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he Greater Portland region offers an ideal combination of urban and outdoor adventures. The city of Portland is compact and walkable, with distinctive neighborhoods, a vibrant downtown and great views of nearby Mount Hood. West of the city are the farms and vineyards of Washington County wine country and scenic Highway 30, which meanders along the Columbia River toward Astoria and the Pacific Ocean. To the east are historic Oregon City and the rolling foothills of Mount Hood. And in every corner, Greater Portland offers top-notch places to stay the night, from historic properties to hip hotels.

Ride the Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) light rail from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Pioneer Courthouse Square, then walk to the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower. The city’s largest Green Seal-certified hotel is located in the heart of Portland’s Cultural District. With no sales tax in Oregon, downtown Portland is a shopper’s delight: all the names and brands you love, plus unique stores you can find only here. In the heart of downtown, you'll find Pioneer Place – four city blocks filled with shopping, dining and entertainment.

One of the newest additions to downtown is the Ace Hotel, a modern vintage hotel. It’s one of a new breed of hip boutiques where cool has nothing to do with what’s in design magazines. If you like eclectic, this is the place for you. And it won’t break your budget.

Proclaimed a “bibliophile’s mother lode” by The Washington Post, Powell's City of Books is an independent bookstore that fills a whole city block in the Pearl District with more than a million new, used and out-of-print books. Open 365 days a year.

Jake’s Famous Crawfish, considered one of the top 10 seafood restaurants in the nation, has been a downtown Portland landmark for more than 115 years. Every day, Jake’s features a variety of fresh fish and seafood, and serves fresh Pacific Northwest products in a traditional and timeless presentation.

Washington Park, located just minutes from downtown, is home to a cluster of popular attractions, including the Oregon Zoo, which features animals from around the world. Families will also enjoy the hands-on exhibits at the Portland Children’s Museum and World Forestry Center Discovery Museum.

The Portland Japanese Garden, also nestled in Washington Park, has been proclaimed one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Encompassing 5.5 acres and offering five separate garden styles, the garden includes an authentic teahouse, meandering streams, intimate walkways and an unsurpassed view of Mount Hood.

Historic Oregon City, south of Portland, was the end of the Oregon Trail and the original capital of the Oregon Territory. Tour the McLoughlin House, home of city founder Dr. John McLoughlin, known as the “Father of Oregon,” and see how the good doctor lived more than 150 years ago.

Escape from the city with Scappoose Bay Kayaking. Take a guided tour or rent a kayak for your own adventure on wetlands and open waters surrounded by herons, cranes and other wildlife. Sample local food and microbrews before retiring to your B & B, hotel or campground.

Letterboxing Adventures Forest Grove engages visitors in a low-tech activity that combines hiking and orienteering with treasure hunting. Letterboxers use clues to find small hidden stamps and logbooks, decipher secret codes, and solve trivia and puzzles — all on six rural acres in Washington County.

Jimmy Mak's is “one of the world's top 100 places to hear jazz,” as recognized by Down Beat magazine. Esquire magazine describes the club as “an elegant, two-tiered showroom … a dream venue for performers and audiences.” Located in Portland's Pearl District, Jimmy Mak’s is a must-visit for jazz aficionados.