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ugh i don't know how to be a host!!!
ahhh i'm getting nervous. one of my old college roommates is coming to visit next thursday-tuesday then my sister will be here the next day wednesday - monday and i'm having a really hard time figuring out what i'm going to do to entertain them! i'm SO not good at being a host! AHHH
i don't think i've ever been one! i know i want to do the saturday market with each of them because i know they'd like it, but honestly DH and i have only been here a few months and really we haven't seen that much of oregon! i'm thinking hood river would be good and obviously some cool bars for micro brews...but other than that i'm stumped.
is it lame that i'm getting nervous? i just want to show them a good time..after all they're the ones spending money on plane tickets to see us!!! am i supposed to have bought food for when they're here before they get here? or do i bring them grocery shopping with me once they're here so we can get stuff they like (although i assume we'll be eating out quite a bit). eeeeeek
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Re: ugh i don't know how to be a host!!!
Our out of state guests always enjoy a drive along the Columbia River. We'll go out I-84, stop by Multnomah Falls, cruise into Hood River, etc. In Hood River you can stop at Full Sail Brewery.
You could also spend the day/night over at the coast. It's snowing up on Mt. Hood. Perhaps a day trip up to Timberline Lodge?
In town, Saturday Market is always an option. Powell's is another fun spot to spend some time if your guests like books. Depending on weather, take advantage of all the walkable neighborhoods in town. Pick an area, do breakfast or lunch and then take a stroll. Check out the Willamette Week or Mercury to see what types of events are going on while your guests are in town.
As for logistics when hosting guests, I always like to have my shopping done beforehand. It's a nice gesture to stock some snacks, drinks, etc. Make these items accessible so your guests feel like they have to dig around your house for everything.
Our normal plan when people come for the first time is to hit up the beach for at least a day. We usually go to the Tilamook Cheese factory and watch them make cheese and eat cheese. And then go to the Octopus Tree and lighthouse. And then go the beach.
Another day, we usually do what Sept2005 suggested. A Multnomah/Hood River/Mt. Hood loop. A little bit of hiking at the falls and at Mt. Hood. And then someplace great to eat in Portland on our way back for dinner. Sometimes we'll go to the Pittock Mansion to check out the view (or tour it if they're into that) on the way. Other times we'll do a half-day with Pittock and the Japanese Garden, and the Rose Garden if it's blooming.
We do tend to buy a ton of food before people get here and kind of plan what we'll be eating when. I usually ask people before they come if they have any favorite things they want me to pick up for them. But otherwise, most people are like "Surprise me!" There's usually at least one quick trip to the store together because I always forget something. : )
Forgot to mention heading up to Washington Park. You can walk through the Japanese Gardends, etc. Or take a hike in Forest Park. Also, the Chinese Gardens in Old Town are lovely. There is a cute tea house as well.
For a cheap thrill, hit up Happy Hour at Portland City Grill. Great views of the city at night. Good for out of towners.