Majestic Pacific Northwest surroundings, outdoor recreation, micro-breweries and a lively creative arts scene are just the beginning of what Portland has to offer. But the funky city serves up more than mountains and a laid-back populace; there are many hidden discoveries in Portland. Money magazine proclaimed it North America’s “Best Big City,” its arts and culture are exhilarating, and it is easy to get around, as Portland boasts one of the best public transportation systems in the country.

SLEEP

Head downtown for boutique hotels with personality and a quirky, fun edge. Hotel Lucia stands out from the crowd with a minimalist black-and-white décor that sets off a stunning array of museum-quality art; you may think you’ve wandered into a gallery. The eclectic collection is largely that of Pulitzer-winning photographer and Portland native, David Hume Kennerly.

On the north side of downtown, the glamour of old Hollywood awaits at Hotel deLuxe, where you may feel you’ve stepped onto the set of a George Cukor movie. The lobby is understated and elegant, with 1930s décor and a large projected vintage film still that changes daily. Guest rooms and corridors feature about 350 black-and-white photos of film stars and directors.

EAT

Old Town Pizza is said to be haunted by ghosts who roam this award-winning, turn of the century pizzeria. In the early 1900s, hundreds were kidnapped and thrown through trap doors to the Shanghai Tunnels below, where they were put on slave ships east. Whether you have a close encounter with one of these disgruntled spirits or not, the fabulous historic building and delicious pies are reason alone to visit. Other spots to pick up both a delicious meal and the Portland vibe include the food stalls and trailers that line many streets (check out 3rd-5th Streets); or the Saturday Farmers Market under the Burnside Bridge on the waterfront.

PLAY

The Pearl District downtown is home to dozens of galleries, shops, restaurants and bars, presenting a fun neighborhood to spend the day or evening. To the north of the Pearl District, check out the Alphabet Streets for a more residential section of the city that is full of trendy boutiques and funky vintage shops, as well as some of the best dining in the city. For families, the Oregon Zoo is provides a wonderful learning experience in a beautiful setting, and is only five minutes from downtown and on the MAX light-rail line.

SHOP

The Saturday Market is popular with locals and visitors alike, with around 300 vendors, musicians and craftspeople each weekend—open Sundays as well, despite its name. Celebrate the arts and local food each First Thursday in the Pearl District, and each Last Thursday in the Alberta Arts District.

Powell’s City of Books is well known among bibliophiles all over the country. Its two floors, on an entire sprawling city block, houses the largest used and new bookstore in the world, with more than one million books in nine color-coded rooms. Prepare to stay a while.

DO/SEE

The Portland Museum of Art is the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest, and houses a vast permanent collection, as well as innovative special exhibits. Portland is known as the City of Roses, and no trip is complete without visiting the spectacular Rose Gardens in Washington Park. Other beautiful outdoor settings include the Japanese Gardens, also in Washington Park, and the Classical Chinese Gardens in the Pearl District. For a terrific view of the downtown skyline, as well surrounding beauty including Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens, take a ride on the Portland Aerial Tram, which climbs 500 feet from OHSU to a scenic viewpoint above the city, all for only $4.00 roundtrip.

SECRETS/FINDS

Festivals of all kinds are a big part of life in Portland. Coming up, catch the Homowo Festival of African Arts in August and Time Based Art Festival held each September. Music aficionados flock to the Mt. Hood Jazz Festival in August and the Musicfest NW in September. The live music scene here is thriving, from many of indie rock’s darlings to multi-cultural genres, and Portland even has its own Fair Trade Music campaign for working musicians.

As we enjoy the last of blissful sunny days, cookouts, and playing in the sand, we want you to share a photo of your Favorite Beach Vacation with us. You might win a free $250 (USD) Visa gift card which you can use for any upcoming travel plans you might have. Click here to learn how to enter.

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Image 1 – Portland at the Waterfront
From Flickr Creative Commons

2 – The Saturday Market
Photo courtesy of the Saturday Market Association

3 – Downtown view of Portland
Original photo by Shelley Seale