<p>We are leaving N.Cal at the crack of dawn, arriving at the Portland airport next Friday morning. Son will be there for a "recruit" weekend (soccer), starting Friday morning, then an overnight. I am thinking of staying at the Phoenix Grand. Any thoughts about car rental, vs Amtrak, vs the shuttle to the Red Lion? How would I get from Red Lion to the school, or from the school to the Phoenix Grand if without a car? Also, anything I should try to do (see, or make sure son see's? He's already admitted.</p>
<p>[Zipcar</a> Portland - Zipcar is easier than Portland car rental and car ownership](<a href=“http://www.zipcar.com/portland/find-cars]Zipcar”>http://www.zipcar.com/portland/find-cars)</p>
<p>We fly to Portland, get a rental at the airport, and drive straight to the Grand. Takes just under an hour. The Grand is very comfortable. It is walking distance (15 minutes maybe)to campus, but if pouring rain or in the dark, you’d appreciate having the rental car. I think you could rent a car cheaper than two round trips on the shuttle ($120.00) and the added convenience makes it all the more appealing.</p>
<p>Some kids take a taxi to the Red Lion to catch the shuttle. It is too far to walk. Haven’t tried Amtrak yet, but hope to in the future.</p>
<p>Tonite is the annual tree lighting ceremony on campus. I would stop and check them out next Friday night. I am sure they are beautiful. Definitely get a peek at a couple of dorms. Kaneko is different from the older ones. Dress warmly.</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>See below!</p>
<p>Have breakfast in the Bistro, the student-run cafe that looks out toward the mill stream. Early every morning, the students bake the most delicious scones.</p>
<p>Walk down state street toward downtown and use your imaginations to visualize how this looks in spring, summer, and early fall. It will be cold now! Downtown Salem hangs baskets of flowering plants from the streetlamps during the warmer season, and the cafes put out tables and chairs on the wide sidewalks. </p>
<p>If your son likes nature and you have a rental car, you might take a side trip to nearby Silver Falls State Park. You can do part of the “ten waterfalls hike” on your way back to the Portland airport: [Oregon</a> State Parks and Recreation: Rates](<a href=“http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_211.php]Oregon”>Silver Falls State Park - Oregon State Parks)</p>
<p>Ok! We are doing the rental car.</p>
<p>Son want’s to see “the city”;Any ideas for a few hoers on a Saturday in Portland? ( Besides Voodoo donuts!! Or maybe he means Salem…</p>
<p>We did Voodoo donuts, Zuke and ??, Powell’s books, and got some great hot chocolate walking back to a “Smart Park”, all in the pouring rain! Good times!</p>
<p>Kenny & Zuke’s, btw</p>