Thanks for the feedback. Based on them, I am thinking of not going to come during the planned time of Mid January due to being cold/chilly and dark.

As for the places, I was choosing them based on prices. I figured with a car, I could drive to wherever.

As for my plans, I have always wanted to visit Portland, so had planned on going there just to check out the town, nothing in particular beyond that.

Thanks, again, for the input.