Portland!

try getting out of the city and on some beaten paths! Portland has awesome nature a very short drive outside the city.

The nickel arcade was also really fun. Have a few drinks and roll in with a pocket full of nickels. I had a blast.

The farmers markets were amazing too. Great local produce and really innovative homemade stuff.

Hope the trip is good!

i was there last month for work and had a great time. you definitely want to check out some live music, and drink some local beers. check out the Pearl district for swanky loft stuff, the 23rd area for hipster clothes. Hawthorne is the area that is a bit more affordable hipster-- that's where a lot of the bands live like members of Sleater-Kinney and Decemberists. You must make a pilgrimage to Powell's, one of the country's best bookstores. It is as big as the Strand (maybe bigger?) with great service, relaxed atmosphere, good prices. One thing I wanted to do but couldn't is visit the statue of Ramona Quimby in one of the parks, since Beverly Cleary lived nearby. Awww. And you'll want to give "northwest" style food a try. think lots of salmon.

have fun! i LOVE portland!

As a native oregonian, and portlander, I feel especially qualified to answer this question. If you're looking for things off the beaten path SKIP 23rd and the Pearl district. (if you insist on hitting the pearl go the Henry's Tavern...something like 200 beers on tap) You'll find better shopping & food here in NYC. Powells is worth a visit and blows strand out of the water! By alot! If you want something funky and fun hit up North Portland, lots of chill dive bars, micro brews, and bbq's. If you're in town for 1st thursday go to the Alberta gallery walk. Hit up La Saranita or La Bonita for a burrito the size of your face! Better than any mexican you can get in NYC. Another tip...hit up Fong Chong Co for Dim Sum on sunday morning...very good and close to powells.

The natural stuff really is the highlight though. You're about 45 minutes away from Seaside on the coast, although manzanita and cannon beach are both MUCH nicer. You're also about 45 mins the other way from any number of fantastic hikes in the gorge. Bridle Vail and Horsetail falls are my personal favs.

Another must is gonna be the rose garden/japanese gardens. Both overlook the city and will be beautiful on a nice day. May and June are the best times to be in Portland weather wise so you'll probably catch a wonderful Northwest spring day.

Ok I've now written a novel. Enjoy the NW, you'll get spoiled and never want to come back to NYC.