Forget April in Paris. The best place to be this time of year is Portland. This month heralds the eagerly anticipated return of the Portland Farmers Market, Indie Wine Festival, and the delight of outdoor dining at sidewalk cafés and restaurants all across the city. Stick a fork in winter (it’s officially done), and head to Portland for good times galore.

Get fresh — really fresh — at Portland Farmers Market. A true showcase of Northwest agriculture and artisan food, this bustling bazaar has been bringing the best of the country to the heart of the city since 1992. Connect with dozens of vendors with deep roots in Oregon, including farms, nurseries, bakeries, meat and seafood providers, cheese makers and specialty food producers.
More info > >

Meet the next generation of winemakers emerging from cellars all across Oregon at the Portland Indie Wine Festival. The annual event highlights the state’s small, independent wineries — boutique producers with a total annual production of 2,000 cases or fewer. Hotel and ticket package available > >

In a city where dining alfresco has been elevated to an art form, it’s not easy keeping track of the scores of restaurants and sidewalk cafés where you’re free to sip espresso with your dog at your feet or slurp a cup of soup under the stars. Thankfully, someone has compiled a detailed list of all the places where you can enjoy the pleasures of dining out in the open air. Introducing the Portland Outdoor Dining Guide, from Food Dude of PortlandFoodandDrink.com. Learn more > >

Give her a Mother's Day gift to remember with our special Portland Rose Festival Mother's Day offer. See the all-floral floats (featuring 1,636,422 flowers) of the KeyBank Grand Floral Parade on Saturday, June 7, from the comfort of a reserved seat at the Memorial Coliseum. You'll save 20 percent off reserved tickets when you book a stay with a participating hotel by the week of Mother's Day (offer good through May 16).

How do you watch a parade from inside the Coliseum, you ask? Every parade entry passes through the Coliseum — with ticket holders enjoying climate-controlled comfort — before hitting the streets for the rest of the four-mile route. Mom will love the amenities, and relish the memories of a perfect parade experience. Book your stay >>

Celebrate the beautiful colors, cuisine, arts, music and folklore of Mexico — without leaving downtown Portland. The largest festival of its kind in North America, the four-day Cinco de Mayo Fiesta attracts more than 300,000 visitors every year. Highlights include opening-night fireworks, carnival rides, and daily performances by perennial favorites from Guadalajara — Ballet Folklorico and Mariachi. More info > >

Time is running out, so take advantage of this great deal now. Use any American Express® Card to make a reservation at a participating hotel and 20% will automatically be subtracted from your total room rate.

Offer valid for stays through May 15, 2008. Book your stay >>

Portland’s Sellwood neighborhood was once known exclusively for its incredible concentration of antique and collectible shops — but not anymore. In recent years, this cozy, fashionable little part of town has welcomed dozens of new cutting-edge stores and boutiques to complement its famous Antique Row. All along Southeast Milwaukie and 13th avenues, you’ll find shops selling handmade jewelry, designer clothing, candles, bath products, objects for your home — even gifts and apparel for children. Did we miss anything? Yep. Shopping is always tax-free in Portland. More on the shopping & fashion blog > >

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