"A Short Stay in the City of Roses" Portland by Hopkid
Portland Travel Guide: 1,420 reviews and 2,753 photos
Our trip to Oregon started in Portland which is where we flew from the east coast. Known for their large rose festival held in June each year and an air of funkiness and uniqueness, Portland really has a great character that was evident in the short time we were there. Portland is made up of several distinct neighborhoods all with their own personality and attraction. During our short stay (which maybe totaled a single day) we were able to drive through the Nob Hill, Downtown, Pearl, and Hollywood neighborhoods. And as usual we had some time to partake in some of Portland's dining offerings!
We spent an afternoon walking around the Pearl, checking out the independent shops and galleries, as well as a couple of chain stores (Patagonia, North Face), and bumped into a small farmer's market on 10th Avenue north of Irving Street. There are also quite a few restaurants, coffeeshops, and the vernerable Powell's City of Books (it takes up an entire city block). We also spent a half day exploring the nearby Columbia River Gorge and viewing some of the spectactular waterfalls. No visit to Portland would be complete without a visit to this most beautiful natural landscape.
People were very friendly and made light of the rather wet weather. The attitude of locals is basically "What are you gonna do?" Certainly if one can get used to misty, drizzly conditions for the better part of 9 months of the year, Portland would be a fine place to hang one's hat.
NOTE: I have very few photos here because my camera battery died the day we went to the Columbia River Gorge and strolled through the Pearl District.
- Pros:Diversity, funkiness, individuality, nice people, mild temperatures
- Cons:Lack of sunlight for long stretches during winter
- In a nutshell:Really a great place...just get rid of the mist/drizzle/rain!
Reviews (7)
Vista House
Off The Beaten Path
(3)
Vista House at Crown Point on the Historic Columbia River Highway was built, in the words of the highway's chief... more travel advice
Multnomah Falls
Off The Beaten Path
(3)
One of the most recognizable waterfalls in the U.S., Multnomah Falls is the second highest waterfall in the U.S. at 620... more travel advice
Columbia River Gorge
Off The Beaten Path
(3)
It's hardly off the beaten path because U.S. Interstate 84 runs right through it and it's just a few miles east of... more travel advice
Close to PDX
Hotels
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For fans of Embassy Suites properties, this is the place for you if you want to be close to the airport. We had an early... more travel advice
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Comments (6)
Hi Andy, been to Portland 6 times now and have only scratched the surface. Ever since my friend "travelinman" sent me a card of Multnomah Falls, I've wanted to explore its beauty, next time I'll venture to the Columbia River Gorge and check it out!!
don't you just hate it when your camera dies, happens to me a lot. loved your waterfall tip. if you like falls check out my bushkill page.
Multnomah falls is one of the best hikes I've ever been on. Even though the sign says it's 1.2 miles to the top, it lies! It seems a lot more than that... But the mist that hits you when coming down the trail feels sooo good.. :D
We must show you a few other restaurants in the City of Roses next time. Since you left, no rain all summer! 80F, low humidity and no bugs! And Powells in Chicago is little cousin to the Portland Empire -has to do with Michael Powell and Windy City roots.
I wonder if their Powell's is the same as Chicago's Powell's? I love the one here :-) Great restaurant tips as always!
Thanks for the excellent Portland tips!