Weird Portland

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.

Recommendation: Kareem Lebanese and Syrian cuisine. Great vegetarian selection.

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.