

Sure we love Roy, Rudy and that giant, Greg Oden, but many Blazer fan's favorite was the part-time power forward Channing Frye. Frye's goofy grin and dedication to both the game and his city made him a much-loved player in fan circles; his up-close-and-personal blog let fans know he loved Portland just as much as they loved him. Now that the team let him go, we won't be seeing him on the court. But there's a chance he'll show his face at a few of his favorite spots before he skips town. And if not, here's where you should be paying tribute to Channing Frye. (Photo courtesy of Nike)

With highlights topping $100 and massage prices skyrocketing, it's 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 Portland's budget-friendly spas to keep looking and feeling your best at a price you can afford.

Digging for bargains takes time and, if you're like us, you would rather spend your time on more leisurely pursuits. To help you out, we've put together a list of Portland shops where you can save on everything from end tables to instruments, dried beans to vintage duds.

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 bakery's favor is its bread. Here are five artisan breads worth trying before you pick a favorite bakery of your own.

Photo: Shutterstock/sharky

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.

Sure, breakfast in bed and a new box of golf balls tied up with a bow are nice touches on Father's Day. But Dad will be even more appreciative if you do something different this year. Try biking together along the Springwater Corridor or, for a more upscale activity, dining on dry-aged cuts at the top steakhouse in town.

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.

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.

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.

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.