With the holidays comes the winter vacation season.
And while many are still strapped for cash in today's sluggish economy, some adventurous travelers can't help but want to get away, even if for just a long weekend.
That's why BIZ is highlighting some terrific LGBT getaways for this winter season, starting with fun-loving Portland, Oregon.
About Portland
One of the "greenest" cities in the world, Portland is known for its preservation of land for parks and gardens. The city's progressive atmosphere makes it a haven for cultural diversity, especially for LGBT residents and visitors. And its geography—not far from the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, and mountainous regions such as Mount Hood—make for sights and activities as diverse as the crowds that gather there year-round.
"The city is very LGBT friendly," said Michael Long, president of the Portland Area Business Association, Portland's LGBT chamber of commerce. "I'm always amazed when I drive down the street and see same-sex couples holding hands openly. There are so many great things you can do in Portland, and you can really go anywhere and feel comfortable."
Shopping
Those who are looking to get some holiday shopping done while on vacation will find Portland—like the rest of the sales-tax-free state of Oregon—a great place to save some money, especially in the city's retail-filled neighborhoods.
Portland's Pearl District is the place to find trendy fashion boutiques and gift shops, and is home to the historic Powell's City of Books—which spans a whole city block and claims to be the world's largest independent bookstore.
The city's Hawthorne District, which is Portland's most concentrated lesbian area, is known for its vintage clothing boutiques, used books and magazine shops, local clothing designers and craft stores. In nearby Sellwood, antiques abound with more than 50 shops and several antique malls.
The Nob Hill/Northwest neighborhood, specifically Northwest 23rd Ave., is filled with upscale clothing boutiques and other high-end retail stores.
Referred to as Portland's most "visibly gay thoroughfare" on TravelPortland.com's LGBT page, Southwest Stark Street and the surrounding Burnside Triangle district is home to many independent retail stores and other gay-friendly small businesses.
Parks and Recreation
Portland may be abundant in retail and other commercial city staples, but with its 37,000 acres of open space, the Portland area is also an ideal place to enjoy the outdoors.
Forest Park, known as America's largest urban wilderness at 5,000 acres, is home to a wealth of wildlife and vegetation that can be explored via the park's 30-mile Wildwood Trail.
The holiday season is the best time to visit the Grotto Gardens, a Catholic shrine and botanical garden that are illuminated with lights during the winter months. Throughout the 62-acre park are reflection ponds and secluded gardens.
Within Washington Park, a classic urban park spanning more than 140 acres, are many attractions, including the Portland Japanese Garden. Known as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, the garden contains five distinct Japanese garden styles, each of which is designed with stones, water and plants to promote a sense of peace, tranquility and a connection with nature.
Also in Washington Park are the Oregon Zoo, which is known for its Asian Elephant breeding program, and the International Rose Test Gardens. While the Rose Test Gardens may not be in full bloom during the winter months, the hillside-set gardens are still enjoyable to visit for the view of Mount Hood behind the downtown Portland skyline, and for the beautiful camellias that begin blooming in December.
Hoyt Arboretum is a collection of trees from around the world, and is used as a resource to conserve plant biodiversity and to educate the public about species that would otherwise be unable to survive in the Portland climate. Within the arboretum are 21 trails covering 12 miles for exploring the more than 1,000 species of trees and other plants grouped by plant families and native geography.
For those who enjoy snow sports, Mount Hood is about an hour outside downtown Portland. The 11,235-foot peak is home to four ski resorts for skiers, snowboarders and hikers, and its surrounding wilderness has excellent trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Arts/Theater
The Portland arts, music and theater scene is so vast and diverse that people of all tastes will find something entertaining.
DO JUMP!, a performing group characterized as "extremely physical theater," will be putting on its new holiday show based on the memoirs of Sunny Lu, a "beautiful orange tabby." In the show, the entirely human cast will create a "one room feline circus," in DO JUMP's unique, Cirque du Soleil-like style.
Based on David Sedaris' commentary of his experience as a Christmas elf at Macy's in New York City, The Santaland Diaries can be seen as a short play put on by Portland Center Stage at the Gerding Theater at the Armory. The production runs through Dec. 27.
Open through Dec. 20, Portland Saturday Market is America's largest open-air crafts market, featuring local handmade crafts and homemade food.
The Q Center, a non-profit organization designed to "increase visibility of and foster connection within" Portland's LGBTQ community, is holding its Winter Gala Saturday Jan. 30 at The Nines hotel ballroom. The gala will feature performances from Tahoe Jackson and The Peter Peterson Orchestra, and will present the winning entries from a local filmmaking contest. Proceeds from ticket sales go to the Q Center's ongoing programming for Portland's LGBTQ community.
First Thursday Gallery Walk is held the first Thursday of every month at the downtown Portland art galleries, to view new exhibits and enjoy an evening of art, wine and music.
Nightlife
Downtown Portland is chock-full of unique bars, coffee houses and breweries.
Bartini on Northwest Glisan Street offers more than 100 distinctive martinis, and serves its own food as well as fondue from the adjacent Urban Fondue.
Home to the longest-running drag show on the west coast is Portland's Darcelle XV Showplace, located on Northwest Third Avenue. During the nightly shows, you can enjoy one of several pasta dishes or prime rib from Darcelle's dinner menu.
The Silverado is Portland's only gay-owned and operated LGBT nightclub, and is located on Southwest Third Avenue.
Embers on Northwest Broadway is a popular LGBT meeting place, with drag performances throughout the week, and dancing daily.
Where to Stay
There is no shortage of accommodations in Portland, but a handful of hotels in the area are Travel Alternatives Group-approved (TAG), meaning they agree to not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation in their employment practices, provide diversity and sensitivity training for employees, and empower guests and staff to be "watchdogs" of their business practices.
If you book a two-night stay at participating TAG-approved hotels through June 30, 2010, you will receive Portland Perks—which include free overnight parking, continental breakfast for two, and a Portland Perks coupon book) and a $75 American Express Gift card upon check-in). Here are some of the participating TAG-approved hotels:
Marriott Portland City Center is located on Southwest Broadway in the heart of downtown near great shopping, museums, dining and nightlife. The Marriott's central location provides easy access to Portland's MAX Light Rail system for convenient travel around the city.
The Hilton Portland & Executive Tower, the west coast's largest certified "green" hotel, is also at the city center on Southwest Sixth Avenue. Features include an in-hotel restaurant and bar, full-service business center with 24-hour access with room key, and athletic club with an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, fitness equipment, sauna and steam room.
The Mark Spencer, also a Green Seal Certified hotel, is located on Southwest 11th Avenue. Self-proclaimed "Portland's hotel to the arts," the Mark Spencer supports the arts by hosting performers and artists, and will assist guests who are interested in enjoying the city's arts scene with reservations using one of several theater and arts packages the hotel offers—most of which include two tickets to various performances and/or museums. The hotel offers afternoon tea and cookies in addition to complimentary continental breakfast, and features select pet-friendly rooms.
The Courtyard by Marriott Portland Lloyd Center/Downtown, located on Northeast Wasco Street, has high-speed Internet access, a full-service business center, fitness center, pool, and same-day dry cleaning services. The hotel features a full-service restaurant and bar that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in addition to room service, and offers a free shuttle service to downtown Portland.
See the complete listing of Portland's TAG-approved accommodations.
For more information about Portland and its LGBT community, visit the Portland Area Business Association's website.
