Portland, Oregon is located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Portland straddles the scenic Willamette River. You can view majestic, snow-capped Mount Hood from many vantage points in the city, although the city is located nearly 100 miles from the peak. You will experience Portland’s year-round mild climate once you touch down at Portland International Airport (PDX / KPDX) located in the northeast outskirts of the city.
The best time to visit Portland is in the spring when you can experience the lush display of rhododendrons, azaleas, cherry trees and roses in bloom. Just as nice is the warm, dry summer when there are plenty of outdoor festivals to keep you busy. In the fall, Portland is abuzz with many cultural offerings, including musicals, opera, ballet and the Portland symphony. Although the winters tend to be cloudy and rainy, there are plenty of special events available to enjoy.
Portland prides itself on being unique, and you will notice a true “live and let live” attitude that has contributed to the rich diversity of the city. Portland was at the end of the Oregon Trail used by many early settlers that migrated West in the 1800s. There is still an underlying sense of that pioneer spirit in many of the civic buildings and outdoor spaces, especially Pioneer Square which is at the epicenter of the city. It’s location in the center of downtown Portland makes it a favorite meeting place. It hosts special events most days of the week and is usually filled with a mix of business people, shoppers and skateboarders. Many of the cities notable hotels, like the Heathman and the Hotel Monaco, are located within walking distance of the square.
Running through Portland is a convenient, ground-level public transportation system, called “the MAX,” that makes getting around Portland and the surrounding areas very easy. Hop on the MAX from Pioneer Square and head east to get to the chic Pearl District which features galleries and cultural institutions, as well as stylish shops and acclaimed eateries. Another option is to head northwest to posh Nob Hill. Vintage Victorian homes, quaint boutiques and local restaurants line the streets of this neighborhood.
Portland is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world. Cycling culture is such an integral part of the city scene that bike racks are located outside many of the craft breweries located in every neighborhood in the city. There are even bike and beer tours that combine the best of both worlds. With over 60 local breweries, Portland is justly known as the “Craft Beer Capital of the United States.” Portland is also well known for its large selection of food carts — the city has more than 600.
Of course, no trip to Portland can be considered complete without visiting Voodoo Doughnut to sample one of their madcap donut creations. There is usually a line out the door, but the people on the line are half of the fun. It is located in the Old Town / Chinatown neighborhood, Portland’s original downtown, which is also home to the bustling Portland Saturday Market and the peaceful serenity of the Lan Su Chinese Garden.
If you want to see the side of Portland immortalized in the “Portlandia” television series, be sure to make your way to the Hawthorne District. There you will see hipsters and hippies mingling on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard, lined with an eclectic mix of vintage shops and cafes. You are sure to see a drum circle or street performers along the way. Make sure to stop at the Waffle Window, a literal hole in the wall. This popular snack spot serves waffles overflowing with bacon, cheddar and jalapeño or dipped in peanut butter and chocolate. After that, take in a show at McMenamins Bagdad Theatre and Pub, a restored movie theatre built in 1927.
Portland also has a more serious food side. It was recently named one of the top food cities in the United States by Travel + Leisure magazine. Aside from its wide selection of ethnic food choices, it has many farm-to-table inspired restaurants, such as Veritable Quandary, that make the most of the local produce, fresh seafood and superb Willamette Valley cheeses.
Questions?
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