Where: Portland, Oregon, for the 2010 Holiday Ale Festival (12/1–12/5; $20-$25; holidayale.com) in Pioneer Courthouse Square. Why: To clink beer mugs in a microbrew mecca, where 45 breweries from the Northwest and beyond—including Widmer Bros. Brewing Co., Cascade Brewing and Alaskan Brewing Co.—offer tastes of holiday hops accented with wintry whiffs of cranberries, raspberries and figs. Side Trip: The 2010 Portland Art Collective “Open Doors” Art Show and Sale (12/3–12/4; Directions: portlandartcollective.blogspot.com), to pick up last-minute holiday gifts made by local artists with a knack for collage, fiber and glass work. Getting There: Head south on I-5 to Portland and take exit 300B (toward Oregon City). Follow the signs for City Center—or simply follow the aroma of beer.