PDX - Falling for Portland
Alright guys, I have something to tell you. Something shocking, but:
Portland WAS NOT COOL GROWING UP.
I know, I know, most of you probably don’t believe me since it’s one of the Internet's most blogged about places these days, and it’s been the No. 1 most immigrated to city in the U.S. for like 5 years running now. Seriously guys, the travel industry in Portland is really racking it in these days. Woop De Do. Where were all the cool gastro pubs, and grunge chic hangouts when I was younger? When did all these third wave coffee shops start popping up? And OH Lawd do you KNOW what it’s like growing up in a state where it rains over 300 days out of the year?? Oregon simply did not appeal to me growing up.
Truth be told though, I’ve since developed a deep love for Oregon – and no, not just because it's now home to so many fabulous brunch spots, kick-ass brewery blocks, and the type of food that speaks to my soul.
No, no, no. As I've aged, I've acquired a fondness for the grunge and the grime. The constant grey that creeps into everything feels like home. In fact, I’m positively smitten.
There is nowhere else in the world quite like it. Portland is a grey industrial city revamped, and beyond loved. It is a city that is surrounded by un-ending shades of green, hundreds (yes, hundreds!) of scenic hikes, mountains, coastal ranges, lakes, forests and blankets of mist that wrap everything. The people that live here are incredible. Be who you want! Because let me tell you, the people here have seen weirder. Want to ride a unicycle through the streets while playing the saxophone? How about join thousands as they bike naked through the streets. No one even bats an eye these days. We celebrate quirks here! I didn’t realize how kind and friendly everyone here is until I began traveling. (Oregon really is the Canada of the United States)
Gone are the days when Portland was geographically sorted into either the east or west side. We now have the NW, SW, NE and SE quadrants and micro neighborhoods even within those. Someday I’ll post detailed ones about each. But for now, enjoy!
{ Pro Tips }
If you're visiting Portland - Take the Trimet MAX! It's affordable, reliable and gets you just about everywhere you need to go within the city limits and even to a few of the surrounding satellite cities like Beaverton, Gresham and Clackamas. There's even a super easy app that you can download to purchase tickets on the fly!
Hit up PDX Pipline for information on upcoming events all around the city.
Everyone hits up VooDoo donuts. But I guarantee Pips and Blue Star are well worth a visit.
There are hundreds of Food Carts - As you stumble around the city don't be afraid to grab a bite to eat at one of them. My personal favorite is The Schnizelwich located on SW 5th Stark St.
If you're a coffee lover like me, you'll definitely want to check out the third wave coffee scene happening all over Portland. Some of my favorites are: Barista, Case Study, Dapper and Wise, and Sterling Coffee Roasters. Of course, Portland is also home to Stumptown, and any of their locations are worth a visit.
