Portland Evolves

Rivercity, Rose City, Bridgetown, Stumptown--you name it,  the Portland we know and love goes by a lot of nicknames that reflect its geographic and cultural diversity.  Known for its brewpubs--the most in the U.S., nearby wine country, high tech Silicon Forest, creative industries from world renown Wieden + Kennedy to Nike, bookstores, coffee houses, cycling, and restaurants,  Portland offers something for everyone in a compact space. 

And the outdoors beckons everywhere, from the trails of Forest Park--the largest park in a U.S. metro area, to the slopes of Mt. Hood with trails and lakes, to the dramatic beaches less than 90 minutes away.

Portland Oregon has evolved from a quiet town in the 1960's to a lively creative center which nurtures both private and public life.  Although the Portland metropolitan population is in the area of about 2 million, depending upon whose figures you read,  the core of downtown Portland remains small, confined by rivers and hills. Unlike many U.S. towns, downtown Portland is lively due to the fact that it is home to many who live in condos, high-rises, brownstowns and townhouses, enjoying the free transportation, highly touted restaurants, wine bars and Portland brew pubs.



 Recipient of many awards and accolades,  Portland was chosen in March 2009 as being the fourth best U.S. city for quality of life, and number 42 on a list of world cities.  The Portland Development Commission has info and figures about all aspects of Portland, from employers to recreation. 

Oregon's  land use planning laws  helped prevent excessive urban sprawl into the surrounding farm lands, creating a compact city. In Portland it is possible to be in the wild rain forest in Forest Park in NW Portland above the city center in five minutes.



Known for its mild climate--and yes, it really does rain here but we prefer to call it sprinkle, mist, intermittent showers-Portland is home to the International Rose Test Garden.  Portlanders have celebrated their affair with roses during their annual Rose Festival, which began in the early 20th century.   One local website makes creative use of antique photographs and postcards for a unique take on Portland's history. 



Over the years, distinctive Portland neighborhoods have evolved.   While Portland has many vibrant older neighborhoods such as St. Johns, Beaumont, Laurelhurst, Irvington, Sellwood, Multnomah, Portland Heights, Arlington, Alameda, and East Moreland,  newer areas have also evolved into popular places to live.  The City of Portland maintains information about Portland's many neighborhood associations.

The Pearl District in NW Portland is a prime example of a newer Portland neighborhood with authentic lofts and ultra-modern condos, along with Riverplace, and  Portland's South Waterfront Neighborhood with its sparkling towers and townhomes perched on the edge of the Willamette River.  Some Pearl District "brownstone" type condo's are in the photograph to the left. 





Farther out from Portland's city center, are newer popular neighborhoods in other suburbs, such as newly renovated downtown Lake Oswego with its feeling of a European village,  Beaverton's diverse neighborhoods--one of Money Magazine's top 2006 picks, award winning Orenco Station in Hillsboro with its brownstones, and the village of Sherwood, another award winning small town south of  Portland. 

In February 2008, a new Portland magazine debuted named "Portland Spaces", edited by Randy Gragg who was formerly an architectural writer for the Oregonian.  Not only is this a terrific and helpful magazine on Portland architecture and homes, but it has also published a pictoral history of Portland homes and linked on its website--a great resource to gain insight into Portland residential architecture. 

Portland's a Winner in the Press & in Person!

In recent years, Portland Or has been recognized for being exceptional in many areas--such as one of the top cities in the U.S. for liveability, for sustainability, the best city for biking, one of the most lively downtowns by the national downtown association, a top retirement destination, the second most "green" city in the U.S.--along with many other accolades. From transportation to building practices,  Portland is on the forefront of green--even being named the #2 green city on a world list by Grist.  From recylcing to urban planning,  Portland takes green pretty seriously--please visit my Portland Green page.

Whether your interests are the outdoors, cultural events, creative enterprises from clothing design to writing, or sports,  there is a niche in Portland for everyone.  Even as far back as 2004,  the "Chicago Tribune" dubbed Portland "The City of the Four B's:  bridges, bookshops, bicycles and brewpubs..." concluding that Portland's "...scene is hipper than Seattle's, more relaxed than Boulder's and more relevant than San Francisco." 



The NY Times has had a virtual love affair with Portland through a series of articles the past few years.  In 2007 the NY Times noted that Portland's "...vibrant downtown overflows with urban pleasures like chic restaurants, funky nightclubs and spritely neighborhoods crackling with youthful energy...."    The Times declared Portland to be in its golden age of dining and drinking in 2007, and most recently the Time's "Frugal Traveler" in May 2009 reported on his dining adventures in Portland.

Lewis & Clark Loved Oregon--& our guess is that you will love Portland too!

Even two hundred years ago, Lewis & Clark, when leading their Corps of Discovery through the Oregon Territory and on to the Pacific, noted the unique qualities of what would become the Portland area:

Portland's Free Ride:  Fareless Square

When you visit downtown Portland, take advantage of the free public transportation in the central city.  The buses, light rail "Max", and the cute, colorful streetcars are all available to those who want to hop on and hop off for traveling around downtown Portland. 

If you ride the streetcars up to NW 23rd,  you need to buy a ticket for that portion of the ride,  but you can continue back through downtown and more than 3 miles to the new riverfront neighborhood, the South Waterfront area, with its tram to Oregon Heath Sciences University up on the hill, the new condo's including the Meriwether, John Ross, Atwater, and other upscale condos and OHSU Wellness Center.










Be sure to contact the Portland Oregon Visitors' Association for general information, calendars of Portland events, and assistance regarding hotel packages.  If you plan to visit any special destinations in Portland, such as the Japanese Gardens, the Portland Art Museum, consider purchasing an admission pass to all of the sites good for seven days.

Tour Downtown Portland

For your visit to Portland, Or, you have many options for touring downtown where all forms of public transportation are free.  The streetcars are a great way to get around--hop on and off for each district. 

You may want to start your tour by walking or taking the streetcar to Portland's Riverplace boardwalk overlooking the Willamette River, and have an ice cream while you enjoy the view of the colorful marina. 


With luck, you'll see the striking Dragon Boats practicing for the Rose Festival Races in June. 

Explore the many condos in the riverfront area, with the the look of a European village.  There's a variety of hotels, restaurants, wine bars, and shops to enjoy.If it's the weekend,  head north along the river wall walk, passing by the McCall Park fountain, on your way to the Portland Saturday (Sunday too) Market where vendors of hand made crafts, musicians and food vendors create a festive shopping area.

Of course you'll want to meander through the fashionable Pearl District with its lofts, newly developed condos, shops and parks.  Imagine living here and running next door for French pastries at one of the fabulous bakeries, or indulging in a gourmet cup of hot chocolate.  If you're hungry, be sure to dine at Andina on NW Glisan and 13th--a favorite Peruvian restaurant and Restaurant of the Year in 2005.   Or indulge in one of the chocolate shops like the one in the photo.



bet ween 10th and 11th on Burnside.  Powell's is reputed to be the largest independently owned bookstore in the world!  


Powell's  covers a Portland city block and includes a coffee house--be sure to take advantage of the map of the store--you'll probably need it to find your way around!  There are other Powell's locations with specialty books as well.





Here's an iconic sign that greets the traveler as you approach downtown Portland. 

In the Pearl District you'll also find some of Portland's breweries--we have 28 and counting--the most of any U.S. city.  Ordering beer in Portland has become an art with so many brews to choose, including Widmer and Deschutes breweries. 






If you love fountains, Portland offers a wide selection of fountains, including  two Portland fountains by famed designer Halprin--one at Jamison Square in the Pearl, and the other stunning waterfall across from Keller Auditorium on SW Third Avenue. The Cityof Portland has even created a walking tour of downtown area fountains. A respite in nearby Portland China Town is the beautiful Classical Chinese Garden--relax in the tea house there.  Later, book tickets to a theater performance at the Gerding Theatre in the Pearl, or go to the Symphony at the Schitzer Concert Hall on Broadway. 

When you're a wee bit tired, people watch at Pioneer Square in the center of downtown--grab a cup at Starbucks and find an outdoor perch.  Later, after a movie at the Fox Tower, a digital movie at the Living Room Theatre, or theater at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts, grab a late night dinner at Higgins Restaurant--known for its emphasis on delicious locally grown Oregon food.  Or perhaps you'd rather grab the street car to the Pearl for dessert at Blue Hour, or a night cap at nationally famous jazz club Jimmy Mak's. 

Dining in Portland

In the fall of 2007, the NY Times decreed this to be the golden age of dining in Portland, & other publications have likewise annointed Portland  as a premiere food and drink destination.  One of the early advocates of reaping the bounty of the local Pacific Northwest was Greg Higgins, whose restaurant Higgins continues to offer menus is inspired by locally available produce and meats.  A newer downtown restaurant is Kenny & Zukes Deli on SW 12th and Stark with house smoked pastrami stacked so high--you'll think you're in NYC at the Carnegie Deli. 

One of my favoite restaurants is Andina at 13th and Glisan in the Pearl--try eating in the bar wehre there is live music and the same fine Peruvian menu with small plates and entrees too.  Pok Pok on SE Division has Thai food unlike any you've eaten, and the eclectic atmosphere with the Whiskey Lounge is pure Portland.  Lucy's Table on NW 21st serves mighty fine food with a good vegetarian selection.  For Middle Eastern cuisine,  try Yahala on SE Stark and 80th.  

Shopping Portland!

Downtown Portland and the surrounding areas offer national brands next to local boutiques offering local designers.  As Cathy Horyn, the fashion writer for the NY Times noted after her Portland visit in April 2007, "it's striking to see a downtown so vibrant...." 

From designer stores in the center of town such as Mario's, the Mercantile, and Brooks Brothers, to famous Nordstrom's across from Pioneer square, the most upscale shopper will be delighted.  Columbia Sportswear has its flagship shop right on Broadway--check out the NW decor. 









Major chains such as Banana Republic, The Gap, The Limited are all downtown,  some in the multi-level and multi-block shopping center Pioneer Place I & II.  In the center of town is the renovated Macy's, with the new "Nines" hotel open on the upper levels.  A free streetcar or bus ride across the Willamette River will take you to Lloyd Center, one of the first shopping centers in the U.S.  Take a spin on its ice arena.  Discount shopping is downtown too, with Ross and the Nordstrom Rack.










For a break, grab a coffee across from Nordstrom's at Portland's living room, Pioneer Square, which was built in the 70's on top of a parking lot.  Today it's home to Portland's Visitor Association, Channel 2 Television Broadcasting, and of course, Starbucks.  Portland's Pioneer Square is the site for countless events throughout the year, concerts, festivals, flowers, New Year's parties some years, international festivals, skating music, dancing movies and more.

 An annual tree lighting ceremony takes place in December, and any time of year you can have your picture taken with the very polite bronze man who's always ready with his umbrella.



In the Pearl, there's an REI for for sports enthusists, Powell's Books, clothing boutiques, toy stores,gourmet kitchen supplies, lots of furniture stores, antique stores, free trade stores, galleries, and endless surpsing little shops, cafes, kitchen wares, antiques, hardware and more.  It's the place to see and be seen on the First Thursday of each month,  when galleries and many shops stay open late to showcase their newest works.  Here's a cute mascot in a Pearl District boutique!  Portland is a dog-lover's town, and many shops have water bowls out front for our canine friends, who can take a sip on their way to one of Portland's  30 plus dog parks.


Fanning out from the center of downtown Portland are boutiques and original local designer shops that spread from downtown to the Pearl and up to NW 21st and 23rd known as the Nob Hill area.  Other shopping areas relatively near downtown with eclectic shops are NE Broadway, NE Fremont, SE Belmont, SE Hawthorne, the Sellwood area, and the Alberta Arts area to name a few. 

And if you like to shop for food, there's a Portland Whole Foods Market on NW Burnside just up from Powell's Books where you can even attend cooking classes, a deluxe new Safeway on NW 14th, and a super Trader Joe's between NW 21st and 22nd.  Wednesdays and Saturdays, you can find freshly baked bread, home grown veggies, and fruit and plants at the Portland Farmers Market on the South Park Blocks by PSU.  Even the Pearl District enjoys its own Farmers Market on Thursdays and Saturdays. 

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