Portland, OR, always felt like a home away from home for me. Although it’s different from New York City, there is some overlap here and there that feels warm and familiar. There are distinct neighborhoods and Mom and Pop shops in Portland, just like back in Brooklyn. Both places are situated on rivers and rely on bridges to connect each area on a surface level. But, digging a little deeper, the two also share a thriving music scene, are full of artists, and you can eat around the world in both cities without ever leaving your chosen neighborhood. The downside is, of course, the skyrocketing cost of living in Portland and New York City as well as the traffic, maybe even the crime rates, but with the difficulty of finding a parking spot aside, the similarities stop there.

In September 2016, when I initially visited Portland, I was blown away. First, I discovered that I could hang out in a forest and hit the trails without leaving the city. Second, snow-capped mountains and lush forests surround the region. New York has the Catskills, but I’m like, "that’s cute" after visiting Oregon. Third, the atmosphere felt like I stepped inside a grungy time machine and traveled to a destination when the music was still good, where pinball and arcades ruled the world, and people dressed as if they walked straight out of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Fourth, and lastly, the food is delicious, and the culture is so damn cool. Portland is laidback. Even its more upscale areas still feel casual, which I very much enjoy considering the snobbish looks I get from fashionistas when I’m wearing leggings in Manhattan if I don’t have a yoga mat in my hand!

Even when it's raining, and it does that a lot, I’m still happy to be doing just about anything. Then again, I don’t live here full time, so I haven’t had the displeasure of experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder, and I might think differently after suffering through many sunless winters. To me, Oregon is a little slice of paradise. Not only do Oregonians have endless waterfalls and mountains, the Columbia Gorge, Crater Lake National Park, and the Alvord desert, but there is not a single Timberland boot kicking sand around the dunes in sight. Nor are there hangry seagulls fighting to the death over Nathan’s French fries on their beaches. So essentially, any chance I can get to leave Brooklyn and trade my stress and anxiety for the comforting smells of pine and doughnut grease, I will do so with pleasure.

Don’t get me wrong— New York is incredible and everything, but I have lived there my entire life, and I have never seen a bald eagle swoop in front of my path while I’m floating craft beer in hand down a river. In comparison, I would never dream of doing anything on the Hudson except taking a ferry. The water around New York is truly gross, and I mean that with a weirdly misguided sense of pride. Any living thing that’s unfortunate enough to find its way into the Gowanus canal ends up dead (RIP Sludgie the whale), so looking at river otters as they jump in and out of glacial waters with a possibly active stratovolcano in the backdrop feels pretty amazing to watch. Even hanging out within the confines of the city, you can find a nice quiet spot all to yourself to unwind, which is an uncommon find back home because New York is so damn loud and crowded.

There’s so much green in Portland. The color is everywhere, from the trees and ferns in the parks to the moss-covered sidewalks and personalized home gardens. The green pops against the overcast skies, too; thus, plants appear to be very vibrant, especially on a hike or scenic walk through the forest. There are over 275 urban parks, the most per capita out of any city in the United States. Portlanders are very environmentally conscious, too. Plastic bags are illegal; everyone composts and recycles; tons of local eco-friendly, sustainable, and organic-focused stores and restaurants; and its buses are 100% powered by biofuel. They even charge large corporations to fund energy-efficient initiatives that benefit underserved communities with their green tax. In addition, they kick-started the first mandatory bottle-deposit law in the country.

Another thing I love about this city is that Portland is a walker's paradise. If you don’t own a car, you can always rent one, but for the most part, it’s similar to New York in terms of public transportation, cab availability, and how easy it is to get around without driving. Since many people prefer to use bikes, electric scooters, skateboards, or carpool to commute, the environmental impact is not as harsh as in other major cities. It’s also not hard to see why people prefer to walk, either. Portland has distinct neighborhoods— micro-communities within larger communities, each boasting a unique vibe and individual quirks.

For instance, the NW Pearl district is a lively playground for young professionals packed with plenty of trendy art galleries, upscale boutiques, as well as notable restaurants and nightlife, all in a central location. Similarly, Nob Hill in NW is a charming, walkable neighborhood lined with Victorian homes, plenty of cute boutiques, restaurants, and historic architecture. The city's SE Sunnyside and Division sections are blue-collar areas featuring a healthy dose of subculture, hippie vibes, and many low-key cafes, eclectic stores, stand-out restaurants, adorable homes, and fun bar options to choose from. Furthermore, NE hipster-esque regions like the Mississippi or Alberta districts are vibrant and artsy hubs for pubs, indie galleries, interesting boutiques, excellent restaurants, and live music. Of course, every section of the city, whether SW, N, and so on, has its own set of pros and cons, so don’t be afraid to explore every quadrant yourself because Portland has something for everyone.

I enjoy the “do it yourself attitude” of Portland, especially as it relates to how people personalize their homes. It’s almost as if no lawn in the city is the same. One thing I genuinely love to do is grab a coffee or tea and walk around looking at how people individually decorate their houses. Whether that means painting their home their favorite color, planting fruit trees in their yard, creating elaborate fairy gardens, or setting up community libraries— it’s impossible not to find a charming neighborhood that speaks to your aesthetic and personality.

Brunch is pretty much a sacrament in this city. There are wide-ranging options to choose from if you don’t mind waiting for a table. My go-to spots are usually Cafe Broder, Pine State Biscuits, Proud Mary Cafe, and Sweedeedee, but I like to take my friends to Screen Door for their first time in Portland. It's a tradition at this point. There are also a bunch of quick-bite breakfast spots and old-school diner-like spaces to choose from if you’re in a rush or prefer an unfussy, low-key environment to chow down in and catch up with some friends. I like to grab a sandwich or baked goods to-go from Fried Egg I'm In Love, Little T American Bakery, Nuvrei, and The Egg Carton for quick bites. I’ve also heard good things about Bernstein Bagels, but unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to indulge yet. Of course, it doesn't help that my friends from New York are bagel snobs, either!

Brace yourself if you're a coffee fanatic like me. Portland reportedly has over 700 coffee shops spread across the city. According to an article recently published on Eater, Portland is 2021’s best coffee city in America, which isn’t surprising to hear based on how serious people take their grinds out here. I can personally attest to how great Coava Coffee Roasters, Kopi Coffee House, Tov Coffee and Tea, and Upper Left Roasters are. Still, if you’re a tourist, you should try Stumptown Coffee Roasters at least once solely because of how popular it is. I always have their cold brew stocked in my fridge. If coffee isn’t your thing, try the offerings at Ding Tea Williams or Steven Smith Teamaker. If you have time to sit down for a more extended experience, Lovejoy’s Tea Room of Portland features a tea service that's cute and quirky. Also, Lan Su Chinese Garden Teahouse is beautiful and has delicious teas and snacks with a view. Their moon cake blew me away.

Moreover, Portland is a world center of craft beer. Multiple annual events here are celebrating America’s favorite beverage in all of its forms, such as Portland Beer Week, Holiday Ale Festival, and Oregon Brewers Festival, to name a few. In addition, each of the city’s estimated 70 breweries has specialty drinks with distinct qualities, ranging from lagers and stouts to IPAs, sours, and beyond. One of my favorite things to do in Portland is going to a brewery and getting a flight of different beers. People are accommodating if you want recommendations, so don't be afraid to ask for help or see what a local says about their favorite brews. Some of the best beers I have had in this city come from recommendations!.

Fancy yourself a movie? Well, there are a solid number of theaters to choose from, including McMenamins Bagdad Theater and Pub, a restored Golden-age cinema with beautiful interiors that serves food and alcohol. I can vouch for both Bagdad and Century 16 Eastport Plaza, a standard multi-screen Cineplex with traditional stadium-style seating and reclining chairs, alcohol, as well as a large selection of treats at the concession stand. Though I haven’t been yet, I notice many people go to Living Room Theaters in SW and the historic Laurelhurst Theater in SE. To be sure, there are plenty of independent theaters to choose from should you go that route, each one different from the last.

Speaking of different, the Portland bar scene is eclectic, weird, and all over the place, but in the best way possible. I feel comfortable walking into just about anywhere wearing whatever I want, which is a nice change of pace from home. My favorite haunts include Coffin Club for late-night, judgment-free dancing to 80s tunes, as well as Advice Booth, Slow Bar, and The Rambler for chill, casual vibes, and great conversations. I also adore Hale Pele, the best tiki bar in the continental United States for the tasty drinks and the pure spectacle of having practical effects pop off whenever I order a specific cocktail. Moloko is remarkable for the fish tanks alone, as is C Bar if you crave a low-key dive with pinball machines. There are so many bars to choose from with specific styles of their own, making it difficult to narrow down a list of the best places without excluding some excellent options. Check out my extensive list in the Travel Plan section below for some ideas. Additionally, bars and restaurants typically close anywhere from 12:00 AM to 2:30 AM, which seems standard outside New York City.

A favorite summer activity is to float down the Clackamas River with my friends. We’re in party mode the whole way down from Milo McIver State Park to Barton or Carver, depending on how much time we have on the water that day. The McIver lower ramp to Barton on a tube takes around five or six hours, while Barton to Carver takes about four. In contrast, the McIver lower ramp to Carver takes about eight hours on a tube, but if you rent a kayak or canoe, all travel times along the river can be cut significantly short. The drive from Portland to the McIver lower ramp in Estacada typically takes 40-45 minutes, depending on where you’re starting in the city. It would be best to take advantage of shuttle buses available, as you would have to park your car at the disembark point and cab your way up to the starting point to float back down to your vehicle. Of course, if you’re in a big group and have multiple cars, this is not an issue. Nevertheless, it might make sense for you to do a shuttle service rather than pay for a cab or find a designated driver, but then again, it’s around a 10-minute drive between the parks, so you’re all good either way.

There are some class II rapids in the park, but it’s nothing frightening or challenging. I would recommend wearing a lifevest regardless of your skill level as a swimmer, especially if you’re planning to drink. The waters are primarily calm, so there are areas where you can remove your vest and jump in the water without worry. However, it’s best to keep a lookout for large rocks because your float or boat can get overturned if you don’t avoid these obstacles. You can see the choppy sections of water coming as long as you pay attention to where you’re going, so keep an eye out while you party to know when to vest up and paddle away from obstructions in the river. Moreover, the parking lot fills up fast, as does the river. I would recommend getting there early, no later than noon, so that you can snag a parking space and not be swarmed by other rafters while you’re trying to enjoy your day.

Some items that you will want to pack with you are water, snacks or lunch, alcoholic beverages like beer or hard seltzers, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, flip flops or water shoes, a waterproof case for your phone, a dry bag or backpack if you have one available, and an air pump for your tube or kayak just in case it needs to be refilled en route. I’ve seen people float down the river on an air mattress, and while it was silly and hilarious to watch, I suggest getting a kayak because you have control over where you’re going. Plus, when you are using a tube, your butt will hit some rocks, and it will hurt unless you remember to lift yourself in the rocky sections of the river.

I also love taking a drive to the Columbia River Gorge. Some highlights of the region include Multnomah Falls, Elowah Falls, Oneonta Gorge, Dog Mountain, Angel’s Rest, among so many other beautiful places packed with waterfalls, wildflowers, and sweeping views. I hear the Gorge is the windsurfing capital of the world, which is pretty dope, so make sure you check that out while you’re there if you’re interested in water sports. The Willamette Valley is another gorgeous area outside Portland that should be on every wine drinker’s bucket list. However, even if you’re not planning on visiting a vineyard, there is still plenty to see and do. Silver Falls State Park is famous for its waterfalls, Marys Peak is the highest point on the coast, and Clear Lake is just as beautiful as it sounds. Whether you’re drinking beers with Benedictine monks at Mount Angel Abbey or hanging out in my favorite funky small town, Eugene, you’ll find that the Willamette Valley is a perfectly relaxing destination and a great escape from city life.

However extraordinary this city is, Portland is not without its fair share of downfalls, like everywhere in the United States. With the rising cost of living, increasingly heavy traffic, rising homeless population, drug use, and the devastating effects global warming has on the environment aside, the “Whitest Big City in America” has some obvious issues that need addressing. Although it’s currently one of the most progressive places I have ever traveled to, that doesn’t mean that its problematic history isn’t worth noting.

Over 70% of the population is non-Latino white. Oregon itself began as a makeshift “white Utopia” and, at one point, didn’t allow Black people to visit, live in, or own property in the state. Oregon even rescinded the Fourteenth Amendment. Currently, Black and Latino people are reportedly hit with higher rents and fees than white people. There are also racist policies that negatively impact Black people’s health, employment, and high-school graduation rates. It also doesn’t help that many neighborhoods which people targeted for oppression call home are in the process of being heavily gentrified, displacing many residents.

Nevertheless, Portland is a politically progressive place where most people genuinely care about social justice and leaving the country better than they found it. Though neoliberal racism exists in Portland, it is still safe to travel to the city if you are not white. The same goes for LGBTQ+ people. Portland is one of the most gay-friendly places in the United States. You will not be hard-pressed to find like-minded people in the area who care about your experience and would stand up for you if need be.

Portland, OR

Popular Attractions, Places, and Things to Do

Aerial Tram - An aerial tram that connects OHSU to the South Waterfront area offering sweeping views of the city, similar to the Roosevelt Island Tramway in New York City. (3303 S Bond Ave, Portland, OR 97239) Website
Arcades and Game Rooms - Portland is home to several arcades, all of which have different vibes. Most famously, Electric Castle’s Wunderland, Escape Games PDX, Glowing Greens, Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade and Bar, Next Level Pinball Shop & Museum, Portland Escape Rooms, QuarterWorld Arcade, and Retro Game Bar.
BrewCycle - A pedal-powered, music blasting, brewery touring, group effort work out where tourists travel around the city by bike in search of the best-handcrafted beers their money can buy. (1425 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209 ) Website
Float On - A relaxing and serene sensory deprivation isolation tank float center that also offers massages. (4530 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215) Website
Keep Portland Weird Sign - A tourist mainstay near Voodoo Doughnuts where people take the quintessential traveler photo in front of a painted wall. (350 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209)
Keller Fountain Park - A tiny urban oasis in the heart of the city where people hang out in the fountain’s cooling pools or near its cascading waterfalls. (SW 3rd Ave &, SW Clay St, Portland, OR 97201) Website
McMenamins Kennedy School - An unusual hotel in a restored elementary school boasting a soaking pool, movie theater, live events, restaurants, and several bars. (5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97211) Website
McMenamins Edgefield - A trendy hotel in a converted farmhouse on a 74-acres of land containing a brewery, winery, spa, restaurants, golf course, shopping, and live events. (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale, OR 97060) Website
Oaks Amusement Park - One of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the country. (7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland OR 97202) Website
Pioneer Courthouse Square aka “Portland’s Living Room” - An urban park that hosts hundreds of events year-round in the center of downtown Portland that is a local hub of activity, but also a popular place for tourists to take photos with its whimsical directional marker. (701 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97205) Website
Pittock Mansion - A historical French-Renaissance-slash-Victorian style château and landmark in the West Hills area where visitors tour the house and grounds while also enjoying scenic views of the city. (3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR 97210) Website
Portland Farmers Market - A nonprofit organization operating five vibrant farmers markets in Portland, Oregon. (1803 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97201) Website
Portland Saturday Market - Nationally recognized as the largest continuously operating open-air arts and crafts market in the country. (2 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204) Website
Rose City Rollers - An inclusive and community-minded all-women roller derby league. (7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR 97202) Website
Timbers MLS - A 2015 championship-winning American soccer club playing their home games at Providence Park. (1844 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97205) Website
Tom McCall Waterfront Park - A park in downtown Portland along the Willamette River where people go for a jog, ride their bikes, boat watch, hang out by the fountain, and enjoy the great views as well as the many annual festivals hosted on its grounds. (98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204) Website
Trailblazers NBA - A 1977 championship-winning American professional basketball team playing their home games at the Moda Center. (1 N Center Ct St, Portland, OR 97227) Website
White Stag Sign aka Portland Oregon Sign - Another quintessential tourist photo-taking site of a locally famous neon sign. (70 NW Couch St, Portland, OR 97209) Website

Mushrooms at Tryon Creek State Park.JPEG

Gardens, Greenspaces, and Other Parks:

Cathedral Park - Situated on the Willamette River, this scenic park beneath the St. Johns Bridge takes its name from the supporting archways that resemble a Gothic cathedral. (N Edison Street and Pittsburg Avenue, Portland, OR 97203) Website
Council Crest Park - City park with a viewpoint. (SW Council Crest Drive, Portland, OR 97201) Website
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden - A picturesque botanical garden featuring rare species and hybrid rhododendrons, azaleas, and other plants as well as bridges, ponds, and waterfowl. (5801 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97202) Website
Elk Rock Garden - A private garden open to the public that is one of the oldest and largest, of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. (11800 S Military Ln, Portland, OR 97219) Website
Forest Park - One of the country's largest urban forest reserves containing over 80 miles of hiking trails on 5,200 acres of land. (various / 4099 NW Thurman St, Portland, OR 97210) Website
Hoyt Arboretum - A public park on 189 acres of land with 12 miles of hiking trails that features plants from around the world. (4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR 97221) Website
International Rose Test Garden - Seasonal park with over 10,000 rose bushes from around the globe in hundreds of varieties. (400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205) Website
Lan Su Chinese Garden - An authentic and serene, Ming Dynasty-styled botanical garden that has various plants native to China, including a tea shop. (239 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209) Website
Laurelhurst Park - A city park with a basketball court, tennis court, volleyball court, soccer field, playground, and a pond. (SE Cesar E Chavez Blvd & Stark St, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Leach Botanical Garden - A 16-acre botanical garden containing a stone cabin, rock garden, over 2,000 hybrids, and other plants including firs, ferns, and wildflowers. (6704 SE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR 97236) Website
Marquam Nature Park - The third largest park in Portland with over seven miles of hiking trails. (SW Marquam St, Portland, OR 97201) Website
Milo McIver State Park - Seasonal camping, kayaking, SUP, canoeing, and tubing, along the Clackamas River. (Milo McIver State Park, Estacada, OR 97023) Website
Mt. Tabor Park - A forest park on an extinct volcano containing tennis courts, reservoirs, playgrounds, and paved roads. (SE 60th Ave &, SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97215) Website
Powell Butte Nature Park - A park on an extinct cinder cone volcano featuring hiking, biking, and horse trails with scenic views. (16160 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97236) Website
Portland Japanese Garden - One of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan boasting a view of Mt. Hood and a tea house. (611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205) Website
Sauvie Island Wildlife Area - More than 12,000 acres of land and around 300 species of wildlife featuring activities like hunting, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, cycling, and hiking. (18330 NW Sauvie Island Rd, Portland, OR 97231) Website
Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area - One of America’s largest urban wetlands where people can spot beavers, river otters, bird watch, kayak, canoe, and stroll. (5300 N Marine Dr, Portland, OR 97203) Website
Tanner Springs Park - A city park in the Pearl District with a wetland focus described as an urban habitat. (NW 10th Ave & Marshall Street, Portland, OR 97209) Website
Tryon Creek State Park - 658 acres of second-growth forests situated along Tryon Creek containing hiking trails, horse trails, bicycle paths, and bridges that boast the title of Oregon's only state park in a major metropolitan area. (11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland, OR 97219) Website
Washington Park - A large public park that houses Portland Japanese Garden, Hoyts Arboretum, and the International Rose Test Garden featuring an archery range, picnic areas, the Oregon Zoo, fields, statues, and memorials. (4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221) Website

Hikes

Scenic Drive

Historic Columbia River Highway

Day Trips and Excursions

Columbia River Gorge - Crown Point Vista House, Multnomah Falls, Red Rooster Rock State Park, Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Horsetail Falls, Wahkeena Falls, and Fairy Falls. windsurfing and other water sports in Hood River, Bonneville Hatchery, Bonneville Dam, Hood River Fruit Loop, Mt. Hood Winery, and Full Sail Brewery.
Mt, Hood - Bagby Hot Springs, Mirror Lake, Trillium Lake, Timberline Lodge and Ski Area, Palmer Snowfield, Lost Lake, Ramona Falls, Wildwood Recreation Site, Government Camp, Devil’s Peak Lookout, Mt, Hood Meadows, and Mt. Hood Skibowl and Cosmic Tubing.
The Coast - Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park, Crescent Beach, Indian Beach, Fort Stevens State Park, Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, Secret Beach, Three Capes Scenic Route, Cape Lookout, Cape Kiwanda, Cape Meares, Whale watching at Depoe Bay, Otter Rock, Devil’s Punchbowl, Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, Siuslaw National Forest, Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Thor’s Well, and Heceta Head Lighthouse.
Willamette Valley - Silver Falls State Park, Wine Country (Sokol Blosser, Penner-Ash Wine Cellars, The Eyrie Vineyards, Bethel Heights Vineyard) Equestrian Wine Tours, Willamette National Forest, Over the Rivers & Through the Woods Scenic Byway., Mid-Willamette berry picking, Benedictine Brewery, Oregon Garden, Clear Lake, Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, The Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway, Marys Peak to Pacific Scenic Byway, and Willamette National Forest.

Shopping:

Cargo - Marketplace selling offbeat & unique goods sourced from around the world in a huge, colorful space. (81 SE Yamhill St, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Crafty Wonderland - Carefully selected handmade goods from the best and brightest makers at a brick and mortar store, a twice-yearly craft market. (2022 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211) Website
Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette - Long-standing nonprofit chain with a range of pre-owned clothing, housewares & more. (1231 NE Broadway St, Portland, OR 97232) Website
Higher Self - Offers a highly curated vibe of art, accessories, and gifts that are made by local and independent artists. (6315 SE Holgate Blvd, Portland, OR 97206) Website
House of Vintage - Huge emporium featuring dozens of vendors selling antiques, vintage clothing, jewelry & housewares. (3315 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214) Website
MadeHere - Design-focused, fashionable products entirely designed and handcrafted locally in Portland. (40 NW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97209) Website
Made in Oregon - Carries a wide assortment of Pendleton Blankets, Tillamook Cheese, Oregon Wines, & more - All Tax-Free. (340 SW Morrison St Suite 1300, Portland, OR 97204) Website
Mystery Gallery - A leading provider of gemstones and crystals that offers jewelry, statuary, music, funky clothing, incense, candles, essential oils, natural body care products, natural supplements. (13750 SE McLoughlin Blvd, Oak Grove, OR 97222) Website
Nike Factory Store - A Nike clearance store in downtown Portland(. 638 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97204) Website
Paxton Gate - Ethically sourced taxidermy, butterflies, skulls, bones & curio from around the world. One of a kind fossils, minerals, crystals, etc. (4204 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR, 97217) Website
Pendleton Home Store - Known for wool apparel & blankets, this chain also sells non-wool clothing, decor items & linens. (210 NW Broadway, Portland, Oregon 97209) Website
Powell’s City of Books - This landmark, multi-level source for new & used books also houses a cafe & selection of gifts.(1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR, 97209) Website
Union Way Shopping Arcade - Small indoor collection of downtown shops with multiple well-known stores like Bridge & Burn, Danner, and Self Edge. (1022 W Burnside St, Portland, OR, 97209) Website
Urbanite - A lifestyle store home to Portland’s best designers and makers. (1005 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Vintage Pink - Roomy, funky emporium featuring secondhand furniture, home decor & clothing in vibrant environs. (2500 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214 ) Website

Street Art, Galleries, and Museums:

ADX Portland - Affordable and accessible office and studio spaces for artists, designers, and the like that also hosts classes and workshops, (417 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Alberta Street Gallery - An “artist cooperative featuring high-quality work across many mediums.” (1829 NE Alberta St Unit B, Portland, OR 97211) Website
Antler Gallery - An art gallery “exhibiting the highest caliber contemporary art from the Pacific Northwest and beyond.” (2728 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211) Website
Blue Sky Gallery - A nonprofit gallery for contemporary photography. (122 NW 8th Ave, Portland, OR 97209) Website
Bullseye Projects Gallery - A gallery that “explores contemporary glass with makers, designers, and viewers of all ages.” (3610 SE 21st Avenue Portland, OR 97202) Website
Elisabeth Leach Gallery - (417 NW 9th Ave, Portland, OR 97209') Website
Froelick Gallery - “Exhibits and represents contemporary artists with strong and independent voices.” (714 NW Davis St, Portland, OR 97209) Website
Oregon Center for Contemporary Art - A nonprofit gallery run by artists. (8371 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR. 97217) Website
PDX Contemporary Art - Progressive art gallery established in a vintage building with natural light & sliding walls. (925 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209) Website
Portland Art Museum - “The largest art museum in Oregon and one of the oldest in the country” that houses major exhibits from artists across the world. (1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205) Website
Portland Institute for Contemporary Art - A contemporary performance and visual arts organization with a culturally relevant focus. (15 NE Hancock St, Portland, OR 97212) Website
Russo Lee Gallery - Exhibitions by established & emerging Northwest artists. (805 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97210) Website
Upfor - A gallery showcasing “early career and established artists whose work examines and challenges cultural and artistic orthodoxies.” (929 NW Flanders Street, Portland, OR 97209) Website

Artists of Interest:

*Check out Portland Street Art Alliance, a non-profit organization that facilitates art projects in the city.

Restaurants, Bars, & Breweries

Coffee and Tea

Coava Coffee Roasters Flagship - A variety of quality coffee beverages & light bites are served at this industrial-chic space. (1300 SE Grand Ave a, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Ding Tea Williams - "Taiwanese tea house serving premium milk tea and boba with a clean atmosphere and friendly staff." (4225 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97217) Website
Heart Coffee - Coffee drinks & gourmet baked goods offered in stylish, industrial-chic quarters. (1123 SW Washington St, Portland, OR 97205) Website
Kopi Coffee House- Casual, vibrant shop offering coffee drinks from South East Asia plus Indonesian fusion fare. (2327 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Lan Su Chinese Garden Teahouse - Serene traditional Chinese teahouse serving locally made blends & a small menu of vegetarian snacks. (239 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209) Website
Lovejoy’s Tea Room of Portland - “A cozy, quirky place filled with mismatched china and furniture – where handmade tea cozies and an eclectic assortment of collectibles will delight your eyes..” (3286 NE Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97211) Website
Steven Smith Teamaker - “Handcrafting tiny batches of exquisite full-leaf teas and botanicals.” (110 SE Washington St, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Tea Bar - Bubble tea, matcha lattes & tea infusions are served at this hyper-modern chain venue. (1055 NW Northrup St, Portland, OR 97209) Website
Tov Coffee and Tea -Quirky cafe in a double-decker bus specializing in Egyptian- & Turkish-style coffee & tea drinks. (3207 SE Hawthorne Blvd #5044, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Upper Left Roasters - Airy hangout with a seasonal patio offering house-roasted, single-origin coffee & sandwiches. (1204 SE Clay St, Portland, OR 97214) Website

Breakfast to Go:

Bernstein’s Bagels - Hand-rolled and boiled house-made bagels with New York Deli-style fixings. (816 N Russell St, Portland OR 97227) Menu
Bread & Honey Cafe - Imaginative light breakfasts & lunches sever at a hip spot running an occasional supper club. (3526 N Vancouver Ave, Portland, OR 97227) Menu
DITTO - Vegan grilled sandwiches & basic sides are served from this straightforward food truck. (1027 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211) Menu
Either/Or - Bright, cheery space presenting locally roasted coffee, espresso flights, handmade sodas & pastries. (8235 SE 13th Ave #2, Portland, OR 97202) Menu
Fried Egg I’m in Love - Egg sandwiches in many varieties are the focus of this parked food truck with a few picnic tables. (3549 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214) Menu
Lauretta Jean’s - Counter-serve bakeshop with season handmade pies, breakfast & lunch sandwiches, plus beer & wine. (3402 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202) Menu
Little T American Baker -Rustic-chic bakery offering artisanal bread & pastries, plus coffee & a menu of gourmet sandwiches. (2600 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202) Menu
Nuvrei - Petite bakery open for breakfast & lunch, specializing in coffee, sandwiches & French pastries. (404 NW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97209) Menu
The Egg Carton - Twists on classic American breakfast& brunch dishes served at a blue food cart with picnic tables. (5205 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR 97206() Menu
The Waffle Window - Window serve takeaway joint offering sweet & savory Belgian-style waffles plus seasonal creations. (3610 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214) Menu

Breakfast/Brunch:

Broder Café - Breakfast dishes & Blood Marys are especially popular at this small, simple Scandinavian eatery. (2508 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202) Menu
Coquine - Cozy corner kitchen serving polished, farm-to-table New American dinners & casual cafe fare by day. (6839 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97216) Menu
Gravy - Classic American breakfasts & hearty comfort-food lunches served up in an understated space. (3957 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227) Menu
Hunnymilk - Sweet and savory, set-price brunch in a fun, cozy atmosphere, featuring refined New American eats (1981 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209) Menu
Pine State Biscuits - Buttermilk biscuits are served plain or in hefty Southern sandwiches at this popular bakery. (2204 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211) Menu
Proud Mary Cafe - Hip Aussie-style cafe in an industrial-chic space offering craft coffee, breakfast & smoothies. (2012 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211) Menu
Slappy Cakes - Diners make & cook their own pancakes at an industrial-sleek, otherwise full-service breakfast spot. (4246 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97215) Menu
Screen Door - Refined Southern specialties like buttermilk-fried chicken in roomy digs offering weekend brunch. (2337 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214) Menu
Sweedeedee -Cozy cafe offers homestyle breakfast & lunch fare ordered at the counter in a bright, stylish space. (5202 N Albina Ave, Portland, OR 97217) Menu
Tin Shed Garden Cafe - Small, dog-friendly place specializing in American food, offering a covered patio & a canine menu. (1438 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211) Menu

Lunch

808 Grinds - Authentic Hawaiian cuisine where all the plates come with a side of rice and mac salad. (5226 SE 26th Ave, Portland, OR 97202) Menu
Bistro Agnes - Elegant, light-filled restaurant serving Parisian bistro fare, with a broad wine & spirits list. (SW 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97205) Menu
BAE’S Fried Chicken - Locally raised and organic fried chicken shop. (225 SW Ash St, Portland, OR 97204) Menu
Danwei Canting - Chinese dumplings, noodles, & street-inspired small plates, plus cocktails, in industrial-chic digs. (803 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97214) Menu
Grassa - Italian cafe serves handmade pastas in industrial digs amid huge eagle mural & communal tables. (1205 SW Washington St, Portland OR 97205) Menu
Hat Yai - Thai plates & draft brews are the draw at this snug, rustic-chic counter serve with outdoor seating. (1605 NE Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97211) Menu
Kim Jong Grillin’ - Korean barbecue restaurant (4606 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97206) Menu
Kinboshi Ramen - Casual ramen joint serving Japenese noodle bowls in a light-filled space with communal seating. (609 SE Ankeny St, A, Portland, OR 97214) Menu
¿Por Qué No? - Small outpost drawing crowds for tacos & other Mexican basics made with a nod to sustainability. (4635 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215) Menu
Rose VL Deli - Vietnamese fare including banh mi & jumbo soups served in a bright & colorful space. (6424 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97206) Menu

Dinner:

Afuri Izakaya -Tokyo-based hot spot featuring creative ramen, sushi & robata in a cool reclaimed warehouse space. (923 SE 7th Ave, Portland, OR 97214) Menu
Ava Gene’s -Italian eatery serving cocktails & upscale fare, including family-style options, in a chic space. (3377 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202) Menu
Bollywood Theater - Casual stop for Indian street-food classics, with old Bollywood films showing on a wall. (3010 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202) Menu
Canard -Dishes take their inspiration from all over the world at this stylish venue mixing fresh cocktails. (734 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214) Menu
Casa Zoraya - Easygoing destination with a patio highlighting Peruvian cuisine, plus live music & cocktails. (841 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97217) Menu
Eem - Modern Thai eatery serving creative BBQ & craft cocktails including tiki drinks in traditional mugs. (3808 North Williams Avenue st, 127, Portland, OR 97227) Menu
Gado Gado - Bustling hangout with pan-Asian & Dutch-Indonesian offerings, plus specialty cocktails. (1801 NE Cesar E Chavez Blvd, Portland, OR 97212) Menu
Kachka - Lively spot for refined Russian fare & house-infused vodkas in kitschy surroundings. (960 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97214) Menu
Le Pigeon - Rotating menu of creative French-inspired fare served at communal tables or the bar in a snug room. (738 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214) Menu
Lovely’s Fifty Fifty - Lively setting for wood-fired pies, plus other casual eats including salads & housemade ice cream. (4039 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217) Menu
Maurice - An array of pastries, Nordic-French fare, coffee & cocktails served in a tiny, all-white dining room (921 SW Oak St, Portland, OR 97205) Menu
Nimblefish - Warm, cozy Japanese spot for nigiri-focused sushi & omakase menus plus sake, wine, beer & whiskey. (1524 SE 20th Ave, Portland, OR 97214) Menu
Olympia Provisions - Housemade charcuterie & European-style meals provided in an industrial space with a to-go counter. (107 SE Washington St, Portland, OR 97214) Menu
Ok Omens - Chic, unadorned destination with outdoor seating offering cocktails, wine & beer, plus small plates. (1758 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Ox - Stylish eatery with a bar where Argentinean-inspired NW fare is cooked on a wood-fired grill. (2225 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97212) Menu

Dessert:

Back to Eden Bakery - Plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free bakery-slash-cafe. () Website
Cloud City Ice Cream - Handmade ice cream comes in many unique flavors at this strip-mall parlor with sidewalk tables. (4525 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, OR 97206) Website
Eb and Bean - Minimalist shop serving fro-yo made from locally sourced organic milk, plus vegan options. (1425 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232) Website
Jinju Patisserie - Unique flavored baked goods and chocolates using the freshest, all-natural ingredients. (4063 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97227) Website
Papa Haydn - European-style desserts meet upscale American sandwiches & salads at this romantic cafe. (701 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210) Website
Petunia’s Pies & Pastries - Cute, hip cafe doling out creative vegan & gluten-free sandwiches, soups & desserts, plus cocktails. (610 SW 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97205) Website
Rimsky-Korsakoffee House - Quirky, cash-only coffee spot in an old house also features dessert & occasional nightly live music. (707 SE 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Saint Cupcake - Cupcakes, cakes, sweet & savory treats, and melty goods baked fresh daily. (1138 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97205) Website
St Honoré Boulangerie - Quaint French bakery & cafe with foods such as bread, pastries & sandwiches, plus sidewalk seating. (2335 NW Thurman St, Portland, OR 97210) Website
Salt & Straw - Small-batch, chef-driven ice cream, handmade using local ingredients. (2035 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211) Website

Donuts:

Blue Star Donuts - This upmarket brioche-donut bakery features creative flavors & organic, locally sourced ingredients. (1701 SW Jefferson St, Portland, OR 97201) Website
Doe Donuts - Small, wood-lined shop offering handcrafted vegan donuts in classic & creative flavors. (4110 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97212) Website
NOLA Doughnuts - A menu of definitively shaped square donuts with a New Orleans street facade interior. (110 NW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97209) Website
Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai - This hip, casual coffee cafe specializes in fried-to-order mini-donuts, chai & espresso drinks. (4759 NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97213) Website
Voodoo Doughnuts - Famous, innovative, unique doughnut flavors and products. (22 SW 3rd Avenue, Portland, OR, 97204) Website

Food Cart Pods:

5th Avenue Food Cart Pod - "An “eclectic collection of eateries in downtown Portland is a local favorite for weekday lunch.” (324 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97204) Website
Cartlandia - Happening space where specialty food carts dish up burgers shaved ice & other international chow. (8145 SE 82nd Ave, Portland, OR 97266) Website
Cartopia - Group of food carts known as a "pod" featuring a variety of fare from lunch through dinner. (1207 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Carts on Foster - A gathering of parked carts providing goods such as barbecue, vegan bites, burgers & vintage items. (5205 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR 97206) Website
Hawthorne Asylum - Sprawling, vibrant outdoor food court featuring food trucks, communal, wooden tables & a fire pit. (1080 SE Madison St, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Killingsworth Station - A simple, seven-cart food pod featuring El Salvadorian, Polish, Brazilian, Texas-style BBQ, and Thai cuisine among others. (1331 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97217) Website
Nob Hill Food Carts - “We strive to create a community within our space and lease to vendors who share our love for diverse culinary experiences while using fresh & local ingredients.” (1845 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210) Website
Piedmont Station Food Carts - “Foods Global Made Local” Food cart pod featuring cuisines from all over the world. (625 NE Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97211) Website
Prost Marketplace - A cart pod that surrounds Prost! featuring 10 food carts with different cuisines. (4233 N Mississippi Ave, Portland 97217) Website
The Cart Blocks - Current Food Carts include kBap, Shanghai’s Best, Tito’s Burritos, #1 Bento, Kafta House, Hua Li House, Fernando’s Alegria, Anna Thai Basil, Beijing House, and Villa Angel Taqueria at the date of writing. (70 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209) Website

Bars:

Advice Booth - A warm, cozy bar perfect for happy hours, late nights, date nights, and more.(5426 N Gay Ave, Portland, OR 97217) Website
Bible Club PDX - Antiques-filled speakeasy serving inventive & classic cocktails plus small bites in stylish digs. (6716 SE 16th Ave, Portland, OR 97202) Website
C Bar - Mellow gastropub with an eclectic menu, cocktails & a pinball room with more than a dozen machines. (2880 SE Gladstone St, Portland, OR 97202) Website
Coffin Club - Dark Goth bar with horror-themed decor, hosting concerts, burlesque shows, tarot readings & more. (421 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Deadshot - Creative cocktails plus small-batch beers & elevated pub grub offered in sleek, wood-accented digs. (2133 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Hale Pele - Atmospheric tiki bar with lots of rum, artisanal syrups, a themed menu & pufferfish decorations. (2733 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232) Website
Moloko - Chill cocktail lounge with no sign, a curvy white bar, fish tanks & a covered patio in back. (3967 North Mississippi Avenue Portland, 97227) Website
Multnomah Whiskey Library - Cozy upstairs lounge with brick walls & a vintage feel features 1,500+ spirits & small plates. (1124 SW Alder St, Portland, OR 97205) Website
Noble Rot - 4th-floor wine bar offering city views & small plates featuring ingredients from a rooftop garden. (1111 East Burnside Street, Fourth Floor, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Palomar - Trendy hangout with a Cuban vibe offering sharing plates with daiquiris & other tropical cocktails. (959 SE Division St #100, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Radio Room - Remodeled gas station known for its American fare, weekend Bloody Mary bar & heated rooftop patio. (1101 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211) Website
Revolution Hall - Music venue and bar in a former High School. (1300 SE Stark St #203, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Slow Bar - Compact & low-lit spot with big stylish booths known for its burgers & ample late-night menu. (533 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Sweet Hereafter - Hip, bustling bar with a vegan menu, cocktails served in mason jars & a sprawling covered patio. (3326 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214) Website
The Fixin To - Bar adorned in old beer signs & antlers, with a heated patio, shuffleboard & Southern-themed menu. (8218 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97203) Website
The Rambler - Homey neighborhood tavern in a converted bungalow serving cocktails, craft beer & sandwiches. (4205 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217) Website
Teardrop Lounge - Classic & inventive cocktails with top-shelf spirits by talented mixologists in a chic, buzzy space. (1015 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209) Website
The Lift Off Lounge - A neighborhood bar and restaurant inspired by the cocktail lounges and supper clubs of the mid-twentieth century. (5216 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213) Website
Victoria - Drinking parlor crafting offbeat cocktails & Southern eats in a rustic locale with outdoor seating. (4835 N Albina Ave, Portland, OR 97217) Website
Voicebox Karaoke - High-energy, modern karaoke lounge featuring private rooms, signature cocktails & clever bar bites. (734 SE 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97214) Website

Breweries:

10 Barrel Brewing Portland - Innovative beers brewed locally. (1411 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209) Website
Baerlic Brewing - Independent brewery with an indoor taproom. (2239 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Breakside Brewery - Industrial-style brewpub with a patio & a vast list of craft beers & elevated American eats. (820 NE Dekum St, Portland, OR 97211) Website
Cascade Brewing Barrel House - Brewpub with a street-front patio serving handcrafted sour beers, small plates & sandwiches. (939 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Culmination Brewing -Hip microbrewery taproom pouring fresh housemade beers with modern, locally sourced bar snacks. (2117 NE Oregon St, Portland, OR 97232) Website
Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House - Beers brewed on-site & gourmet pub grub in a converted auto-body shop with a fireplace & wood beams. (210 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209) Website
Gigantic Brewing - Featuring a dog-friendly patio, this unassuming hangout serves house-brewed beer & a few guest ales. (5224 SE 26th Ave, Portland, OR 97202) Website
Great Notion Brewing Alberta - House-brewed drafts & creative comfort grub served in a lofty, industrial-chic taproom with a patio. (2204 NE Alberta St #101, Portland, OR 97211) Website
Hair of the Dog Brewery and Tasting Room - Creative beers served alongside tapas & sandwiches in a brewery tasting room with minimal decor. (61 SE Yamhill St, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Level Beer - Barn-brewed beer. (5211 NE 148th Ave, Portland, OR 97230) Website
Look Long Brewing Company - A nano-brewery. (6550 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR 97217) Website
Little Beast - Low-key outpost serving wood-aged & blended beers plus small food plates, patio & porch seating. (3412 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202) Website
Modern Times - “serves a lineup of fan favorites, rarities, & experimental offerings, and offers a menu of incredibly tasty vegan cuisine, as well as tons of beer & merch to-go.” (600 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Occidental Brewing Company - Approachable, sessionable, and award-winning ales and lagers. (6635 N Baltimore Ave #102, Portland, OR 97203) Website
Rogue - Comfortable room with a patio, games, many rotating taps & creative pub grub. (928 SE 9th Ave, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Ruse - Artisinal brewery. (4784 SE 17th Ave, Portland, OR 97202) Website
Steeplejack Brewing - Laid-back brewhouse in a spacious, church-like setting offering plentiful burgers & outdoor seating. (2400 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232) Website
StormBreaker Brewing - “A welcoming and comfortable destination for enjoying delicious beers, tasty food, and friendly company.” (832 N Beech St, Portland, OR 97227) Website
Upright Brewing -Microbrewery with a tasting room featuring hand-crafted draft & bottled beers, plus snacks. (240 N Broadway, Portland, OR 97227) Website
Von Ebert Brewing Pearl - Micro-brewery & bar serves beers made in German, Belgian & Czech styles, plus sandwiches & pretzels. (131 NW 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97209) Website

Dispensaries

Archive - The destination for high-quality cannabis connoisseurs. (10645 SE Henry St b, Portland, OR 97266) Website
Bridge City Collective - A coast-to-coast fellowship of cannabis operators, educators, activists, and innovators (4312 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97217) Website
Broadway Cannabis Market - Founded in 2019 by an Oregon native with the vision to create a “premium without the price” experience. (427 NW Broadway Ave, Portland, OR 97209) Website
Farma -Farma is “changing the way we buy cannabis” · Farma “gleams like an upscale pharmacy” with “some of the highest-quality marijuana sold in Portland.” (916 SE Hawthorne Blvd Portland, OR 97214) Website
Five Zero Trees - A place for OMMP cardholders & recreational customers to access high-quality cannabis in an inviting & safe environment. (5336 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Portland, OR 97221) Website
Gnome Grown - Offering Gnome Grown cannabis and extracts alongside an impressive assortment of flower, edibles, extracts, topicals, and more from the most innovative brands in Oregon. (1052 Bridge Rd, Collegeville, PA 19426) Website
Green Muse - A Black-owned, Hip-hop dispensary offering healthy premium cannabis at every price point. (5515 NE 16th Ave, Portland, OR 97211) Website
Kings of Canna - A family-owned and operated OLCC licensed recreational Canna-boutique. (1465 NE Prescott St C, Portland, OR 97211) Website
Jayne Recreational and Medical Marijuana Dispensary - A custom curated menu of Flower, edibles, concentrates, cartridges, topicals, and Cannabis lifestyle accessories. (2145 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97212) Website
Oregrown - Featuring an expansive collection of craft cannabis products, apparel, home goods and so much more. (111 NE 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97232) Website
Refinery Dispensary - A woman-owned cannabis boutique that curates a selection of products for enthusiasts who value craftsmanship and aesthetics in their pursuit of an immersive experience at a time when details make all the difference. (2707 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232) Website
Serra Dispensary - High-quality marijuana, extracts, concentrates, and edibles. (2519 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Somewhere - A retailer of cannabis and exotic plants in Portland Oregon. (2128 NW Overton St, Portland, OR 97210) Website
Treehouse Collective - Proudly serving the inner northeast Kern and Burnside neighborhoods with a rotating menu. (2419 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97232) Website
Urban Farmacy Portland Dispensary and Portland Weed Delivery - Local, top-quality cannabis products including edibles, CO2 extracted cannabis oil cartridges, BHO (Butane extracted Hash Oil), RSO (Rick Simpson Oil), live resin, rosin, THC and CBD tinctures and capsules, topicals, a wide variety of CBD products and paraphernalia. (420 NE 60th Ave, Portland, OR 97213) Website

Strip Clubs

Acropolis Steakhouse - A large array of beer on tap, four stages, and famous steak bites. (8325 SE McLoughlin Blvd, Portland, OR, OR 97202) Website
Casa Diablo Vegan Strip Club -The world's only vegan strip club. (2839 NW St Helens Rd, Portland, OR 97210) Website
Club Rouge Portland - Upscale strip club in downtown Portland. (403 SW Harvey Milk St, Portland, OR 97204) Website
Club SinRock Downtown - Upscale adult entertainment in downtown Portland. (215 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209) Website
Devil’s Point - Home of world-famous #Stripparaoke and devil-themed strip club. (5305 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR 97206) Website
Lucky Devil Lounge - “Visualized over the course of six months with an image of the Playboy Club in the 1960s in mind, there are several things that make the Lucky Devil a different kind of strip club in Portland” (633 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97202) Website
Mary’s Club - “One of the best jukeboxes in town, a friendly all-female bar staff, a very low-key comfortable environment, and great dancers.” The oldest strip club in Portland. (503 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209) Website
Sassy’s - Bar, grill, and gentleman's club with a happy hour. (927 SE Morrison St, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Spyce Gentleman’s Club - Upscale gentleman’s club in downtown Portland with two floors. (210 NW Couch St, Portland, OR 97209) Website
Union Jacks Club - One of the oldest strip clubs in Portland. (938 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214) Website

Oddities & Weird Attractions

99W Drive -In Theater - A family owned, classic old school style drive-in theater on the National Register of Historic Places. (3110 Portland Rd, Newberg, OR 97132) Website
Collins Beach UFO Boat - A short hike across a nude beach from a parking area on Sauvie Island rewards curious onlookers with a visit to an unusual abandoned ship covered in graffiti. (near NW Reeder Rd, Portland, OR 97231) Website
Freakybuttrue Peculiarium - A weird, creepy, and gross, but fun museum devoted to sci-fi art, strange oddities, and pretty much all things freaky. (2234 NW Thurman St, Portland, OR 97210) Website
Mill End Park - The smallest park in the world in a blink and you miss it location in the middle of the street near the McCall Waterfront Park. (SW Naito Parkway and Taylor Street
Portland, OR 97204) Website
North American Bigfoot Center - A sasquatch museum and gift shop in Boring, OR. (31297 SE, US-26, Boring, OR 97009) Website
Paul Bunyan Statue - A big statue of Paul Bunyan. ‘Nuff said. (SW corner of, N Denver Ave, Portland, OR 97217) Website
Portland Horse Rings - Rings leftover from when people needed to tie their horses to the sidewalk that residents now attach model and toy horses to as a fun, interactive art installation as well as a nod to a bygone era. Website
Portlandia Statue - A sculpture designed by Raymond Kaskey situated on top of the entrance to The Portland Building that is symbol of Portland and the second largest copper repoussé in the U.S. after the Statue of Liberty. (420 SW Main St, Portland, OR 97204) Website
Shanghai Tunnels aka The Old Portland Underground - A group of passages underneath Portland’s Chinatown that connect various businesses beneath the surface of the street. (120 NW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97209) Website
Sunnyside Piazza - A colorful intersection and gathering space featuring a vibrant community art project that is repainted every spring. (SE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Transcendence - A bronze sculpture by Keith Jellum of a swimming salmon bursting through the corner of a building. (963-999 SW 9th Ave., Portland, OR 97205)
The Simpsons Landmarks - Matt Groening, The Simpsons creator, calls Portland his home. Fans of the show can check out related areas of note and fanfare like the Bart Simpson Etching, The Simpsons Mural and Life Size Statue, and Ned Flanders Crossing, among others. Organized tours are even offered.
The Venderia - A collection of quirky, interactive, and fun vending machines spread across Portland that serve convenience store items, local art, thrift goods, and the occasional bit of wisdom. Website
The Wishing Tree - A tree with handwritten notes tied to its branches and nailed to its trunk where people make wishes. (2954 NE 7th Ave, Portland, OR 97212) Website
USS Blueback - A once active submarine near OMSI that offers daily tours. (1945 SE Water Ave #300, Portland, OR 97214) Website
Vaux’s Swifts at Chapman School - The site of the largest known roost of migrating Vaux's Swifts on the globe that’s housed inside the chimney of an elementary school. (1445 NW 26th Ave, Portland, OR 97210) Website

Events & Festivals

Notes:

Homeless camps are numerous and scattered throughout Portland and as a result, the city has declared a national emergency. If you have leftovers from a restaurant or have a few dollars to spare, please consider donating your food and extra cash to a person in need. However, if you see a person who is visibly on drugs or mentally ill, it’s best to exercise caution and avoid engaging with them.
Most of the year it’s gloomy and raining in Portland, but that doesn’t mean that people don’t still enjoy the outdoors. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not pouring nonstop and most of the time— it’s an on and off light rain. Moreover, when it snows, conditions turn icy and hazardous. In consequence, the city seems to temporarily shut down. Additionally, wildfire season is from July through August, sometimes September. The air quality quickly drops as a result. It’s also worth noting that when the water is cold enough, you can go into shock and die if you decide to swim during the wrong time of year, so please do your research before you take a dip, even if you think it’s the correct time to do so.
Portland is a jaywalking city. Vehicles have to yield to pedestrians and a person can cross the street pretty much where they want as long as it doesn’t cause a dangerous situation. With that being said, if you see a crosswalk, use it.
People in Portland do not use umbrellas and using one is the quickest way to show someone that you’re not from there.
Portland is a hub of resistance, and with that title comes obvious pitfalls. Most of the protests are peaceful, but there have been turbulent clashes with the police and other protestors in the past that have made national news. Most of the vandalism, destruction of property, and violent activity were localized downtown, an area that has suffered tremendously in the last few years culturally and financially. At the date of writing this article, people generally still feel that the area is unsafe and unwelcoming, but not as it relates to protests.
Land Acknowledgment courtesy of the Multnomah County website “Multnomah County acknowledges the land that we occupy as residents is unceded Indigenous land. The Portland Metro area rests on traditional village sites of the Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla, and many other tribes who made their homes along the Columbia River creating both permanent communities and seasonal encampments.”

*Business information and descriptions are pulled from Google and personal websites

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Jan 2 Ridley Roams: Portland, OR

Portland, OR

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