All roads lead to Portland! Maybe not! But they
should. Portland is quirky in a way that is entirely unique to this laid back, progressive,
and friendly city. In a word, Portland is weird. And there is a sign to prove
it. Residents of Portland like being thought of as weird. They wouldn’t have it
any other way. This is a city that welcomes anyone and everyone. The weirder,
the better.
Getting
there: Most major airlines fly to Portland’s international
airport.
Transportation: From the airport to the downtown Portland: Train $2.50: Taxis: $35-40, Shuttle busses: $14.
Portland is a very compact city. Everything to see or do is within walking distance. For those who dislike walking there is great network of trams and buses, that will take you where ever you wish to go,
Accommodations:
There are a variety of hotels to choose from. I found the hotel prices to be
quite reasonable when compared to other cities.
Recommendation:
Hilton Hotel. Located in the heart of downtown Portland, one block from Pioneer
Square. It is within walking distance of everything that visitors will want to
see, or do in Portland.
Things
to see:
Pioneer
Square: Nicknamed Portland’s ‘living room,’ this 40,000
square foot city block, created entirely out of bricks, donated by the public, is where residents of the city gather to
relax, celebrate, dance, watch movies, shop the farmer’s market, people watch. If
a major event is happening in Portland, chances are it’s happening in Pioneer
Square.
Tidbit:
Visitors who wish to make a donation, can buy a brick—cost $30—and have his or
her name inscribed on the brick before it is added to the square. Believe it or
not, it is still a work in progress.
Lan
Su Chinese Garden: A traditional Chinese Garden, complete
with a tearoom, and located in the heart of Downtown Portland. Admission:
adults $9:50, children $7:00
Washington
Park,
includes the Portland zoo, children’s museum, rose garden, Japanese garden, and
an amphitheater.
Things
to do:
Forest
Park:
One of the country’s largest urban forest reserves, there are seventy miles of
recreation trails within the park. Hike, bike, run, birdwatch, or simply walk,
without ever leaving the city limits.
Powell’s
Books: If, like me,
you are a lover of books, this is the place to go when in Portland. It is
indeed the world’s largest bookstore. Some of the most difficult to locate
books, can be found here. Quite possibly the highlight of my visit.
Free walking tour:
Learn all about Portland’s history, and what makes Portland so very different
from other major American cities.
Recommendation:
Secrets of Portlandia walking tour. In keeping with
Portland’s laid back vibe, tour leader Erik doesn’t require a reservation. He
will accept any and everyone who shows up, twice a day at 11:00a.m and again at
2:00p.m in front of the Pioneer Square Courthouse. Tips are welcomed at the end
of the tour.
Farmers
Market: There are nearly fifty farmers market operating in and
around Portland.
Eat/Drink
Portland is famous for its food trucks. It has the
most food trucks of any city in the United States. And for as little as $3-$9,
depending on what you want and how much of it you want, it is possible to eat
your way across the entire globe without ever having to leave Portland.
If there is a vegan capital of the United States,
Portland would be it. There are tons of vegan and vegetarian restaurants and
bakeries in Portland.
Petunia
Pies and pastries: The salads and sandwiches are great, but
it’s the raw vegan and gluten free desserts that steal the show.
Pearl
Bakery: Located in Portland’s Pearl District, this is the
place to go for traditional desserts.
Voodoo
Doughnuts: I do not eat doughnuts, so when it comes
to the taste, I do not have an opinion. But judging by the line that seem to go
on forever, the ninety minute wait time—I can’t believe I waited ninety minutes
in line to spend money on doughnuts I do not eat—and the smile on Zoe’s face as
she took her first bite, I will go out on a limb and say it must be pretty damn
good. Voodoo doughnut has a cult following, and apparently it is worth the
visit. According to tour guide Erik, some of their creations— before the Food
and Safety Department got wind of it, and put a stop to it— included a Pepto-Bismol doughnut, and an
aspirin doughnut.
 |
| The smile says it all. |
Beers:
Portland
has the most brewpubs per capita of any City. And yes there are beer tours.
Coffee:
Stumptown Coffee roasters, a great cup of coffee is guaranteed here.
Miscellaneous:
Just when you thought Portland couldn’t get any more weird, you learn that it
holds the title as the city with the world’s smallest park.
 |
| World's Smallest Park |
Portland, Oregon is one of those cities that will
never disappoint. It will grow on you. And before you know it, you’ll be
echoing the words of every visitor before you.
I love Portland.
 |
| Line outside Voodoo Doughnuts. |
