Located in Northeast Portland, this is one of Oregon's largest malls and is just a 10-minute MAX ride from downtown. With its large skyline atrium, it is probably the most "mall-like" shopping centers in the Portland area and its size means it has all of the offerings and more. The Ice-Skating Rink provides great entertainment for adults and kids alike, and makes for a great spot for family fun. You can watch the skaters while relaxing at the food court. There are also movie theaters located inside the mall and across the street.

Sunny Corner Market, located in Hector Campbell, is a bustling flea market which provides shelter to thrift stores and vendors selling antique items. You may also find second-hand furniture which can pass to be as good as new. Don't forget to bargain as this flea market is where you'll find branded items at a budget price.

Portland is a city known for its book stores. For those who are serious book shoppers, Cameron's Books is a must visit. Most of the books are used and some are priced as low as 35 cents. From the outside, Cameron's looks pretty bleak, with a large sign that looks like its been there for a long time. The setup inside is not fancy or chic. There's no coffee shop and it's a bit dusty. If customers are willing to dig, they can spend hours searching for all kinds of wonderfully odd books that may have been forgotten about. The graphic novel section is quite impressive and elements of history can undoubtedly be found among the periodicals and journals. The helpful staff enjoys sharing their knowledge of Portland and reading. -Cathryn D. Blue

With a large selection of pipe tobaccos, cigarettes (generic to specialty) and cigars in all price ranges, the tobacco lover has a new place to call home. The shop may resemble a grocery store with its fluorescent lighting and nondescript decor, but that will cease to matter when you discover the prices on the discounted tobacco. This store also carries a large variety of beer and wine. Visit the Southeast 82nd Avenue and Milwaukie locations.

Aquatic Sports & Scuba Schools has kept divers happy since the mid-1960s. The knowledgeable proprietors carry a wide selection of new and used drysuits and other necessary equipment. A range of convenient class offerings is available, leaving students feeling confident about entering the water on their own. Individual and group lessons are offered for $100-300. The store also provides information about local and international trip events. If you need a diving partner, the Web site will help you find one.

Outdoor water enthusiasts will appreciate Ebb & Flow Paddlesports' comprehensive supply of sea kayaks. It carries Klepper Folding Kayaks, Mad River Canoes and more, and don't forget the apparel. Outdoor-lovers will find waterproof clothing, life jackets and other necessities. The knowledgeable staff will aid you with the skills to enjoy this exciting sport.

On your way in or out of town, this could be a necessary stop. Located near three of Portland's main roadways (Interstate 5, State Highway 26 and State Highway 217), this is a convenient place to shop. Saturdays get fairly crowded, but the five major department stores, 100-plus specialty shops and well-kept landscape make it worthy of a visit if you like the mall thing. Be sure to grab a bite in one of the many restaurants.

A huge store full of toys in every corner, Thinker Toys contains in itself a world of fun for children. With a plethora of toys to keep the children busy, this is one place where kids would love to splurge. Browse through the brightly colored and interesting new games on the shelves and reminisce your childhood. One can also pick out a few stuff for gifting. Gifts are wrapped for free here. The items are moderately priced to suit the budget as well.

The brand Aerosoles was always synonymous with long-lasting and comfortable but fashionably-challenged shoes. However, Aerosoles has now revamped its entire collection, which highlights not just comfort but also loads of style and variety, that may impress even trendy 20-somethings. Cute pumps, sexy stilettos or even classy oxfords are now available at Aerosoles, Portland. Also, the staff here is super-friendly who'll let you try from their collection and choose a pair or more, which your heart desires.

All the new-mothers out there in Portland, head right to Hoot-N-Annie, which was opened by two young mothers themselves. These two savvy ladies have transformed this baby-shop into a thriving children-store as well as a popular secondhand destination. From pretty frocks and embroidered skirts to cool boy-shorts and tiny tees, Hoot-N-Annie provides a cheap yet wonderful shopping option for an age group in which your child keeps growing out his clothes every two months. Apart from apparel, this establishment also stores basic baby essentials such as diapers, cribs, strollers, baby-furniture and play-mats.