Considered Seattle's quirky little sister, Portland is growing up and gaining her own identity. The City of Roses is best known for harboring self expression, sustainability and non-conformity, found in these eight things to love:
Beer, Beer and More Beer Portland's tasty drinking water makes a mighty fine beer, which is probably why there are 32 breweries within the city limits. There are more breweries in Portland than any other city in the world. Froth is celebrated throughout the year with the largest event being the Oregon Brewers Festival, held the last weekend of July. For a little beer tasting, visit Bridgeport Brewpub and Bakery at 1313 New Marshall (www.bridgeportbrew.com).
Benson Bubblers On hot summer days, thirsty Portland visitors (and residents) appreciate the 52 municipal drinking fountains found throughout downtown. The four-bowl, free-flowing fountains run on timers, shutting off at night. Gratitude for the free water can be extended to lumberman and civic leader Simon Benson, who commissioned 20 water fountains in 1912 to quench the thirst of fellow lumbermen.
International Rose Test Garden New rose varieties have been tested here since 1917 when the garden was established. Today, more than 10,000 rose plants are found in the garden's 4.5 acres. Roses are in full bloom the first week of June but visiting any time of the year is impressive. Admission is free.
Mill Ends Park Sitting in the intersection of Naito Parkway and Taylor Street, it won't take long to tour this little gem, at two feet across it's the world's smallest park. In 1948 it was just an empty hole waiting for a light pole, but weeds took over. Oregon Journal columnist Dick Fagan's office overlooked the intersection and he wrote about the park's whimsical activities, especially the antics of the fictitious leprechauns. Mill Ends Park was dedicated as an official city park in 1976.
The Pearl District This is Portland's artsy, revitalized section of the city. Old warehouse buildings have been converted and house art galleries, clothing boutiques, eateries and home decor stores. The shop called Cargo at 380 NW 13th Avenue (www.cargoinc.com) is great for funky pink velvet Buddahs and other imported treasures.
Powell's City of Books Book hounds need to visit this incredible collection of new and used books. Store maps are available for easy navigation. Even those with bibliophobia (fear of books) will be impressed with the bookstore's mammoth size. Grab a cappuccino or Italian soda from the cafe and easily spend an afternoon entrenched in literature. Portland's best freebie city map can be picked up here, too. (1005 West Burnside)
Pioneer Courthouse Square This is the place to chill, sip an iced coffee and meet up with familiar faces. Considered Portland's "living room," more than 26,000 people pass through the square a day. Prior to becoming a public hub in 1984, it was the site of a school, hotel and eventually a parking garage. In order to support the square's funding efforts, citizens bought bricks and had names engraved. Among the "John Does" are bricks bearing the names of "God," "Elvis" and "Jimi Hendrix."
Sustainability It's not just the lush foliage from the city parks making Portland a groovy, green city, it's the free electric car charger and solar-powered parking meters. Cutting down on carbon emissions, Portland encourages skateboarding and rollerblading with designated street lanes. While it's a great walking city, public transportation is excellent, accessible and reasonably priced. TriMet provides transportation with the Portland Streetcars, MAX Light Rail and buses.
More about Portland, Ore. in Suite101: Portland's Premier Hotel Bars; Oregon Outlet Malls; Porltand, OR Ski-Snowboard Bus,
Additional resources: Portland Convention & Visitors Bureau.
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