Celebrations
Look, to everyone who reads my blog, I'm turning 25 on May 17. Yes, I'm gonna be a quarter of a century and I'm kinda excited about it.
Me being 24 has been some of the best months of my life: I met my girlfriend; I finally found a nice place to live; I've met some friends I'm gonna have for the rest of my life; and last but not least, I've grown up a lot mentally, physically, and spiritually.
So I need to have a really tight place or some fine things to do on my b-day. It’s the day after my best friend's wedding. Congrats Ben Diggles and Tracy Diggles! Yes that’s really their last name -- go check out his website. It's actually hilarious. I try and read it whenever he puts something new up: MrDiggles.com
So really guys, please send me your ideas. I want to know what I should do and I will be in Portland. It has to be something that we can do that’s not too expensive. I'm a penny pincher, by the way. So send your info my way.
May 3rd, 2008 - 17:47
Happy Birthday!
My 25th b-day was a hard one for me… I had to accept that I was in my mid-twenties!! (I cringe thinking about it) Anyways, I spent my 25th on the island of MAUI!! Maybe you should try it! (if you havn’t already)
May 3rd, 2008 - 23:09
Well happy Birthday! Mines 4 days before yours… As for something to do, go cosmic bowling!
May 4th, 2008 - 00:04
Take a drive to Multnomah Falls and go hiking. Beautiful scenery espcially if you’ve never been there.
You could also prank phone call Josh McRoberts and tell him to post something in his blog for once. He hasn’t blogged anything since January.
May 4th, 2008 - 00:06
Happy birthday! I’m turning 30 this Monday, and I’m excited about being “in my thirties,” as strange as it sounds. Are you looking for something to do with a lot of people or a few people?
May 4th, 2008 - 02:32
Happy B’Day Cuz! Can’t tell ya what to do in Portland, NEVER been there.
How about taking that new ride of yours for a “test drive” along the Coast? Is there anything like Pacific Coast Hwy up your way?
Whatever you decide, just have a Great B’Day.
And FINALLY, remember, “I’m too YOUNG to have a cuz that OLD”! hehehe
May 4th, 2008 - 03:45
Hey Happy Birthday. The coast idea was a good one. I always find a good way to start birthday in PDX is to wake up and head to Forest Park for a good long run on Wildwood in the AM to think about the last year and the next. Then meet some friends / family down at Beesaw’s for breakfast and then head out on the big day! Whatever you do enjoy!
Go Blazers.
May 4th, 2008 - 09:26
Happy b-day! I just celebrated my 30th and had a large group go bowling at “Players” which is in Lake Oswego not too far from the practice facility. Great vibe, great food and they have several lanes in a private area.
Another kind of cool place is in downtown Portland. Its minigolfing underground at “GLowing Greens” here are some pics I took last time I was there: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanmft/2397177581/
Yes, my recommendations may be a little juvenile but I’m a kid at heart and love that kind of stuff.
May 4th, 2008 - 10:10
Hi Channing,
If you are still in the state of Oregon, I would suggest you do some hiking. Get some gear and go out for 3-5 days. Get some piece and quiet. Do some good walking and climbing. Enjoy the piece.
For you birthday, may I suggest that you start out the day with a long run, because I suspect the next day you will probably not be up to it.
Happy Birthday and here’s to next year.
How bout those Hornets? Just think, we’re going to kick their arsses soon.
May 4th, 2008 - 14:32
Go ice skating at the Clackamas Town Center, good movie and share a good meal with a close friend.
May 4th, 2008 - 16:13
Channing, you should rent out the Portland Spirit riverboat for a night. The best Portland parties ever are held on the Portland Spirit, and there’s nothing like passing under the St. John’s bridge at midnight. They have a bar on board (I know you’re not a big drinker, but you should probably have a birthday shot or two) and the deck of the ship is amazing. If you get friends to chip in it’s not really that expensive (or, better yet, get Greg O to chip in on it ’cause he’s got some cash sitting around, right?), and they have hookups for DJs or bands to play. Or better yet, you can get a KJ on there so that you can sing “Pour Some Sugar on Me.” My marquee tune is “Tiny Dancer,” and if you invite me along, I’ll totally kill that one for ya. And I hear that my boy Collin Romer does a bitchin’ version of “Welcome to the Jungle.”
-Casey J.
May 4th, 2008 - 20:43
Yo Buffet! Haha been reading your blog for a while, thought maybe I’d try leaving a comment. Well some of the guys from our church are going Salmon fishing this week if you wanna’ celebrate on the river
Haha I know it’s a little early, but maybe you could don a wetsuit and do some surfing!
Anyway, have a great b-day…thanks for being a part of the coolest team in the NBA!
–Josh, college freshman
PS–what are you doing with all your spare time now? Heheh I would totally dig playin’ a few games of Xbox with you…I know you did that “Game with Fame” Xbox thing a while back…would love to see something like that with just your blog readers!
May 4th, 2008 - 22:59
Dude – take a trip down nostalgia lane – go to Ground Kontrol arcade – it’s on Couch St. My buddies and I stumbled upon it the other day. A bunch of old school arcade games/pinball. I pumped a lot of quarters into the original NBA Jam and it was worth every cent. They serve adult beverages after 7:00 I think. I don’t actually know if it’s a good birthday spot or not, but you should hit it up during your summer break.
http://www.groundkontrol.com/
Oh, and my chiropractor is an acquaintance of yours? He’s a good guy.
May 5th, 2008 - 10:44
wow11111!
thanks for link boosters.
here is a picture for you. you look a lot tougher than you really are. queue the arm wrestling champion.
http://www.mrdiggles.com/img/rolling.jpg
May 5th, 2008 - 10:55
I’ve been meaning to check out Uptown Billiards Club on 23rd. Looks bomb and classy. You should rent it out for the night or something like that, I know they do private parties. You should invite me if you do, I’ve been meaning to check it out because they have a bomb happy hour apparently.
What about Dirty? I know y’all like Dirty. Saw you, Sergio, and LMA there right after the season ended. Can’t wait until next year! Next year you’ll be too busy worrying about the second round to plan a b-day bash : )
May 5th, 2008 - 11:26
Channing: You should try out the Goodfoot on SE 28th and Stark. The upstairs is a big bar/art gallery, and the downstairs is a great, intimate spot for dancing. (Although they have low ceilings so you might be screwed.) On Friday nights they have Soul Stew night, which brings out the best breakdancers in town. So go check it out then and see what you think… and if you do use it, you have to invite me since I thought of this wonderous idea!
http://www.thegoodfoot.com
May 5th, 2008 - 11:47
happy early birthday!
check out the Corsa Motosport showroom in NW Portland, off 23rd. it’s a Ducati motorcycle showroom, but they hold parties there, sometimes art shows, stuff like that. they’ll clear out all the bikes, and they’ve got it set up like a club…there’s a dj booth, a huge big screen that you could set up an xbox on, and they’ll bring in any kind of bar or food set up that you want. i was just there last week, it’s a pretty sweet joint.
May 5th, 2008 - 11:58
happy birthday.
go to “beast” in northeast portland for an amazing six-course dear with wine pairings, if desired. seating is two large tables (one of 8 and one of 16), so you could take a pretty large party and sit all together.
alternatively, le pigeon is one of the best restaurants in the city (down on burnside in east portland, but near the river). same idea with the seating. great food.
afterward, head to pix (hawthorne or division) for dessert and coffee. very nice single serving desserts.
if you’re still in the mood for more action, you could hit up the horse brass, an english style pub on belmont in southeast portland with an incredible beer selection. darts are a must. a lot of smoke, to be sure, but a great atmosphere nonetheless.
May 5th, 2008 - 12:44
To get it started, hit Fire on the Mountain on NE Interstate and Going St…From there it won’t matter what you do, because you’ll be giddy from having enjoyed the best wings in the state…
May 5th, 2008 - 12:45
I just had my birthday at Grand Central bowling a few weeks ago, and it was a great venue and I don’t even like to bowl. Bunches of big screens, pool tables, good food, and lots of hotties strutting around. You can rent out all sorts of rooms in the joint, too.
May 5th, 2008 - 12:57
It all depends on what you want to do in Stumptown. For eats, I would suggest dinner at Pambiche. (There’s also a great sushi place in the South Waterfront called Le Hana, but you’ve probably been there.) It has excellent Cuban food and a nice atmosphere. It’s on 28th and Glisan. Then you should go do something fun. I liked the idea of bowling mentioned above. Maybe karaoke at the Alibi. But, do whatever you want. Then cap off the night with late night eats at Le Bistro Montage under the Morrison Bridge.
May 5th, 2008 - 13:21
http://www.holocene.org/
This is a great venue with a bar, dj space and a stage for bands to perform. SE 10th and Morrison. All different kinds of music is played there on a weekly basis.
Here is their calendar:
http://www.holocene.org/calendar/
-Nick
May 5th, 2008 - 13:37
Channing,
I know what you could do, come on over to my place and have a party, we’ll throw a huge one for ya!
May 5th, 2008 - 14:00
Do you know about Breitenbush Hot Springs? Great place to hike then soak and gorge on vegetarian food. Beautiful place and only one and half hrs. from Portland.
http://www.breitenbush.com
May 5th, 2008 - 14:11
I say go to the Widmer Brewery there in PDX. I love that place. Every time I go to Portland I make a stop. Its a brew pup, serves great good and makes some wicked brews.
http://www.widmer.com/age_gate.aspx?redir=http://www.widmer.com/Default.aspx
May 5th, 2008 - 14:12
Check out someplace on Mississippi St… Amnesia or Mississippi Pizza, which sounds cheesy, but they have a cool big open area that’s set aside and you could get a dj booth or get a band or something. bring your ipod and play it even, who cares… you definitely wouldn’t get anyone bugging you there, all younger, cool people in that area. and who needs catering when you have food like 50 away, cheap food too so your friends can spot themselves…
Check out something on Belmont st in SE too…
Dave
May 5th, 2008 - 14:14
And the person who suggested Grand Central Bowling is right, that place is cool… And totally not as cheesy as “bowling place” might imply, i hate bowling and i liked it there… plus there were groups of pretty fine girls there and your single friends will respect that
May 5th, 2008 - 15:03
Easy answer:
Sat 05/17/08 Too Short Roseland Theater
Then hit up Voodoo Doughnut after the show.
May 5th, 2008 - 15:13
I think you should treat yourself and your guests to the greatest hamburger in Portland, the Special at Staniches. A classic sports bar with two locations here in P-Town. Ask for Nick, I am sure there could be a few free pitchers in it for ya. After dinner at Staniches you could swing over to McAdams B&G for some pool, more drinks, and some good old shuffle board. Who doesn’t like shuffle board. Anyway, hope you have a good Birthday non the less!
May 5th, 2008 - 15:33
Check out the McMenamins Kennedy school, a restaurant, movie theater, drinking establishments, a hotel with a pool, might be a cool thing, and you might be able to rent it out too, oh plus a movie theater, heck when i worked for the Trail Blazers we had an all staff meeting there and it was awesome. Comfy lounge chairs in the theater, pizza and beer, or eat before hand, and a large outdoor area for the restaurant. Its on NE 33rd right off of Killingsworth, you could also check out McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale, they have a similar setup (only larger) plus a golf course, just a couple of ideas! have fun!
May 5th, 2008 - 16:52
Go to the new Deschutes Brewery next to the Armory. (Or to the original one in Bend). Best brewpub food in Oregon. (The brew is pretty darn good to boot).
May 5th, 2008 - 17:02
I like the idea of heading down to Amnesia on Mississippi… You’ll like the area if you don’t already know it. Come on out and celebrate with some Portland folk… Good beer, good stories & Keeping it real…
May 5th, 2008 - 17:10
Enjoy this one, because after this you are going to be in the middle of the playoffs during your birthday for about the next ten years.
May 5th, 2008 - 17:14
Bullwinkles in wilsonville. Miniature golf, go karts, bumper boats on water, sling shot bungee, a 28′rock wall climbing, batting cages, arcade, lazer tag, max flight cyber coaster, restaurant………seriously, what’s more fun then this.
May 5th, 2008 - 17:15
Come fishing in Astoria. I heard you like and want to go fishing. Come celebrate here!
May 5th, 2008 - 17:19
Hey Channing, you should go out to dinner somewhere, have you been to the Widmer bros. brewery? It is excellent. Then just go somewhere downtown for some drinks afterwards, maybe catch a concert. In all seriousness post where you are going to go, I would love to buy you a beer and say hi.
May 5th, 2008 - 17:26
i got the place for you, mcmenniams probably spelled wrong, but the Kennedy School or the one in troutdale, evergreen you would like that a lot, let me know what you choose and Go Blazers and Ducks
May 5th, 2008 - 17:28
Grand Central Bowl – hip, cool and fun.
May 5th, 2008 - 17:48
Well if you’re looking for something great to eat, try Hiroshi for your 25th. FANTASTIC sushi. That’s where I’m going for my 21st birthday. Of course you could always stay home and play Halo 3 or Call of Duty 4 with me. My gamertag is Kemical E…how about it?
May 5th, 2008 - 17:53
Happy B-day Mr. Frye!
I wish I could tell you some cool places to hang out, but I’m still in high school so I don’t know any cool places yet.
Haha, if you really want, you could come to see me perform during the One Acts at David Douglas High School.
May 5th, 2008 - 17:54
Channing — I want to see you karaoke!! Put it up on youtube — instant classic!!!
May 5th, 2008 - 18:43
Hey Channing,
Did not read all the other entries so maybe someone already mentioned this. You should go to the Oaks Park roller rink!
http://www.oakspark.com/skating.html
I did it for my 28th and it happened to be old school hip hop night. Just like when I was a kid in the 80’s!
Just don’t hurt yourself!!! I can’t have that on my conscience if you miss playing time next season.
May 5th, 2008 - 19:30
My vote is for stanishes, you seriously can’t find a better burger.
May 5th, 2008 - 20:41
My friends and I are celebrating our 30th bday party with our friends and family that night on the water front in downtown. If you are interested in stopping by, email me and I can give you the particulars. Free food and beverages!
May 5th, 2008 - 20:57
Hey Cfrye,
I’ve done a lot here in this town over the years and had a few suggestions… I turned 25 this last August.
1. ComedySportz. It’s one of the little known hotspots for laughter in town. I’m sure they have one in Tuscon. Alcohol free and all ages, but a hoot nonetheless.
http://www.portlandcomedy.com/
2. Glowing Greens. As mentioned above, 3d mini golf.
3. Personally, I stick to dive bars and local hang outs. I stay away from the club scene. Mcmenamins is a great choice if you need a movie and a good dinner. They have pool at Edgefield, but I doubt you’d want to duck your head all night long.
If you want some new place that’s unique, I would suggest Hopworks off of Powell. All organic beers and different brews.
4. Finally, I’m cheap like you, so hit the hot cake house when you are ready to tie down for the night. Nothing like some waffles before bed.
May 5th, 2008 - 21:34
Grand Central Bowl has been mentioned a few times; and it is definitely a great place to hang. Make reservations early (may be too late already) as they are pretty busy. Happy Birthday.
May 5th, 2008 - 22:00
come to my house and i’ll bbq some wings for you… it will be a great time.
May 5th, 2008 - 22:15
Go make it rain pacman jones style
May 5th, 2008 - 22:35
Hey Channing,
I’ll have to agree with the Goodfoot (Great spot for dancing AND pool…extremely mixed crowd), Grand Central (hip bar…bowling), and McMenamins (Kennedy, Bagdad Backstage, Ringlers, and Blue Moon are all good…each have their own strengths). Rialtos has a TON of professional pool tables and cheap, stiff drinks. Portland City Grill has an EXCELLENT view of Portland but their food and drinks aren’t cheap. If you happen to like shuffleboard and dive bars the Black Cat Pub in Sellwood is perfect. The Speakeasy (closes early) and the Sandy Hut also have some shuffleboard going on. For obscure karaoke you need to check out the Alibi in N. Portland.
Good luck and happy birthday!
May 5th, 2008 - 22:37
If the weather is nice, go to the Portland Chinese Gardens.
Or, drive up to Astoria, you can go visit the Goonies house, the jail the Fratelli’s escaped from, and the Flavel House Mueseum(where Mikey’s dad worked). You can also visit a replica of a fort Lewis and Clark built, which is just a bit south of Astoria.
May 5th, 2008 - 23:18
Dude, I think I went to highschool with Ben Diggles! Did he go to North Clackamas Christian School?…
Anyway, for your birthday, I recommend dinner at Todai. It’s a sushi-buffet restaraunt at the Pioneer Mall. Really good food and they give you a free meal on your birthday. Your friends will have to pay for their meal ($25 a plate).