Both are “coastal” cities (one on a river, one on the ocean), both are enjoying sweater weather at this time of year, and both are relaxed and lively with culture but without pretense. The two cities are on opposite sides of the country, a whopping 3,215 miles apart. If you have the chance, check out Portland Maine and Portland Oregon and compare your experiences!

The view from our table at McCormick and Schmicks, Portland Oregon.

Portland Oregon

Best place to eat: McCormick & Schmicks Harborside at the Marina. The shot above was taken directly to my right as we sat at our table on a lovely summer day. I had the steamed clams and the rare Ahi nicoise salad, and both were excellent.

Best place to sleep: The Hotel Lucia in downtown Portland is such a neat, atypical place to stay. It’s downright cozy, yet has a young and upbeat atmosphere. It’s certainly one of the more stylish hotels I’ve ever seen. Since you’re within walking distance of so much you probably won’t want to eat in, but their on-site restaurant/bar is great for a quick cocktail or full-menu room service.

Best thing to see: Washington Park sits high atop a hill above the city and offers spectacular views. Visit the International Rose Test Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Hoyt Arboretum all in one lovely day.

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Home brewing — the fine art of making your own beer in your garage or basement — has been gaining in popularity in suburbs across America over the last several years. Also gaining ground? Family vacations focused on finding the best beer, or at least the best brewery. Make the rounds of the samplers at local breweries in these three destinations.

Portland, Maine – your grandparents might have come for the leaf-peeping, but today Portland is making a name for itself as a hotbed of fermentation. Half a dozen craft breweries are found in this New England town, including the Peak Organic Brewing Company. Book your visit for February and you can catch the Bartenders Bash.

Portland, Oregon – same name, different coast, an equally impressive collection of microbreweries to tour. The beer scene is hopping in the Pacific Northwest and wannabe brew masters can often find local events centered around tastings and competitions. Check out PortladBeer.org before your trip to get current updates.

Denver, Colorado - home of the Great American Beer Festival each fall, Denver is the domestic holy land for beer lovers. Take the Denver Microbrew Tour to take in all the sights with a designated driver. Reward the kids for good behavior (and patience) by taking them on an epic bike ride along Denver’s miles of gorgeous trails before heading home.

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... is all you need!

That’s right, I said deals. As in more than one.

If you’re thinking about getting away this Valentine’s Day with that special someone, here are some romantic hotel and spa deals for you: Read More »

Lobby or gallery? Both.

Thinking about visiting Oregon for your romantic Valentine’s Day getaway? We’ve got the spot for you. The Hotel Lucia in downtown Portland features amenities and service that set it apart from the competition. It is classy without being stuffy, and the personalized attention makes guests feel totally pampered. And then there is the artwork.

The lobby, hallways and hotel rooms are adorned with the Pulitzer-prize winning photographs of David Hume Kennerly. It’s enough to make one consider knocking on the suite of a stranger just to continue the tour of Kennerly’s work. However, on behalf of the other guests we ask that you control yourself.

The Hotel Lucia is currently offering a Valentine’s Day special called “Turning Up the Heat” that starts with rose petals and ends with breakfast in bed. What you do in the meantime is none of our business.

When my wife and I were guests of the hotel it was in the summer. We wore shorts and spent our days walking through the city. We sweat a lot. We were afraid that we might not fit in at the Hotel Lucia. However, unlike other boutique hotels that seem above such things, the Lucia never batted an eye. They just opened the door, invited us in or wished us well, and they always called us by name. That’s a nice touch.

The city of Portland is very walkable and friendly. However, if you desire a faster mode of transportation the public offerings are safe, clean and efficient.

If you’re hungry and/or in need of a drink, the Typhoon! Restaurant and Bo Bistro are both run by Chef Bo Kline, who is something of a hotshot in the culinary world. One bite and you’ll know why.

Turning your Hotel Lucia stay into a Valentine’s Day treat is as easy as being there. The lavish offerings and attention to detail surround you.  The food and drink set the perfect mood.  A walk in the city, whether browsing paperbacks in the gigantic Powell’s Books, shopping in one of the many fine stores or standing in line for two hours at Voodoo Donuts, is exhilarating (well, once you get the actual donuts).

All that’s needed for romance is you. And your date.

Follow the Hotel Lucia on Twitter (and UpTake, too!).

To learn more about Portland and the Pacific Northwest, listen to The Life Cascadia on PDX.FM. I show up there now and again.