Under the blue sky that shelters our little bend in the Willamette, sits the RiverPlace Esplanade that overlooks the Hawthorn bridge and the RiverPlace Marina. The RiverPlace Esplanade is just now hitting its stride, and already offers some of the city's most elegant dining, casual café hangouts, wine bars and ice cream shops.

After a meditative tea ceremony at The Tao of Tea, you will find yourself in the right frame of mind for a perfect day on SE Belmont Street. Your soul will be nourished and centered by the expertly brewed and beautifully presented teas, accompanied by a snack chosen from the "Tea Snacks

The gentle rolling hills of the Willamette Valley are home to over 200 of Oregon's renowned vineyards. The climate in this wide valley is known for its long and gentle growing season. The warm summer days, cool evenings and wet, mild winters with a long rainy spring season make it a pinot grape grower's version of heaven. With all this going for it, pinot grapes are still a finicky bunch. It is said that each change in the climate can be tasted in the glass. Maybe it's that very challenge that makes it such a beloved wine, and one so many vintners grow.

The Central Eastside Industrial District of Portland looks pretty- well- industrial. And that's because it is. This working area of Portland -not too far from paint stores, grain mills, train tracks and the famous Ross Island Cement Company - also offers a unique night on the town. With tucked away bars, restaurants and even salsa dancing, this little known hot spot is sure to surprise even the locals.

Kissing at The Sapphire Hotel isn't required, but it is definitely encouraged. In fact, historically, the Sapphire is a place where kissing has long been expected. At the turn of the century, what is now The Sapphire Hotel Bar and Restaurant was the lobby of a brothel where travelers and sailors mingled with prostitutes, musicians, gypsies and mystics. For those who wanted to continue kissing and beyond, rooms were cheap and rented by the hour, night or week.

What breakfast is more mouth wateringly delicious than eggs Benedict made with a perfectly flaky croissant? Find out at Petite Provence. This French Bakery and café is a great place to start a perfect family day in Southeast Portland. Kids love the multigrain Mickey Mouse shaped pancakes with almond crème brûlée sauce. And the fresh baked French toast stuffed with cream cheese and topped with berries- Très Bon! All this while the French-speaking bakers walk past carrying trays loaded with fresh pastries to restock the busy bakery section.