There's more to do in Portland than any one webpage could ever cover, but in addition to our top 10 things to do, here's a few more ideas:

1. Gorge yourself on burgers and beer at the Mission Theater.
   You'll never be satisfied with a bucket of popcorn again. At the Mission Theater, patrons watch movies while drinking brew and eating juicy hamburgers! Everyone orders before the movie, then waiters serve the meals during the flick. The theater is playhouse style – large open floor with tables and chairs and a balcony with conventional movie theatre seats.

   If you're on the eastside of town, you can get a similar experience at the Mission's sister operation – the Bagdad Theater and Pub.

2. Kick Back at Jimmy Mak's Jazz Bar.
   You just have to walk within a few blocks of Jimmy Mak's to know people are having a good time inside. The doors are always wide open and the swank, bopping rhythm of jazz fills the entire neighborhood. Not the best place for food – they serve a mediocre Greek dish – people come to Jimmy Mak's for one reason only: the music.

3. People Watch at the Waterfront.
   Some people get hooked on the Discovery Channel, but if you ask me, the most fascinating of all creatures on this planet is the incredible human being. Portland's waterfront attracts a wide variety of the denizens this amazing species. You get business people taking strolls to unwind, punks doing drug deals, lovers mauling each other as they overlook the Willamette River, joggers, children, vagrants, you name it – voyeur central, bring your binoculars!

4. Catch a play at Portland's Center for Performing Arts.
   Enrich your life with a night at Portland's Center for Performing Arts. Portland is renowned for its art scene and the center features the best plays, operas and musicals the city has to offer. Like their motto promises: "Nights of passion, no regrets in the morning." The center has four theaters, ranking it the fifth-largest such venue in the nation.

5. Go fishing.
   The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's "Weekly Recreation Report" has good news for eager anglers. Mild weather these past few months had kept fall Chinook and early-arriving winter Steelhead at the coast. Biologists expect the series of rainstorms that have recently hit the Portland Metro Area should draw these fish upstream, resulting in good returns in the city's rivers. Steelhead angling areas are located in the mainstream Willamette River above the Willamette Falls (Oregon City and areas south), Clackamas River (flows from Mt. Hood National Forest into the Willamette River at Oregon City) and Sandy River (30 miles east of Portland).

   For fishing permits, fishing regulations, maps or guide services, check out any of Portland's G.I. Joe's Sports and Auto Stores. Permits are $19.75 and are good through December 31.

   G.I. Joe's Locations (www.gijoes.com)

   • 3900 SE 82nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97266; +1 (503) 777 4526, or
   • 1140 N Hayden Meadows Drive, Portland, OR 97217, +1 (503) 283 0318
   For equipment and permits closer to the rivers, check out Fisherman's Marine Supply located in the Oregon City Shopping Center on McLoughlin Blvd. (Hwy. 99E) just across the street from the Clackamas and Willamette Rivers or Jack's Snacks and Tackle at 1208 E Historic Columbia River in Troutdale near the Sandy River.

6. Get wild at the Oregon Zoo
   The Oregon Zoo is fun for people of all ages. During the month of December, the annual Zoolights Festival turns the entire park into a winter wonderland of holiday lights, live music and puppet shows. Walk along the scenic paths visiting all seven continents and viewing more than a thousand animals in their native habitats. Fall and winter are excellent times to see the animals because they are usually playing with each other or out wandering around their habitats, unlike during the warmer months when the heat drives them into the shadows for summer siestas.

   As you pass by the elephant house, be sure to grab an elephant ear (fried bread topped with your choice of cinnamon and sugar or jam). They may clog an artery or two, but they are a real treat. The Oregon Zoo provides self-guided tours with audio aids. Or simply read the information on each plaque. Then catch the zoo train for a winding scenic ride through forested hillsides to Washington Park, the Rose Gardens and the Japanese Gardens. Getting to the zoo is easy. Simply take the Max Light Rail and get off at the Washington Park stop (Oregon Zoo entrance) or hop on Tri-Met Bus #63: Washington Park at its downtown stop on Main Street between 4th and 5th Avenues.

   Admission:

   • Adults (12-64), $7.50
   • Seniors (65 and older), $6.00
   • Children (3-11), $4.50
   • Infants (2 and under), FREE

7. Go 'round in circles Oaks Amusement Park & Roller Skating Rink
   At 97-years-old, Oaks Park is one of the oldest continuously operating amusement parks in America, and it is a great place for adults and kids alike to have some good, old-fashioned fun. During the spring, summer and early fall, the park operates rides for every level of thrill seeker. For those adrenaline junkies who like to feel the G-forces pushing their bodies against the safety harness, try The Looping Thunder Roller Coaster or The Scream-N-Eagle. For those with tamer tastes, zooming along in the go-carts or spinning around The Tea Cups may be more your cup of tea.
   • Gate Admission is FREE
   • Limited Ride Bracelet $9.95 (excludes Looping Thunder, Bumper Cars and Scream-N-Eagle)
   • Deluxe Ride Bracelet $12.50
   • Ride Tickets: 1 for $1.50; 7 for $9

   During the winter months the rides are not in operation, but the roller skating rink is a popular hang-out for young'uns and teens. The wood floor measures 100ft x 200ft and is kept in excellent condition. Rumor has it that the floor even floats when the Willamette River floods! Some days the rink provides DJ music and on other days, skaters are treated to music from the antique Wurlitzer pipe organ that was once suspended over the rink. In-line skates and traditional roller skates are both welcome.

   Admission ranges from $4.50 to $5.75 and includes traditional skate rental. Low profile rentals are $2 and in-line skate rentals are $3. Click here for this month's skating schedule.

   If you find yourself in Portland during the 4th of July, be sure to head down to Oaks Park. The western edge of the park rests along the Willamette River, where every year the city sets off fantastic fireworks shows from a barge in the middle of the river. But be forewarned, the park is packed with people on this day, and parking is horrendous.

   Oaks Park is located in southeast Portland along the Willamette River near the Sellwood Bridge. For directions and interactive map, click here.

Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our North America Insiders page.