Clackamas Town Center tax-free shopping

Like many guys out there, I'm not really that into shopping. I prefer to get in, get what I need and get the heck outta there. I also like to have everything available in one stop so I can tackle my list quickly and maybe grab a bite to eat while I'm at it. You get all that at Clackamas Town Center mall with the awesome added bonus of no sales tax in Oregon.

While I did say I'm not into browsing for hours on end, there are a number of stores in the Town Center that do capture my interest with their geek-related merchandise. No trip is complete without checking out a trio of stores with great merch from many of my favorite fandoms. I'm usually able to cross a lot of people off of my Christmas shopping list, and I also usually walk away with one or two things for myself... because I can.

While I'm busy geeking-out over something in one of those stores, the rest of the family has a lot of favorites they visit as well. They have name-brand clothing stores with -- what my teenage daughter tells me are -- today's fashions. Sure, they remind me of the stuff I wore when I was in high school, but they're making all the same movies as then, too, so that makes sense. There's also a couple of options for candy and other sweets, which always captures the attention of my grade-school aged son. I'm already shopping, might as well sugar the kid up, right?

For visitors, Clackamas Town Center is conveniently located right off I-205. Nearby lodging includes the Monarch Hotel, with the recently renovated de Fuego Grille, the hip restaurant and whiskey bar that has become quite the destination. The stylish Courtyard by Marriott SE Portland/Clackamas is also nearby. Across the interstate you'll find the Sunnyside Inn and Suites, as well as the Clarion Inn and Suites for the budget conscious traveler.

When exploring the area, I also suggest stopping by the Happy Valley Station food cart pod. It has a diverse selection of food types, a well-stocked beer garden and indoor dining with a little play area for kids.

Of course we have other shopping opportunities as well. From our all-American Main Streets to arts and craft-filled bazaars, there's a wide array of tax-free shopping options in Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory.