There are many great memories of those days gone by, but, oddly enough, the memory of the hot sweltering summer weekends with mosquitoes galore sticks out like a sore thumb in my mind. Endless cans of bug repellent used to ward of our tiny attackers still had very little affect.

What those days taught me were two things, one, no amount of bug repellent is formulated well enough to keep them off of you and two, invest in a screen tent. When we purchased our first screen tent, many, many years ago, it would hardly even stand up to the quality of some of today's standards, but it did provide us the protection we were looking for from the flying insects.

Now that I am a father and love to take my kids camping, I refuse to let them go through the buggy days of summer that I went through, although my dad jokingly says it made me stronger. I said it just made me itch more.

I use a screen tent with every trip. I set it up on the site over top of the picnic table and because I have a 12x12 tent it is large enough to store a lot of things underneath the tent so I do not have to constantly put things away at the end of the night and pull them out first thing in the morning.

I do this not because I think bugs will infiltrate my camping gear but because the screen tent is also a great protector from the rain. Needless to say I have gone camping where I stood out in the rain in my poncho. Oh the oodles of fun it was, ok, well not really, but it does make me appreciate the screen tent that much more.

If you are new to camping, maybe thinking about getting into it or even a seasoned veteran, spend the few extra dollars and get yourself a screen tent. It will be money well spent. Trust me on that!

Ok so it won't make you go hug trees or anything but being outdoors and just taking it all in is really enjoyable. If you have ever gone camping then you know what I am talking about.

Enough with that let's get down to what we really wanted to discuss and that is the tent you are going to buy to use and sleep in. As I am sure you are aware there are so many brand names and varieties to choose from these days. Most are pretty good but really anything that says Coleman on it is sure to be quality. Ozark is a generic brand that is made specifically for Wal-mart and I believe Greatland is Target's version.

Regardless of which ever you choose they are sure to be adequate so you need to focus in on your needs. The first question is how big should it be? That is determined by the number of people that will be sleeping in it. If the tent says it sleeps four chances are it only sleeps two adults. So count on buying a tent that says it sleeps more than what you really need. The rule of thumb that I use is this, if you are looking for a tent that sleeps four, then add two to your number and buy a tent that sleeps six. This will guarantee you the room that you need.

Along the lines with sleeping room, what about height? Most tents are very short meaning it is uncomfortable to change in but lately they have been making more and more tents that you can stand up in. I own a tent that you can stand up in, but then again I am fairly tall and hate to hunch over when I change. The choice is yours.

Another thing to look for is ease of use in setting up. If the tent is of any type of dome construction it will be easy to set up and can be done rather quickly which is important if you arrive and it starts to rain. Although tents that are not of dome variety have other amenities that make it more attractive to buy such as more side room, keep in mind there are more steps to erecting the tent.

There are also other features on tents that could sway your decision if you are having trouble deciding between a few of them, such as smaller zippered windows that give you access to the outside of the tent, a see through roof top to look at the stars from within your tent to name just a couple. Again it all depends on what you really want.

Now that you have a basic understanding of what is involved in tent shopping and what is available to you, the best thing to do is go hit the stores and see what they have available and which tents are in your price range.

To sit around a campfire and watch the orange glow and the smell of pine as the wood crackles underneath a clear star filled sky is the ultimate in relaxation.

Whether you are going on your first camping trip or your 100th the Internet has made it possible to do a lot of research on where you are going before you get there. I have been on many camping trips and have been to dozes on different campgrounds, but although I have my favorites I am always looking for something new.

The feel of being at a different campground is exciting. It is like being en explorer as you head off in the wilderness. Ok maybe I am exaggerating a bit but you get the point.

To find new places what I like to do is check out a few different websites where others have already camped. Previous campers get a chance to rate different campgrounds and write in what they thought was good or bad about the place. It is about as honest of a review system that you are going to get. You will read anything from “the campground was a disaster” to “it was the best campground ever” and everything in between. You'll need to read the reviews and decide for yourself which are reviews that have some value and which are made by disgruntled people who find fault in everything they do in life. You know what I mean.

A couple good sites that I check out are RVParkReviews, CampgroundReport and RVBuddy. I just want you to keep in mind that I have no affiliation to any of these sites whatsoever other than I frequent them from time to time to read some reviews.

Each has their own means of letting others review campgrounds and RV parks from around the country. It has been a while since I camped outside of the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware area, but if the opportunity of camping in another state ever arises I know I can go to one of these sites, select the state I will be camping in, narrow it down to the exact area I want to go to and read the reviews.

These websites make it nice to read real people's opinion of different campgrounds and what they have to offer. I also recommend that if you have done a lot of camping or are going to do a lot of camping you also should participate in reviewing the places you have been. It is only right that if you are going to use these sites for your gain you should help others out as well.

So I raise my Coleman Thermos Mug, filled with *cough* Coffee *cough*, and wish you and your family a great camping trip. Cheers!

So what does all this mean? It simply means you should be doing more camping. However there are varying degrees of difficulties when it comes to camping. You can take the leisurely weekend getaway at a local state park with water and electric hookups, to hiking in to your campsite along the Appalachian Trail where everything you have is all on your back, more on that in a moment.

If you are looking for something in between, maybe you do not want the luxuries of home so that you are given the sense that you are in the great outdoors, yet do not want the feeling that you will be living off of tree bark for three days, do not worry, those options exist as well.

I recently camped with my brother, father and a family friend at Pennsylvania's Promised Land State Park. I would categorize this campground into the latter part of what I just wrote. We did not have water and electric hookups so we were left to cook off propane, gas or an open fire (whichever you choose), yet it had bathroom and shower facilities within reasonable distance so not to seem like we were in the middle of nowhere.

Pennsylvania's Rickett's Glenn State Park is the same as Promised Land as noted above. Also I want to mention that both campgrounds have beautiful lakes with acres of water to take a small boat out and go for some pan fish, maybe a pike or a bass or two. If fishing is not your “thing” then the miles of hiking trails they both offer will keep you busy during the day so as not to leave you sitting around the campsite doing nothing.

I mentioned before about hiking into the Appalachian Trail, and although I won't go into detail about my trip (I will save that for a future article), if you are looking for this type of hiking/camping trip, then the Appalachian Trail is a good bet. The trail my friend and I chose was challenging to make it fun, yet not over challenging to make it feel like work. The Appalachian Trail stretches from Maine to Georgia so you can see you have plenty to choose from. Along the way you will encounter much wildlife and various bodies of water. I have heard stories of people hiking the entire trail, although I have never met one personally myself, nor have I ever even come close to hiking the entire trail.

As you can see you have many choices when it comes to enjoying the great outdoors. First figure out what you want to, find out where you can do it and then as Nike says, just do it!

During this “vacation” the herd cattle over rough terrain all the while being tormented by their guide/cowboy Curly, played by Jack Palance. If you haven't seen the movie, you should go and rent it. It is absolutely hilarious and in my opinion one of Crystal's best performances in a comedy.

My friend talked me into going one of these types of vacations. Prior to the trip I was never on a horse, so you could imagine what a culture shock it was for me. Out west we headed to Lozier's Box “R” ranch. I was sized up for my horse and over the course of the next 7 days I learned how to ride a horse and round up cattle.

I can honestly say it was one of the most fun and entertaining vacations I have ever been on. I keep telling my wife when my son gets old enough I am taking him out there. It was the vacation of a lifetime.

Beyond the rounding up cattle you really get to know the family that runs the ranch as well as the other guests staying there. Since the number of guests staying there is held to be under 20, you get that close family type of bond with everybody.

If you are looking to do something different for your next vacation, a working cattle ranch vacation may be a good way to go. Not only do you really enjoy yourself, but the money you pay to go on this vacation goes to the ranches themselves and from what I learned they really need our support.

Ok you are probably thinking I am crazy, but the fact remains it is a good time to get away and save some money. Because the economy is so bad a lot of people have opted out of travel. With the rising costs of hotels, air travel and theme parks, what at one time could have been a $2,000 vacation has suddenly turned into a $4,000 vacation.

I know this may seem a bit contradictory but because of these issues, many people who rent out homes as vacation homes are working great deals. You can easily bring down the price of renting a vacation home by more than 50% which is more than enough to make up for other travel costs.

A friend of mine worked a deal where a house was originally renting for $2,000 for the week in a vacation area along the coast; he was able to get the person down to $700. The best part was how very little negotiating he had to do. Why? Because had the person renting the house not worked with my friend the house would have been vacant and they would have made nothing. $700 sounds a lot better than zero in the rental business.

Sure you will get property owners that will not budge on their price. Chances are these are the homes that might be right on the beach or right on the side of the mountain. That is ok. Remember you a trying to go on vacation and get a great deal, so by pass these people and look for the ones that are interested in working with you.

A good place to start is rental and real estate agencies in the area that you want to visit. They know the ins and outs of what people have to offer. A lot of times you can negotiate directly with them since they are probably managing the property for the owners. Don't be fooled by them when you ask them if they are willing to take a discount and they answer, “No, most owners are not taking discounts right now because the area is renting out well.”

They will tell you that because they want to make the full price. Their commission is based on the amount of rent they get, not what they should be getting. The best response you can give them is to leave your contact information and a price you are willing to pay to rent the home you are interested in. Ask them to forward your information and offer to the owner to see if they will take it.

In many areas of the country they are required by law to submit any and all offers, so chances are they will. As a precaution I would find out who the owner of the property is which you can do through tax records in the town, wait a week and send a letter directly to the owner with your offer. If they did not receive your offer from their manager and liked your offer, the property owner will invariably be upset with the property manager, something the property manager does not want because they need the business.

Obviously the task here is not to create problems or a riff between people, but if you want to save some money, you have to do what you have to do.

You also want to take the time to look on the Internet. There are dozens of great websites out there where people list their homes for rent. You can contact the home owners directly which is better because they are the ones who will make the final decision.

A small tip to getting a good deal is if you could care less of the kind of house that you want, but know when and where you want to go, waiting for last minute deals could be for you. Find a home that has been vacant for a few weeks in the area you are traveling to and the home owner will practically rent the home for free. As a property owner myself nothing bothers me more than having my house sit there with no one in it.

There are great deals out there waiting for you to go get. You know you want to go on vacation with the family you just need to find something affordable. Now is the time to make the best rental house affordable, you just need to go and do it.

Dutchmen's Landing Park in Catskill, New York

Located in Greene County in the mid-Hudson Valley, Dutchmen's Landing Park is a short drive from Catskill's Main Street area. This peaceful mid-Hudson Valley park is right on the Hudson River, and the park's four launch ramps make it a mecca for boaters. There's a lot to see at Dutchmen's Landing, and on a summer afternoon you can spot a variety of interesting boats of all sizes making their way up and down the Hudson.

Dutchmen's Landing is an ideal spot for that family reunion or summer get together. The park is fully equipped with barbeques, picnic tables and benches, and a playground for the kids. The snack bar at Dutchmen's Landing serves the usual summer fare like hamburgers, sandwiches, French fries and onion rings, as well as ice cream and cold drinks. Also check out the summer concert series at Dutchmen's Landing for great live music by popular local bands and performers.

While visiting Dutchmen's Landing in Catskill, don't forget to look across the river to Olana. The Persian castle that was the home of Hudson River School painter Frederic Church is visible in the distance.

The Historic Catskill Point in Catskill, New York

Just a few steps away from Dutchmen's Landing, The Historic Catskill Point is a hub of summer activity in Catskill. Located at the bottom of Main Street and just a short walk from Dutchmen's Landing, The Historic Catskill Point is host to a number of fun, warm weather events.

The warehouse building at The Historic Catskill Point is the location for the Riverside Farmer's and Artisan's Market held on Saturdays during the summer and early fall. There you will find a variety of goods for sale, including fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and baked goods, as well as locally produced art and crafts. Visitors to the Market enjoy music performances as part of "Music at the Market" presented by the Greene County Council on the Arts.

The Historic Catskill Point also hosts a number of festivals throughout the season, such as the Catskill Mountain Ginseng/Medicinal Herb Festival and the Shad Festival. Theatrical performances given by Classics at the Point theater ensemble in the Warehouse at the Point are a highlight of the summer. The popular group returns to The Historic Catskill Point each summer, performing classic plays in a riverside setting.

Catskill Point Park, adjacent to the historic Warehouse at the Point, is a perfect place to sit and enjoy the river. This park is one of those intimate mid-Hudson Valley locations where the visitor is just steps from the Hudson, and the Point offers unobstructed views of the river. During your trip to the park, check out the small maritime center at The Historic Catskill Point that documents the history of the area.

Catskill Point offers no picnicking facilities or refreshments at the park; however, Catskill Point Restaurant and Bar is right next door. Enjoy drinks and dinner from the deck of the Catskill Point Restaurant while you take in the magnificent Hudson River views.

Athens Riverside Park in Athens, New York

The village of Athens is one of the sleepiest little towns in upstate New York; however, it boasts one of the most beautiful, peaceful riverside parks in the mid-Hudson Valley. Located adjacent to The Stewart House hotel and restaurant, the park in Athens offers incredible, clear views of the Hudson River.

There are no picnicking facilities available at Athens Park, but the park offers a pavilion and benches that are a few steps from the Hudson River. The park in Athens is a lovely spot to sit awhile and enjoy the Hudson; after spending time in the park, walk across the street and enjoy a meal at The Stewart House.

Some Athens trivia: the village (and the waterfront area) was a film location for Steven Spielberg's movie War of the Worlds.

Hudson Waterfront Park in Hudson, New York

Hudson Waterfront Park in Hudson, New York is one of the newer riverside parks in the mid-Hudson Valley. Newly created by the City of Hudson and located at the bottom of Warren Street near the Amtrak Station, the Hudson Waterfront Park is a tiny, very intimate recreational area that puts the visitor right on the water.

The most prominent feature of Hudson Waterfront Park is the gazebo, which hosts musical performances and other special events. There are no refreshments or picnicking facilities available at the park, just areas of green and benches that are situated right at the river's edge. This small park provides open views of the mid-Hudson Valley's Hudson Athens Lighthouse in the distance, and the Hudson Boat Club is conveniently located right next door. Watch the boats cruise up and down the beautiful Hudson or sign up to take your own Hudson River excursion with Hudson Cruises, also near the Hudson Waterfront Park.

After enjoying time at Hudson Riverfront Park, don't forget to walk along Hudson's Warren Street area, often referred to as the "antiques capital of the Northeast." On the mile long stretch of Warren Street, you'll find antiques and collectibles, as well as art galleries, fine dining, home furnishings and other unique sights and shops.

Clermont State Park in Clermont, New York

Many visitors to the mid-Hudson Valley don't realize that a beautiful riverside park is tucked away just off Route 9G in Germantown, New York (near Tivoli.) If you see the sign for Clermont State Historic Site, turn in to experience sweeping views of the Hudson River in a peaceful setting.

Clermont was home to many generations of the prominent Livingston family, and their mansion and grounds are now open to the public as a New York State historic site. House tours of the Clermont mansion are given during the summer season, a great way to learn about the history of the Livingston family and the mid-Hudson Valley. While you're there, also check out the garden, the Visitor's Center and the museum gift shop at Clermont State Historic Site.

One of the best features of Clermont is the beautiful park-like setting with many green meadows and pastoral views of the Hudson River. The park that surrounds Clermont State Historic Site isn't steps from the river; however, the way the trees and grounds frame the Hudson from atop the rolling hills makes the location feel very intimate.

Clermont State Historic Site is a perfect place to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic on a summer afternoon. Bring some art supplies and sketch or paint scenes of the mansion and river. Consider attending one of the many mid-Hudson Valley festivals and events at Clermont in the warmer months, like Steamboat Days or the annual Fourth of July Celebration. Clermont is ideal for families because it offers an opportunity to learn about mid-Hudson Valley history while enjoying nature and some stunning views of the Hudson River.

Traveling when I was single was completely different once I got married. Going on a vacation with the “guys” is a different experience than spending time with the wife. When I was younger my friends and I decided to take a Vegas vacation. It was the ultimate “guy” trip in the town labeled sin city. We hit clubs and bars, we gambled, you name it, and we had a good time.

A few years later after I got married I went back to Vegas with my wife and experienced it in a completely different fashion. We enjoyed going to shows, riding the gondola at the Venetian, taking the time to slow walk along the Vegas strip to enjoy the sites and the sounds. I can say that both experiences were great.

Fast forward a couple more years and we now have a child. I have already assured my wife that I am not taking my son to Vegas (anytime soon anyway). If you are in the same situation as me, and find yourself with a young child but still long for that week get away, you can do what my wife and I currently do.

As great as some hotels are, they just are not that accommodating to families with infants or toddlers under two years of age. If you are like us and your youngster still needs a crib, or needs to take those morning and afternoon naps, than I highly recommend renting a house for your next week long vacation.

We recently stayed in North Carolina's Outer banks. It was a wonderful location and the people there were friendly. What made it just as enjoyable was the fact that we were able to rent a good sized house, split it with family members, save some money and still have a great vacation.

The house gave us the ability to lug our crib there, his toys and other supplies that we would just not have had the room for at a hotel or Inn. Along with that, the house also gives us the extra added convenience of a kitchen where we can prepare our meals at anytime (and as many of you parents know it is hard to dine out when you have a young one at home) at our convenience.

This particular house had a back deck, swimming pool, hot tub and game room. So there were enough amenities to keep everybody happy and we did not have to be in a crowded room with everyone else from a hotel.

Since we have had our first child we have taken two vacations where we have rented a home. The first was in Martha's Vineyard (another beautiful location that I highly recommend) and of course the Outer Banks. Although the houses were completely different in price and what they offered, each gave us the convenience we needed since we had a small child with us.

There are a number of websites you can go to where you can look up vacation home rentals for your next trip. I recommend that you price out at least five of them. Make sure the house you end up renting has the amenities you are looking for and is in a location close enough to the attractions that you plan of visiting. If the house has a pool, hot tub and all of those bells & whistles, yet is 45 minutes to an hour away from the amusement park you are going there to visit in the first place, it might make more sense to drop a couple of the amenities or pay a little more to save on gas and travel time.

Consider renting a house for your next vacation. Even if you do not have small children, if you get enough people together to split the rent, it might just cost less than a nightly stay at the local hotel or inn.

Knowing how much I enjoy camping now in my adult life, I look back on my childhood and realize just how fortunate I was to have a father who loved to go camping.

It was his values that he instilled into me as a young child to enjoy what the great outdoors has to offer. The outdoors and camping in particular, helps bring you closer to nature and the serenity of life that you just can not get anywhere else, through any other vacation.

Camping is a great way for childhood sons and daughters to bond with their mothers and fathers. Camping is a vacation by which everyone must pitch in and help in order to make living outdoors as comfortable as possible.

Camping also allows parents to teach their children a variety of skills that lead up to teaching how to be more responsible or responsive with their surroundings. For example, going over the camping list before you leave, setting up the tents when your get there and teaching how to leave a campground better than you found it are all great ways to teach kids about teamwork and responsibility.

Beyond all the family values that you can teach and learn while camping, there is another great benefit to this wonderful style of vacation. No it's not the clean air, although it could be, no it's not the smell of bacon and eggs cooking over an open fire as the sun rises on a crisp autumn day, although that is a wonderful thought as well. No it is the fact that a camping vacation weekend is cheap and affordable.

Regardless of the state that you live in, you more than likely have a start park or private campground within reasonable driving distances from your home. Here in New Jersey, I am within fifteen minutes to a variety of state parks and private campgrounds, but it is the state parks where you will really save some money.

That does not mean private campgrounds are not as good, but state parks are cheaper on a per night basis. With state parks you more than likely will not get any of the amenities that you would with a private campground, but remember camping can be a vacation about bonding as opposed to video games and swimming pools.

On average in our area a state park will run about twenty-five dollars per night for a site. Most sites will accommodate up to three tents, or six people and no more than two vehicles parked at the site. I know in Pennsylvania the rules are different for state parks. There you are only allowed one vehicle parked on a site and maximum two tents and six people.

Call ahead to the park you plan to camp at and double check as to their rules and regulations if you are going with a bigger crowd.

As you can see a weekend trip to go camping (not including your food and supplies cost) will run about fifty-dollars. If you stay in cabins or are bringing an RV it may cost you more but not by much. Even after you figure in all of your supplies that you need, it is still cheaper than staying at a hotel somewhere, and with a hotel you are not going to the closeness with your family that you would get when you go camping.

Take a tour of this up-market area on an otherwise “lazy” weekend. There is plenty to do as well as a great number of places to chat or just relax.

The place to stay while visiting the Downtown Pearl district is the McMenamins Kennedy School. The Kennedy School is a renovated school turned into a hotel property. Besides the unique concept, the school/hotel offers amenities not particular to any standard hotel. During your weekend stay, you may sleep in what once was a school classroom. Libations may be taken at the renovated hotel's Detention Bar. Dinner is consumed in the former school cafeteria.

There is also a “soaking pool” as well as a movie theater. The tiled soaking pool is within a beautiful courtyard surrounded by gardens. The movie theater provides cushy vintage armchairs. A thick slice of pizza is hand-delivered to you while you watch the movie.

The hotel's location is: 5736 N.E. 33rd Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97211. Contact the hotel at 888-249-3983. The Kennedy School is the perfect place to stay during your Portland weekend visit. Additionally, you may visit McMenamins to check out their other unique Portland properties.

After spending a delightful night sleeping in class at the McMenamins Kennedy School, you'll want to start your weekend off right. Wake up in Portland style by taking in a rich, strong cup of “Java” roast. The city of Portland is very serious about its coffee. You must at least pretend to be a coffee connoisseur as taking in Portland brew is not for amateurs. So, in the “spirit” of Portland stop by the Pearl Bakery and order your first fresh brewed cup of coffee for the day possibly complimented by a delicious croissant or perhaps the artisan bread.

If you are more of the “outdoorsy” type then it is safe to speculate you will not mind spending your day on a lengthy hike, biking trip or even riding horseback in a Northwest forest. You may easily find such a place at The City Park. Portland's Forest Park is the country's largest natural forest within the limits of the city.

However, if you'd rather take your weekend activities another direction and possibly do some shopping, then you will want to visit Portland's Pearl district. The area is noted for having all kinds of really out of the ordinary “cool” shops. Once you spend a weekend in the Pearl district, you will leave with a sense of renewed perspective as far as shopping. Read on for more information on truly interesting places to shop and browse:

The landmark bookstore is a place called Powell's Books. The store happens to be one of the largest independent booksellers in the country. The bookstore provides new and used books as well as hardback and paperback editions. The merchandising design that makes the bookseller so unique is that paperbacks and hardbacks are found on the same shelves. Therefore, the hunt for an old classic or your favorite genre becomes much more challenging. In fact, you may leave with a paperback or hardback you'd not considered since your search is much more intense.

The place to find the landmark bookstore is at Couch which is actually pronounced “Cooch.” Just make sure you get it right as you don't want to offend any of the locals. You will find the store just down the way from the Pearl Bakery. The Bakery is located at 102 N.W. 9th Avenue. Powell's Books is just down the way at 1005 West Burnside Street in Portland.

After perusing the vast amount of shelves (four floors worth) found at Powell's and making your purchase you'll want to proceed up 11th Avenue as your next stop should be Bernadette Breu High Bohemian Antiques. As the name implies this is an arts salvage shop. Here you will find all kinds of neat architectural salvage: windows to vintage-style buttons. Find a Turkish Smoking Chair or a 1920's carousel chandelier. The pieces range from 18th century “classic” style antiques to the unique and the “funky.” Designers shop the antique store often. Definitely make this vintage storehouse one of your stops. The shop is located conveniently at 1134 NW Everett in Portland.

The next retail experience will need to be: In Good Taste. This is definitely a “must stop and see” for the culinary enthusiast. Here you will find professional cookware, knives, cookbooks, custom gift baskets, specialty foods including a nice selection of olive oils, balsamic vinegars (they'll let you taste test); gourmet salts including: truffle salt, Murray River salt, Maldon sea salt, and Feur de sel. There are spices and condiments such as Madras Curry Mustard, Dulcet Dressings and Olive Marmalade. You may also purchase Boyd's coffee and gourmet chocolate as in Poco Dolce Tiles.

In addition, there is a very nice selection of Oregon wines. The Willamette Valley in Oregon is well-known for its offerings and the shop provides a nice “sampling” from the “Valley.” Find In Good Taste at 231 NW 11th Avenue in Portland. You'll find In Good Taste just a few doors away from the decorative arts and antiques salvage shop: Bernadette Breu High Bohemian Antiques.

Dig is found further up 11th Avenue by taking a left on Glisan. The shop can be considered an urban garden shop housing supplies for creating container and herb gardens. You may wish to consider a Spanish Trug. This is a carrier tub with dozens of possible uses. There are three varying sizes. Also, the tub is made of 100% recycled material should you be environmentally concerned. In addition, Dig offers a variety of garden furniture and locally crafted gifts and art. Items include Dune chairs and unique garden umbrellas.

Circa AD is off 11th Avenue by taking a left on Glisan. The home and accessories shop provides a nice European theme. It is located at 1204 NW Glisan in Portland, Oregon.

After all of your shopping, you are sure to be hungry. Next door to Circa AD is Biways Café. You may wish to “plop” down at the soda fountain and check out the 50's era view masters while waiting for a hamburger fresh and hot off the grill. Also, I understand they have a delicious tuna melt and the best fries in Portland. If you are into chain-dining you won't truly appreciate Biways; however, if you are a real person that prefers really great food from a very special diner than Biways will have special appeal for you. You may easily locate Biways at 1212 NW Glisan in Portland. Additionally, I understand the French Toast (should you like to visit them for Breakfast) and the coffee are out of this world! Don't forget to use plenty of sugar and cream in that hot cup of coffee.

After lunch, just down the street at 13th and Glisan, you'll want to visit the Knit Knot Studio. Those who have not knitted before may receive an introduction to knitting at this fun shop. There are also “knitted” items for sale such as sweaters and scarves.

Additionally, shop Knit Knot Studio for the perfect yarn for your proposed knitting project. In example there are cotton/wool blends with a hint of Lycra for that perfect bit of give and stretch. Many of the quality yarns are imported from locations such as Australia and the price point is not cost-prohibitive. A great find or shopping experience is sure to be had at Knit Knot Studio located at 1238 NW Glisan Street in Portland.

Here are some other retailers you may wish to add to your shopping list while visiting Downtown Portland and the surrounding area:

Cielo Home is located at 528 West 12th Avenue. This is a very well-decorated store offering a diversity of products. I am told the store provides home décor items from the high-end price range to affordable. The staff is quite knowledgeable and friendly. Also, there is a nice mix of feminine as well as masculine offerings. If you are a bachelor looking for the perfect item for your apartment or home this may be a good place for you to shop.

Oblation Papers and Press is an old world letterpress print shop specializing in invitations and stationery. The invitations are printed on recycled cotton handmade paper. This paper is produced at their very own urban paper mill. The shop is a European-style stationery boutique. Some of the offerings I found on-line were really quite unique. For example they offer blue-tooth fairy envelopes, five for the tooth fairy and five from the tooth fairy; green monogram note sets and for the holidays--joyeux note set. Their European-style letterpress shop is a “must see” when visiting Downtown Portland.

Linens that are incomparable as far as quality and feel may be found at French Quarter Linens located at 1313 NW Glisan Street in Portland. This is a “must-shop.” Favorite things include: Charles Chocolate, Nancy Koltes Cashmere Throws, Zoeppritz Microstar Throws, Scandia Down Travel Pillow, Cotton Blankets, Legna Sheets, and Leitner of Austria Fine Linens. This last brand is perfectly representative of a quality linen. Leitner provides simple yet elegant European styling. The Leitner Company was established in 1853. You will find such quality finds throughout this truly unique shop.

After you have experienced many of the truly interesting shops Portland has to offer, you may like to round out your visit at the Andina Restaurant. The restaurant is colorfully decorated by its Peruvian owners. Here are some possible menu recommendations: Cheese stuffed peppers and smoked trout. The restaurant also offers venison pork; yucca stuffed with ricotta and crab and other adventuresome and delicious dishes: I am told the restaurant has a fabulous menu. For dessert the recommendation is the chocolate mousse (that is if you still have room after the meal). Live music is another bonus and is played nightly. The restaurant is conveniently located at 1314 NW Glisan Street in Portland.

Whether shopping or taking a long bike ride amidst a “forested” trail, you can't but feel a little bit more inspired after taking in Portland's nature and/or “artsy” side. It is a sure bet the weekend visit will rejuvenate your outlook.

Side Notes: Parking can be difficult once you reach the Pearl district; therefore, it is advised to take the streetcar from the downtown area. I-405 also runs right by the Pearl district. Portland International Airport is 12 miles away with available taxi service.

Enjoy a great weekend in Portland's Pearl district! Try to get your shopping done on Saturday when most of the shops are sure to be open; enjoy the City Park on Sunday or a nice café or restaurant. There is plenty to do in the way of activity or simple relaxation so keep Portland in mind for your next weekend adventure!