Labor Day Ideas in Portland 2010

Artsy, tattooed Northeast neighbors sit elbow to elbow on the dog-friendly outdoor patio at this Alberta Street cafe. Mornings bring plates of sweet potato French toast and veggie-studded scrambles but by the time the afternoon happy hour rolls around, the hip patrons have moved on to fish tacos, free-range burgers and mojitos, basil martinis and pomegranate cosmos.

Eastsiders who can't make it to wine country for a whirlwind tour can sample a wide range of local and international wines at this fourth-story wine bar. Plus, September is likely the last chance oenophiles will get to sit on the outdoor patio and take in the stunning downtown view with a glass of wine in hand.

Even when you snag a travel deal, a ticket to the City of Lights costs a pretty penny. Parisian-loving Portlanders who can't afford the fare head instead to this tucked-away French bistro where a sunny terrace invites them to linger over plates of pommes frites, baked escargot and rabbit terrine.

Though this downtown restaurant sits on a main drag, it's a charming destination for outdoor eating thanks to a flower-lined patio overlooking the Hawthorne Bridge. An after-work crowd and weekend brunch goers fill the patio in search of Pacific Northwest-style cuisine and wines from a budget-friendly by-the-glass list that ensures they can enjoy an alfresco glass or two without spending the last chunk of their summertime budget.

Families and outdoor-loving couples flood familiar hiking destinations (Multnomah Falls ring a bell?) every Labor Day weekend. Better to head to the shady, tree-lined trails that run through and around the grounds to ensure you'll have plenty of space to roam.

A sand (and saltwater taffy) obsessed population make the 80-odd-mile drive to this charming little beach community for a weekend stay filled with walks on the beach, bowls of clam chowder and sand castle building contests. For a more upscale beach weekend, check out EVOO Cannon Beach Cooking School or the romantic, beachfront Stephanie Inn.

Just miles outside Portland, the ?wine highway? connects a string of quaint little towns (and noteworthy chef-owned eateries) with plenty of winery stops in between. The Pinot Noir collecting crowds will be present for sure but with most wineries opening their doors for Labor Day weekend celebrations, there are plentiful places to visit and plentiful wine to taste.

It's a short, steep, hike to the top of this eastside park but worthwhile for picnickers who desire a hilltop meal and sweeping city views. And with its kid-friendly playgrounds, wide bike paths and dirt trails, this shady destination can provide a day's worth of activities for your three-day weekend off.