Hi! I just moved here from Portland, ME. I don't know anyone here and I need some recommendations to I have an idea where to start looking for my own favorites. I'm sure you get a lot of people asking things like this, but I couldn't really find what I was looking for exactly. So here goes...

1. I need a nice rental (apartment, house, duplex, townhouse, condo, anything) for under $1000. Has to have 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, modern appliances, bathrooms, and floors. Needs to be very safe, as I live alone. Prefer a private garage. People at work keep suggesting places like Stoneleigh and Mont Clair apartments, which I don't like, or places downtown that are over $1000/mo. I could do $1200ish with utilities included. Oh, it HAS to have washer/dryer hook ups or come with. I need something quick, as I'm staying in a hotel right now. Something in another city would be ok too. I've looked at the apartment guide, but I was hoping someone knew of something that's not listed.

2. I need a good salon/spa. I don't really have any guidelines - just something you like so I have a starting point. Which is your favorite?

3. Whole Foods-like store? Please? Trader Joe's-like store? What is the best market here?

4. Do you have an ice skating rink?

5. What's the big round building near the Marriot hotel on NW Expressway? It's so gorgeous.

6. I need to volunteer somewhere. Anything with animals. Animal sanctuary? Zoo? No-kill shelter?

That's all I can think of right now, or at least the most important. I've been here a week. I don't know how long I'll be here. I'm interning for a friend of my parents. I could be here for a year or forever. I miss Portland though.

Thanks so much! I love your city. It's like a suburb. I am working a lot so I won't have time to get to meet many people.