NEW YORK (Money Magazine) - Contrary to popular belief, it doesn't always rain in Portland. July and August combined, in fact, get an average of only seven days of rain. Weather aside, Portland's been experiencing a renaissance of sorts for nearly a decade now, and thanks to the progressive nature of its residents, the changes are happening in a refreshingly attractive and functional manner.

Besides being a city on the make, Portland is within striking distance of the stunning Oregon coast (just 90 minutes away), the equally breathtaking Columbia River Gorge (less than an hour away) and the laid-back vineyards of the Willamette Valley. Combine all this with the contagious friendliness of the people -- this is a fairly cosmopolitan city without a hint of pretension--and you have a perfect site for a lovely family vacation.

Among the city's attractions are its compact, cafe-filled downtown; Old Town, a patchwork of restored buildings now occupied by bustling restaurants and brewpubs; the outdoor market held every Saturday beneath the west end of Burnside Bridge; and Powell's City of Books, said to be the country's largest bookstore. Portland is also home to the stunning new Portland Classical Chinese Garden, the largest such garden outside China, and Forest Park, a popular, trail-filled oasis overlooking the city.

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For those eager to see the coast, we recommend the magnificent area around Cannon Beach, where you'll find tide pools rich with mussels and starfish as well as the dramatic Haystack Rock, one of the world's largest coastal monoliths. Plan another day for the Columbia River Gorge, site of the popular 612-foot-tall Multnomah Falls, and nearby Mount Hood. And, finally, head for the pastoral calm of the Willamette Valley, where you'll find scores of highly respected wineries--Panther Creek's Winemaker's Cuvee is nothing short of stellar--and imaginative restaurants. If you choose to spend the night, the area has many gracious inns, including Partridge Farm (503-538-2050), a yellow-and-white Victorian farmhouse with suites for $120, breakfast included, and great views of the valley.