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brian b.
Hometown:
Portland, OR, 97206
Insider ExpertRank: 8,980
First Reviews: 6
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Uwajimaya Inc
My young daughter clamours to go to Uwajumaya on the weekends because of their extensive Hello Kitty selection. My wife likes to browse in their bookstore that features Japanese stationery by Sanrio and San-X, and I like to peruse the various sauces and condiments that they have to offer. They have great deals on seafood, vegetables, and frozen items. Everything is fresh and organized by type of food. They have a place to eat takeout sushi and other lunch items and you can watch the huge tank of fish swimming around. They also have cooking classes so you can learn to make sushi at home!
Cd Game Exchange
Recycle your unwanted video games here and get credit for new ones. I periodically go through my games and bring them in to exchange. They are very fair about buying and give you reasonable store credit for what you bring in. They have a small selection of new video games as well. They have posters, dvds, and vhs tapes for cheap! The staff is very laid back and friendly. They don't pressure you or ask annoying questions. Check back often and build up your media collection for little $$$.
World Forestry Ctr
The World Forestry Center has recently been redone but it still is not one of our favorite "child" places in town. This Center has many exhibits including a giant talking tree, upstairs there are different climate and forest zone displays, and interactive activities for children. They have different travelling exhibits such as "Things Made from Wood" or photographs of different regions of Oregon. Overall, this space feels better for older children or adults. It is on the same grounds as the Children's Museum and the Oregon Zoo, so if your little ones get tired of the Forestry Center, you can explore the rest of what Washington Park has to offer!
Jupiter City Motel & Lounge
The newly redone Jupiter Hotel is a great place for a weekend getaway, out of town guests, or travelling bands. It is on the same grounds as the Doug Fir and is an impressive, modern hotel with all new furnishings. It's wired for internet use and has retro hip furnishings. You can catch a show at the Doug Fir and crawl to your room next-door. The rooms can be noisy so request the quiet side. You can walk right over the Burnside Bridge to downtown. Affordable prices, great rooms, hip atmosphere, an all around great deal for travellers or escapists.
The Joinery
The Joinery is a store full of handmade, wooden furniture that is classic and classy. They carry headboards, sideboards, dining room tables, dressers, armoires, and much more. Everything is made to order with cherry, maple, and oak wood. The furniture has clean lines and is very elegant. The prices are what you would expect with real wood, but their pieces are exceptional. They have a huge storeroom, and you can observe the furniture being made in the workshop. They also carry small handmade wooden pieces such as Noah's Arks and desktop accesories. The Joinery is a great place for furniture that will last forever!
Spoiled Rotten
Spoiled Rotten is located just across the street from the high end shoe store Haggis McBaggis, so you can spend your whole paycheck in one block! They carry Oilily, Petit Bateau, and many other European children's clothing. They have an extensive selection of European toys from brands like Selecta and Haba, as well as a big selection of Brio trains. We bought our daughter's Stokke highchair here and they gave us exceptional personal service. The staff was friendly and went out of their way to help us find just what we needed. I have returned again and again when we need to find a present for a birthday girl/boy and never been disappointed with the service. They mail out postcards for % off sales.
Haggis Mc Baggis
Haggis McBaggis always has the cutest window displays! They are known through out the city for their selection of high-end European children's shoes. They carry Elefanten, Primigi, and many others. The shoes are quite expensive, but if you can catch a sale, you can actually get nice shoes at the end of the season. They have a little play area for children, so parents can shop and kids can stay busy. They also have a small selection of socks, tights, and locally designed clothing. They have pajamas from time to time as well. The staff is very friendly and welcoming to children and parents alike.
Portland Classical Chinese Garden
The Portland Chinese Garden is a stunning sanctuary in the middle of Old Town. You would never know it was there if you only looked at the surrounding, semi-rundown area, but the garden is an oasis. It stretches a block long and it is a perfect place to bring family from out of town, or children for a special day. It is meticulously kept and a calm place to gaze at your surroundings. They have a tea room and a very nice gift shop. Occasionally, they have activities and art-making days for children. They also have a parade once a year. The Chinese Garden also has coupons for dollars off admission in the Chinook Book!
Voodoo Doughnut
Voodoo Doughnut is well worth the wait on a Saturday night. They have the most bizarre assortment of doughnuts and sweet treats you will find on the West Coast. Some of their more well known ingredients include Tang and bacon. I have also seen doughnuts decorated with cereal and shaped in uh anatomical varieties. Voodoo Doughnut is tucked away by Berbati's Pan and is not very noticeable as you pass it. Hard to find parking on the weekends, but it worth the walk of several blocks to get a fresh, warm Voodoo Doughnut.
Oblation Papers & Press
If you are looking for Christmas cards no one else will be sending, or monogrammed stationery, this is the shop for you! They not only have an extensive selection of gifts, greetings cards, unique calendars, and envelopes, Oblation Papers has a fully functioning printing business. You can watch them operating the printing press while you shop. You can order specialized wedding invitations, birth announcements, or notecards. This store is very classy and has every kind of ephemera for the paper fanatic!