Tripster - Portland Monthly

Is There Such a Thing as a Kid-Friendly Airport?

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:35:00 -0700

A recent study conducted by travelnerd.com ranked Portland International as the second-best airport in the country for traveling with kids, based on two play areas and eleven designated nursing/pumping stations.

Tripster agrees. PDX is a great airport for kids, but for reasons that go beyond Travelnerd’s simplistic criteria. Here are a few ways our humble airport makes life just a little easier for families on the go:

ACCESSIBILITY

One play area is outside security, which means you can use it even you’re just there to pick someone up. The other play area, complete with a TV airing kids’ programming (The Powerpuff Girls was a recent draw), is just for fliers. Its location, though, at the far end of Concourse C, means a parent killing time before, say, a Delta flight in Concourse D would have to lug kids and carry-ons quite a way to take advantage of it. The nursing stations are located throughout the airport (many are just a bench and an outlet, but the airport’s conference center offers comfortable private rooms, too).

COST

PDX’s “street pricing” policy requires restaurants to charge about the same for their food and beverages as people would pay elsewhere. Great news for parents buying food and other distractions for their kids. Sure, Minneapolis’s airport (at no. 9 on Travelnerd’s list) has a Snoopy statue to climb on, an in-airport train, and an awesome enclosed play area, but lunch can bankrupt you—as will the mark-up on their vending-machine diapers.

CONNECTIVITY

Unlike at some airports, there’s no cost to get online at PDX, so device-toting older kids (and their parents) can plug in and tune out if they need to.

Image: Margaret Seiler

Concourse C at Portland International Airport

BOOZE

There are plenty of places for Mom to unwind with a locally brewed cold one (Laurelwood or Rogue) or fill a post-security growler before leaving Beervana. And from a stool at Sandoval’s Tequila Grill in Concourse C (see our coverage of their 200 tequilas here), Dad can keep an eye on the kids in the nearby play area as they build towers on the Lego table or watch Cartoon Network.

OPEN SPACE

Once through the security line’s cattle maze, the wide corridors and soaring skylights give kids plenty of room to run around and make it easy for parents to keep watch from a comfortable perch. The Concourse Connector, which lets people get from one end of the airport to the other without having to go through security again, doubles as a race track to expend any last-minute energy before boarding. Moveable tables and chairs (and high chairs) in restaurant seating areas are easy to navigate even with strollers and roller bags.

BATHROOMS

There are three well-placed family restrooms (private rooms with locking doors). Even in the regular shared bathrooms, the stalls are generously sized, and the green-handled dual-flush toilets give kids a quick lesson in water conservation. The toilets are manual-flush, which means no constant loud whooshes to wake sleeping infants or startle new potty-trainees.

COOL FACTOR

OK, so maybe PDX can’t compete with the on-site aviation museum at San Francisco’s airport (no. 1, according to Travelnerd). But an art display in Concourse E still gives the kids something to ogle while Dad puts his belt and shoes back on after the security check, and the huge river map on the floor in Concourse C can entertain and even educate. Kids love trains— the Red Line MAX shuttles families easily between the airport and downtown. Powell’s has locations both inside and outside security to stock up on reading material and games, and the airport’s many locally based restaurants set a high standard for “airport food” (Flying Elephants, Gustav’s, Laurelwood Brewing, and a Burgerville on the way this winter).

What are your favorite airports for arrivals, departures, and layovers? What matters most to you when traveling with kids in tow? Tell us what you think below!

For more Northwest travel tips, deals, and itineraries, sign up for our biweekly Tripster newsletter, subscribe to our RSS Feed, and visit our Getaways & Trails page.

New Outdoors Website Declares War on Guidebooks

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:02:00 -0700

Image: Joshua Lupkin

Unicorn Peak

Imagine that all your guidebooks and maps taking up space on your shelves, floors, and coffeetable were combined into a single, reliable, curated volume that fit any type of activity you were in the mood for.

That is the ambitious mission of The Outdoor Project, a new online guidebook for nature-lovers, hikers, and adventurers. The website—which went live this week and officially launches on Monday—offers 331 trips for all types of adventurers, with more on the way.

“The [existing] resources out there are really sub-par. They’re not fun to use, and they’re always region or adventure-type specific. It’s either hiking in the gorge or kayaking in Washington," says Tyson Gillard, co-founder and CEO. "There was no resource out there that bridged all the adventure types."

“Even when you do find something," adds co-founder Jared Kennedy, "you can't be sure to trust the map or the write-up."

Image: Jeremy Forrest

White River Falls State Park

To find a trip, users pick their own criteria by selecting the type of activity, region, difficulty. The system spits out a customized list of possible adventures with original photography (like the ones used in this post), hi-res maps, weather advisories, and side diversions—all original content gathered and written by the core team or trusted contributors.

This trust is key.

“We only publish trips that we have gone on ourselves or that our contributors have explored in depth. The contributors have to apply and then we develop a strong relationship with them,” says Kennedy.

Currently, access to the site is free but there is a pay-what-you-want a membership program with incentives—including future discounts at local businesses.

“The overall aspiration is providing content to inspire people," says Kennedy. "Not just with black and white photos. We want to marry information and entertainment. It’s about maximum enjoyment."

www.outdoorproject.com

For more Northwest travel tips, deals, and itineraries, sign up for our biweekly Tripster newsletter, subscribe to our RSS Feed, and visit our Getaways & Trails page.

Tripster: Weekend Plans

Fri, 17 May 2013 13:29:00 -0700

HAPPENINGS

May 18 Four-hour Wine Walkin Seaside, OR.

Image: Shutterstock

May 18 In honor of Oregon Wine Month, sample from 23 different wineries at Sniff, Swirl & Sip at the Bridgeport Whole Foods.

May 18–19 Columbia Gorge Wine & Pear Fest in Hood River.

May 24–25 Get certified as an official BBQ taster at the BBQ, Blues & Brews in Coos Bay, OR.

June 1 Dirty Girl Mud Run, a women-only obstacle course and 5K run in Portland.

COOL NEW STUFF

New Willamette Valley tasting rooms abound! Plan your next wine excursion here.

The Columbia Gorge Arts & Culture Alliance has released a new tour map featuring 36 known and lesser-known art and culture destinations on both sides of Gorge

DEALS

The "Hooray You're Gay" promotion at Hotel Vintage Plaza guarantees a fun and relaxing during Portland's Pride Festival June 15 & 16.

The Heathman Hotel is offering a Great Gatsby Package through June 30, which includes accomodations in the Literary Arts Suite, a copy of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic, cocktails, appetizers, and more.

Gay Pride Promo at Hotel Vintage Plaza

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:34:00 -0700

Image: Hotel Vintage Plaza

The Garden Spa Suite with hot tub

Today is International Homophobia Awareness Day. So what better time than now to make your plans for the 2013 Pride Festival happening June 15 & 16.

The downtown Hotel Vintage Plaza is offering a Hooray You’re Gay deal, "for anyone who just came out, wants to come out, or just wants to have a good time."

Sounds good to us!

The deal includes:

Champagne (to celebrate)
A lottery ticket (in case the family kicks you out of the will)
2 passes to the drag show at Darcelle XV Showplace
A hug upon check-in (optional)

The promotion is available during the Pride weekend June 14-17. For reservations, visit www.vintageplaza.com and use this rate code: PGAY

Hotel Vintage Plaza
422 S.W. Broadway
(800) 263-2305

New Willamette Valley Tasting Rooms and Events

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:00:00 -0700

Image: Rachell Coe

Dundee lands landmark tasting room: Lauded Evening Land Vineyards may make award-winning wine in Oregon, California, and Burgundy, but they've made do without a tasting room—until now. Their first tasting room is coming to downtown Dundee, next to the Inn at Red Hills and Paulée Restaurant on Highway 99W, on Memorial Day Weekend. The kick-off party will take place on Saturday, May 25 through Monday, May 27 from 10 am to 5 pm. More information.

Ponzi Vineyard's modern tasting room reveals opening date: Oregon's noted multi-generation winery's third tasting room will open its doors in Sherwood on June 15, offering table-side wine tasting service, guided winery tours, two bocce ball courts. More information.

Apolloni's wine cave: Apolloni Vineyards—one of Forest Grove's leading producers of Pinot Noir and Italian style wines—celebrated the grand opening of its new Tuscan-inspired, open-to-the-public wine cave this month. The underground cave, one of only a few in Oregon, echoes the Apolloni family’s villa, vineyards, and cave in Italy south of Venice, and relies on 100% passive geothermal regulation to maintain optimal temperature and humidity. For more information and directions please visit apolloni.com.

Custom wine growlers at Bistro Marquee: Thanks to recent Oregon regulation changes, growlers can now be filled on-site at bottle shops and restaurants with wine and cider. Bistro Marquee, the new SW Market Street eatery (debuting Monday, May 20) from Thirst Bistro's Leslie Palmer, is one of the first eateries to brand and sell their own wine growlers. For more information, visit BistroMarquee.com.

5 best new release Oregon rosés: Sustainable wine guru Jeffrey Weissler shared his tasting notes for the best new summer sips from his NE Glisan wine shop Pairings Portland. Find the full list on Eat Beat.

Paulée's one year anniversary celebration “Flights and Bites”: Wine country hotspot Paulée will jumpstart summer with its 1 year anniversary celebration. In honor of the restaurant’s new neighbors (upcoming tasting rooms for Evening Lands, Le Cadeau, and Tertulia) executive chef Sean Temple will serve four special bites alongside four AVA-specific flights (including one NW beer flight) on Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19 and Saturday, May 25 through Monday, May 27 from 11 am until 9:30 pm at Paulée Restaurant (1410 N Highway 99W, Dundee).

Memorial Day Wine Tastings: Each year, over 150 wineries in Oregon's wine country open their doors for weekend-long celebrations to kick off summer with free tastings, tours, and activities. Head to the Willamette Valley Wineries website or the Visit Washington County website to plan your weekend wine escape.

Summer concert series at regional wineries: Tickets are going fast for the summer's hottest concerts, including open-air events at Maryhill Winery and McMenamins Edgefield. Find the full lineups right this way.

For more on Portland’s food and drink scene, sign up for our weekly Eat Beat newsletter, subscribe to our RSS Feed, and follow us on Twitter @allisonejones, @karenbrookspdx, and @btepler.

5 Things We Like About the New Google Maps

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:41:00 -0700

Today, Google teased a brand-new redesign of its indispensable and irreplaceable maps service (sorry, Apple Maps). There isn't a release date yet (you can sign up for an early access invite here), but there appear to be a slew of new features—including a slick new interface and Google Earth integration.

Travellers and vacationers should rejoice, as some of these will make getting around in unfamiliar places even easier.

Here are 5 things we're excited about:

1. Flight search!

Sites like Hipmunk and Kayak have made price comparison between airlines and ticket sellers simpler, but being able to see flights mapped out and compare prices directly in line with other modes of transportation is the future.

2. More interactivity

Need to find a place to eat around your hotel? Just zoom into your current location and view all the restaurants nearby. Clicking on locations will filter the results by similar places, like, say, Thai restaurants.

3. Your photos

Your vacation photos can now appear wherever you took them. Creepy? Yes. Fun and useful? Also, yes. (We're used to Google being creepy by now, aren't we?)

4. Better transit maps

It appears Google is finally taking the guesswork out of choosing the right bus or subway. See the entire city's transit system laid out visually, and click on the line that makes sense for you.

5. Sentient Maps

Google Maps now promises to "get better" the more you use it, learning from your browsing, eating, and travelling habits. Skynet has become self-aware.

New PDX Airport Bar Has over 200 Tequilas

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:15:00 -0700

[EDITOR'S NOTE: We dispatched writer Sam Coggeshall to Sandoval's grand re-opening last week to give us the lowdown. Here is his report.]

Image: Port of Portland

Sandoval's Tequila Bar on Concourse C

In pop culture, tequila has none of the nobility of scotch, nor the cool sophistication of vodka, nor the blue-collar integrity of bourbon. It's the sophomore co-ed of liquor, swimming in impulse and regret. But here in the airport of all places, the after-party staple has been elevated back to its rightful place among the aristocracy.

Formerly known as Sandoval's Mexican Restaurant, the refurbished Sandoval's Tequila Grill in Portland International Airport offers pours of over 200 types of high-end tequila (not to mention twice as many beers on tap). Owner Danny Sandoval has built a small empire of family-oriented Mexican restaurants, with 5 locations around Portland—including the beloved La Palapa on Hawthorne—but this small space on Concourse C reveals his true passion.

It's a Thursday afternoon. After a cermonial ribbon-cutting, Sandoval welcomes the crowd of about 60 mostly off-duty airport workers and a few curious travelers in for free samples. Before we can take our first sip, Sandoval instructs the crowd on proper technique. “Put it in your mouth, swish it around, hold your breath, swallow and then exhale,” he says. “That way it comes through the nose as well.”

It's a strange place for a lesson in sipping, but no one complains. Of the two tequila samples—Cazadores Reposado and Herradura Reposado Double Barrel—the latter is superior. There are hints of vanilla and caramel amidst the satisfying burning sensation.

“I hand-selected this one,” he says. “They age it for 11 months and then they re-barrel it for 45 days where it picks up those flavorful nuances.”

Image: Sam Coggeshall

Arturo, Gaspar, and Jose of Mariachi Calavera serenading our writer at the grand opening

Later, Sandoval takes me over to a quiet side of the bar where he lovingly brings out a dark blue bottle of Casa Noble Single Barrel aged for 364 days. Pure, unblended and right out of the barrel, Noble has a smooth taste and is a staple in countless tequila bars.

“I’m not a spirit person, but tequila just goes with me well,” Sandoval tells me, leaning over my empty glass. “My first trip to Tequila, Mexico was five years ago. Since that point I’ve been a sponge, just so intrigued. I want to learn more and more and more. For me, it’s just been fantastic.”

Sandoval's Tequila Grill
Portland Airport
Concourse C
(503) 288-8802

For more Northwest travel tips, deals, and itineraries, sign up for our biweekly Tripster newsletter, subscribe to our RSS Feed, and visit our Getaways & Trails page.

Become a Certified BBQ Judge in Coos Bay

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:55:00 -0700

Image: Shutterstock

So you think you’ve got the best barbecue on the block. You've spent years honing your technique. Your family drools around the pit as you perfectly slow roast and sauce that rack of ribs, making the meat fall right off the bone.

Think again. For one, barbecued meat shouldn’t come off the bone cleanly.

“The meat should come off with minimal effort, but there should be a little meat left on there when you tear,” says Carolyn Wells of the Kansas City Barbecue Society (a city that knows a thing or two about the art of grilling).

Learning the right texture of grilled or smoked meat is just one of the many secrets you'll discover at the second-annual BBQ, Blues & Brews on the Bay (May 24-26) at The Mill Casino in Coos Bay, OR. Visitors can enroll in a $75 class to become a Kansas City Barbecue Society certified judge, giving them the tools to properly evaluate chicken, ribs, pork (butt or shoulder), or brisket.

“It’s a way to have an excuse to eat great barbecue, and to know what the judges are looking for when they score meat,” Wells says.

Image: Katherine Hoppe

BBQ Blues & Brews on the Bay in Coos Bay, OR

The event will also feature a Mac n’ Cheese competition dedicated to BBQ Legend Jim Monihan, 21 craft brews on tap to sample with your grilled goodness, and Sunday Blues entertainment featuring Soul Pie out of San Francisco and The Vipers from Eugene.

Cost of entry into the main event is free but beer garden entry is $10 and food is $1 per sample.

For more information, visit themillcasino.com.

For more Northwest travel tips, deals, and itineraries, sign up for our biweekly Tripster newsletter, subscribe to our RSS Feed, and visit our Getaways & Trails page.

Gordon Ramsay’s 'Hotel Hell' Filming in Southern Oregon

Mon, 13 May 2013 13:55:00 -0700

Image: Fox

Gordon Ramsay in a hellish-looking hotel

Brace yourselves. Gordon Ramsay is coming. On June 2, the award-winning chef and restaurateur arrives with a camera crew to film his unscripted show, Hotel Hell, at the scenic but troubled Applegate River Lodge in Applegate, Oregon (about 20 miles east of Medford).

Now in its second season, Hotel Hell features Ramsay travelling around the country, lending his high-decibel brand of expertise to “some of America's most horrendous hotels, troubled inns and struggling resorts, many of which are on the brink of closure.”

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Applegate’s co-owner Joanna Davis—who has operated the quaint seven-room hotel with her (now) ex-husband Richard since 1997—is excited and grateful to accept Ramsay’s help.

“We’ve got a beautiful place. But we’re barely making it.” she says. “We’ve never really run this like a real business. It’s kind of a family way of life. Richard and I have never agreed on how we want it to be run, and so our kids are confused as well. We’re hoping Gordon can give us some kind of direction and show us how important it is to work together.”

Image: Joanna Davis

Applegate River Lodge

What's in store for the Davis family? If it’s anything like Kitchen Nightmares, Ramsey's other fixer-upper reality TV show, the episode will go something like this: Ramsay arrives wearing a V-neck or graphic tee of some sort, orders food, spits it out in disgust and storms into the kitchen to berate the owner/chef/cowering waitstaff. Commercial break. Now Ramsay has changed into his chef's whites (translation: he means business), and after a few more days of Ramsay calling grown men "donkeys," the restaurant performs a successful dinner service at last. Hugs and tearful thank-yous all around, and Ramsay walks triumphantly away into the night.

All this makes for entertaining television, but whether the Davises are ready for Ramsay’s unique managerial style remains to be seen.

“I know his MO,” says Davis. “It’s a little frightening. It’s a little intimidating. It’ll probably be embarrassing at times. But I’m just going to be true to who I am, and hope for a positive outcome.”

We’re hoping right along with you, Joanna.

For room or dinner reservations during filming (June 2–6), email HotelShowApplegate@gmail.com.

For more Northwest travel tips, deals, and itineraries, sign up for our biweekly Tripster newsletter, subscribe to our RSS Feed, and visit our Getaways & Trails page.

Skamania Lodge's Feast in the Forest Lineup

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:00:00 -0700

Image: Courtesy Skamania Lodge

This summer, Skamania Lodge—the 254-room hotel and riverside resort nestled amidst the Gorge’s forested slopes—will host Feast in the Forest, a series of Portland-chef-powered dinners in the wilds of the lodge's tree-filled property.

Located an hour east of Portland in Stevenson, Washington, Skamania Lodge will showcase the site's killer Columbia river views and visiting chef's al fresco menus during the 2013 series.

One Sunday a month between May and August, Portland chefs will hit Interstate 84 with their favorite local ingredients and whip up a one-of-a-kind meal deal for a steal—just $59 per person, including wine pairings.

Here's who will be in on the outdoor action:

May 19: Tony Meyers of Serratto and John Eisenhart of Pazzo Ristorante
June 23: Mark Hosack of Gracie’s and Chris Diminno of Clyde Common
July 21: Rodney Duncan of Buggatti’s and Chris Carriker of Gilt Club
August 18: Matt Christianson of Urban Farmer and Dustin Clark of Wildwood
October 6: Grand Feast (all Feast in the Forest chefs will return for a very special night)

Guests are welcome to bring one bottle of wine per person with no corkage fee, and Skamania Lodge will offer room rate discounts for diners, providing a short walk home from the revelry. For overnight rates and feast reservations, head to the Skamania Lodge website or call 800-221-7117.