The Jupiter Hotel is located at 800 East Burnside Street (the thoroughfare that divides Portland into North and South) and offers 80 modern boutique guest rooms featuring blu-dot furnishings, black board doors, and wireless Internet service. The adjacent Doug Fir restaurant and lounge provides fine food at all hours and the best of new music. The hotel is located 3/4 mile from downtown, where the gallery and entertainment districts are located. (www.jupiterhotel.com)

Some highlights on Burnside Street include:

Powell's City of Books (1005 W Burnside), the largest independent bookstore on earth with over a million used and new books. The Pearl Room is where the art and architecture books live, and while you are there, check out the Basil Hallward Gallery, curated by Marci Macfarlane. (www.powells.com)

Union Jacks (938 E Burnside), home to the 2002 "World's Best Stripper" contest, with categories including "Best Breast," "Best Pole Dancer," "Best Booty," and "The World's Best Exotic Dancer."

Everyday Music (1313 W Burnside) has the city's best selection of used CD's, tapes, and vinyl as well as new releases. They do busines with many DJ's, so the dance, techno, and alternative music sections are well stocked.

Hippo Hardware (1040 E. Burnside) is a treasure trove of vintage, rare and sometimes obsolete bit and pieces of hardware. The vast store, which is itself a 1918 antique, carries everything from urinals and french doors to now nearly useless light fixtures and doorknobs. The store also carries plenty of trademark hippos, both stuffed and ceramic.