Under 100: Portland, Oregon

Good eats, good times and plenty of fun await in Portland, even on a budget.

Start your day at Pine State Biscuits with a Southern-inspired biscuit sandwich like the Reggie Deluxe — fried chicken, fried egg, bacon and topped with gravy. Add a breakfast cocktail for kicks and your meal is just less than $20.

The city’s many gardens are a great way to stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh air. The Portland Japanese Garden, open daily, overlooks the city and offers a stunning view of nearby Mt. Hood. For only $18.95 visitors can explore the property’s massive Zen garden, giant bonsai tree collection, tranquil koi ponds and a traditional Japanese tea house.

Head to Hopworks Urban Brewery for some tasty lunch, organic brew and a tour of a working brewery. Free tours are offered every Saturday at 3 p.m. at the brewery’s Powell location and include two tastings of the best offerings. Made with locally sourced, organic and sustainable ingredients, Hopworks beers are a great example of why Portland is known for its brews. The daily lunch specials are a great deal — get a slice of pizza, salad and a cold beer for $11 or less.

Spend the afternoon perusing the oddities at the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium on the north end of town. For $5 visitors can explore this unique museum and its collection of freak show-style exhibits and oddities, including a great photo op featuring you as the main attraction at an alien autopsy.

For dinner, skip the guesswork and hit up Clyde Common. This trendy downtown eatery serves cleverly named cocktails and expertly prepared snacks and meals. You can rake up a hefty bill if you like, but $40 or less can buy you a full meal with a craft cocktail to wash it down.