|
Strictly for smaller kids
Since this is the only thing Portland's got as far as amusement parks go, it'll have to do. But it's really for the younger kids only; thrill-seekers and most over 10 won't find Oaks Park anything to...
Since this is the only thing Portland's got as far as amusement parks go, it'll have to do. But it's really for the younger kids only; thrill-seekers and most over 10 won't find Oaks Park anything to write home about. The county fairs that come into town in summer are far superior to Oaks. As operating costs--and liability insurance premiums--have increased, so have prices. There are still two-for-one days (which, I think, are Tuesdays) but what I remember as being a cheap place to hang out with the kids no longer is such a great deal. The bracelets (which allow entrance on most, if not all, rides for one flat fee) are the way to go. There's a huge roller-skating rink and picnicking--with your own food--is allowed. There's lots of shade and it's a pretty mellow place. Check out their Web site before you go--the latest specials and deals are posted.
Hide
|
|
Sears Tower Observation Deck
Everyone's heard of the Sears Tower; it's arguably the most famous landmark in Chicago. Right in the heart of the Financial District, this is an easy attraction to get to. Paying an $11 admission fee...
Everyone's heard of the Sears Tower; it's arguably the most famous landmark in Chicago. Right in the heart of the Financial District, this is an easy attraction to get to. Paying an $11 admission fee gets you up to the 103rd floor, to the observation deck. The elevator that takes you there does so in an amazing 45 seconds (!). Once on the top, you'll be able to ogle Chicago from every possible angle, thanks to the all-glass paneling on the deck. The price is a little steep for the 15 or so minutes you'll spend up there, but the views are extraordinary; you can see up to 30 miles on a clear day. This or the John Hancock is a must for Chicago visitors; residents might find it a bit too corny.
Be advised that lines get realllly long on weekends; a great time to go is early-evening on a weeknight. You might not have to wait in line at all. And remember to bring your camera--photo-ops abound! Another tip: you can definitely skip the 10-minute movie they try to show you before you ascend to the top; it's a complete waste of time.
Hide
|
|
Lynne gets results, but they may not be worth it
When my puppy was young, I took him to Good Puppy, Good Dog for some training. The proprietor, Lynne, is very knowledgeable--there's no doubt about that--and I'm sure Beckett is a better dog for...
When my puppy was young, I took him to Good Puppy, Good Dog for some training. The proprietor, Lynne, is very knowledgeable--there's no doubt about that--and I'm sure Beckett is a better dog for going to see her, but I will never take another puppy here.
Lynne is one of the most difficult people I've ever had to deal with in my life. She's boastful and completely sure that she's right 100% of the time, which means, of course, that you're often wrong. Everything you do is wrong, from the name you give your dog to the leash you use to the food you feed. Praising dogs is bad. Loving dogs is bad. And on and on. I couldn't stand her tirades any longer and finally stopped going to puppy classes. She does the whole hard sell thing, too, practically forcing the brand of food she sells on you.
But like I said, she gets results. Her dogs are very well-behaved and I'm sure mine would be better had we stuck it out. Also offers dog boarding.
Hide
|
|
Support your local pet store!
Natural Pet carries a lot of great stuff for animals--the best foods, toys, and other accessories. They are fairly expensive, but your pet's health is worth it, right? My basset hound--a breed that...
Natural Pet carries a lot of great stuff for animals--the best foods, toys, and other accessories. They are fairly expensive, but your pet's health is worth it, right? My basset hound--a breed that has a propensity for obesity--is fit and trim thanks in large part to a brand of food I've only found at Natural Pet. I much prefer this shop to the huge, impersonal chains that dominate the landscape. The staff here is friendly and knowledgeable and pet owners themselves (the store owner has a trio of beautiful boxers that she often brings with her). Open weekends, plenty of parking, large store where leashed pets are welcome.
Hide
|
|
Honest car repairs...really!
My relatively new car was making a fun sound, so I took it here to get a diagnosis. The technician took a look and about five minutes later told me what was wrong (a bolt had popped off of the cover...
My relatively new car was making a fun sound, so I took it here to get a diagnosis. The technician took a look and about five minutes later told me what was wrong (a bolt had popped off of the cover that keeps the oil pan in place; thus, the cover was dragging and making the sound). He told me he could fix it for $55, or I could take it to a competent male (my neighbor), who could get the job done for about $2 if I went and bought a replacement bolt. So I did and I saved over $50 thanks to the employee's candid assessment. If I have any car-related problems, I will definitely take my car to Orchards Muffler.
Hide
|
|
Great service, employees
I took my car here because of a "dinging" noise I kept hearing. The car is pretty new and still under warranty, but the dealership folks told me it was nothing to worry about. I wasn't convinced, so...
I took my car here because of a "dinging" noise I kept hearing. The car is pretty new and still under warranty, but the dealership folks told me it was nothing to worry about. I wasn't convinced, so I took it to John's, based on a recommendation from a friend. I'm glad I did! There was a screw missing from my oil pan, causing it to drag on the ground. It took them all of a minute to find the problem and another 15 to fix it...for FREE. I'll definitely come back if I have another car problem. John's specializes in German cars, like Audis and VWs.
Hide
|
|
Best in Vancouver!
The very best thing about Brewed Awakenings is that they provide FREE wi-fi! (Compare to Starbucks, which charges something like $5/hour.) They have a fireplace, a comfy couch, and overstuffed...
The very best thing about Brewed Awakenings is that they provide FREE wi-fi! (Compare to Starbucks, which charges something like $5/hour.) They have a fireplace, a comfy couch, and overstuffed chairs. It's like home with service. In case you don't bring your laptop, you can use their computer gratis. My goodness! They carry all the normal coffee stuff, the best iced tea in town, and wonderful hot tea that I've found nowhere else. Ice cream, other desserts, and pastries are served here, too. It's usually not very crowded, especially in the evenings.
Hide
|
|
Best bakery in Vancouver
Larson's carries cakes and cinnamon rolls to die for, and the prices are very good. They serve breakfast and lunch, too, but their cakes are what makes them famous. I can't put into words how...
Larson's carries cakes and cinnamon rolls to die for, and the prices are very good. They serve breakfast and lunch, too, but their cakes are what makes them famous. I can't put into words how wonderful they are; they look great and taste even better. Huge variety. A Larson's cake is the best part of a birthday!
Hide
|
|
Bundt cake, anyone?
This beats other bakeries in the area because they ship their creations anywhere in the country. You can order up to a month in advance (helpful for me in February, when practically everyone I know...
This beats other bakeries in the area because they ship their creations anywhere in the country. You can order up to a month in advance (helpful for me in February, when practically everyone I know has a birthday, and I can place multiple orders in one trip). They sell homemade, hand-decorated cookies and cakes in many varieties, all of which are excellent (especially the carrot which, unlike others, does not contain raisins). Birthday cakes come with a bag of confetti and noise makers, with the option of adding plastic cups, silverware, and plates for some extra $. They are lavishly--often too much so--decorated and personalized with the message of your choice.
Creative Cakery is a no-brainer when I want to mail a cake to friends and relatives out of the area, but I prefer Larson's Bakery, just down the street, for sweets that I'll consume.
Hide
|
|
|