Powells is indeed a unique book store.
I would go with Seattle over Portland. Much more of a comopolitan feel. Portland is a bit too crunchy for my taste. Unless you and your wife are patchouli oil wearing, PETA loving Phish fans, I think you would be happier in Seattle. Great town to raise kids btw.
I live in Seattle proper, but most on the board here live on the 'East' side, meaning on the east side of Lake Washington. Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland.....
The exception would be island911, who lives on Mercer Island. The signs on the way in say, "Welcome to Mercer Island. We live here, you DON'T"
