What? You’ve visited Portland how many times and have never been to the ballet? Shame on you (and me). OK, I’ve actually never attended the Oregon Ballet Theater, but it’s about time to change all that.

The renowned company’s new show, Duets, began in April and will run just until May 2. The plot is familiar – two young people from opposite sides of the track, destined to fall in love – but the telling of the story is fresh and exciting. Guided by the legendary choreographer Twyla Tharp, I think we’re all in for something pretty special. Throw in a few Russian-inspired and samba-accompanied duets and it’s a not-to-be-missed show.

And, I don’t know about you, but all that exercise makes me hungry. Luckily, Baskin Robbins is just four blocks away, up SW Broadway, and I’m getting a double scoop.

Ciao,

Emily

Here’s the deal… Even if my best friend and I plan a whole night, at my place or hers, it’s never completely relaxing. The phone still rings, we’re reminded of little chores we haven’t gotten to, and we’re kind of stuck in for the night. So, for her birthday, we finally did it right.

We met at the deLuxe (she drove downtown and got valet parking), we checked into our room, and each had a fabulous complementary cocktail (an appletini for her, a classic dry gin martini for me). We headed out on the town (no one worrying about who had to drive) then back to the hotel to sample our lovely little box of treats waiting in our room from St. Cupcake. The next morning started with breakfast for two and then a visit to the Footbar in the Pearl; all part of the Babes on Broadway hotel package. We are now officially expert relaxers.

Ciao,

Emily

This is tough. There are at least two big things happening in April in Portland that I really want to tell you about. But, I guess I write a lot about beer (at least that’s what my friends say), so you’ll have to check out the awesome Spring Beer Fest on your own. The other event falls into one of my favorite categories: Keep Portland weird.

There are all kinds of great film festivals in this town, including cool ads from around the world, international film fests, the African Film Festival, you name it. It’s a smorgasbord for your viewing pleasure. But now we’ve also got the Faux Film Fest. It’s pretty much all of the above, but it’s all fake. Fake travelogues, fake training videos, and the ever popular mockumentary. Not sure exactly what I’m getting myself in for, but it sounds weird, so I’m there.

See ya,

Brandon