Stores, Malls or Markets in Oregon

Myrtlewood only grows in very specific areas, southern Oregon being one of them. It is a hardwood broadleaf evergreen. The leaves can be used much like Bay leaves in stews and soups. The wood is prized for it's beauty. We stopped at this shop in Garibaldi which claims to be the northern most Myrtlewood shop along the coast. It isn't much to look at on the outside, but just step through the door and you'll be glad you stopped.

We were very impressed with the many beautiful items which had been created by the artisan there. The shop was full of plates and cups, bowls, spoons and forks, salt shakers and pepper grinders, clocks, lighthouses, fish hangings and more. Each was a work of art due to the care of the artisan and the quality of the wood.

What to buy: We bought some of the leaves to share as gifts. We loved the lighthouses and brought one of those home as well as a small fish to hang on our keepsake wall.

What to pay: They had a variety of items from small to large, from simple to intricate to fit every budget.

Powell's is a huge bookstore located in downtown Portland. It is a booklover's paradise!!! I spent over two hours there and could have stayed longer. Powell's can be very overwhelming but there are maps available to navigate you around the store. They have a great variety of new, used and out of print books.

What to pay: Normal price for books....

It was lunch on a Wednesday and we attempted to follow the signs to Salem's historic district by exiting I-5 at Exit 248. Mistake. The signage wasn't very good and it took forever but we did get to downtown. Exit 253 would have been a quicker and better alternative. At any rate, we drove around downtown and spotted a group of white tents set up on Chemeketa St NE. The Wednesday market extends between Commercial and High Streets and is smaller than the Saturday market (so we were told) also held downtown but on the corner of Summer and Marion Streets. We got lunch from two Nicaraguan women cooking Latin American food at its finest. There were other food booths as well as sellers with fresh produce, flowers, homemade jewelery, fresh baked goods, and homemade baked dog and cat treats. It was nice to get off the interstate and relax outdoors while strolling by the booths and then sitting and enjoying our lunch.

What to buy: Typical stuff you'd see at a farmer's market

What to pay: Varies

We've got outlet malls galore here. Ones to try: Woodburn "company" stores
http://www.woodburncompanystores.com/

Bend, Or outlet stores (central Oregon). Troutdale has some too as does Lincoln City (at the coast).

If you like deals, then you'll find them in any direction you're headed.

What to buy: Nike is always a popular choice here, considering it's a home-state brand. Adidas is here now too. I've personally been to Woodburn the most and there are stores for Lenox, Noritake, Ralph Lauren, the Gap, Banana Republic (which I have to say, I didn't really see much savings there), Dress Barn, Farberware . . .

I'm sure almost every other state has it's own version, but the Made in Oregon stores are great!
There are 11 of them in Oregon, most in the Portland area. Locations include the Portland International Airport,downtown Portland (at 921 SW Morrison and 10 SW 1st St.), at the three large shopping centers in and near Portland (Washington Square, Lloyd Center and Clackamas Square), Salem, Eugene and Newport on the coast..
The first Made in Oregon opened in 1975 with the idea they would carry products from 100 different Oregon sources. Now they say the things they sell come from 4,000 different tradespeople.

What to buy: There is a huge variety of products that are all "made, caught or grown" in Oregon - wine, food (such as salmon, hazelnuts, marionberry, Tillamook cheese), crafts, artwork, books, games, Pendleton woolen mills blankets and clothes, myrtle wood bowls, souvenirs and much more.
They put together gourmet gift packs to send or take as gifts.
There is a section of items representing the Oregon State Beavers and the University of Oregon Ducks, including games and food items (nuts!), but that would probably be of interest mostly to Oregonians or alumni. (Go, Beavers!)
If you are looking for things to remember your visit to Oregon, you'll be sure to find them in a Made for Oregon store.

What to pay: Wide price range, from a dollar or two for a souvenir to a couple hundred for a special Pendleton blanket.
Don't forget -- there's no sales tax in Oregon.

I discovered, somewhat by accident, that the cost of hard booze in Oregon is identical no matter where you go.

This is because the liquor stores act more as agents for the government agency that distributes the alcohol rather than as independent vendors.

I don't think this "rule" pertains to beer & wine.

The Portland Saturday Market is a fantastic way to spend a Saturday or Sunday. Shop the shops and stalls for beautiful gifts and "artsy" things. Most are hand crafted by local artisans. Another place to shop for "local" items, including wines, are the Made In Oregon Shops.

What to buy: You will know it when you see it.

What to pay: How much/little do you have?

These are not shops: They are towns on the Oregon coast that make some of the finest cheeses in the world: Smoked cheddars from Bandon are to die for.

What to buy: CHEEEEEESE!!!!

What to pay: Depends on how many pounds you want.