WEIRDO WONDERLAND Portland

Proud to Be Weird

Queer and eclectic Portland offers lots of outdoor recreation, great food, and the oldest working drag queen in the world.

By Will Jardell and James Wallington

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PORTLAND

a er the pandemic hit, Shine Distillery caught the attention of the world as it began producing hand sanitizer, sharing the recipe with distilleries across the country and giving products away to the community. Now back serving food and drinks, you’ll want to try their daily mac & cheese, paired with a Butterfly Knees cocktail. The distillery is a great spot to meet and chat with locals over a glass or a plate.

Plastered across Portland, Oregon, are signs urging people to “Keep Portland Weird.” The city’s “weirdness” (dare we say queerness?) permeates the northwestern town on the banks of the Columbia River. Portland is known for its coffee houses, eclectic art, vibrant food scene, and abundant outdoor spaces providing a destination where any traveler can nd something that ts their interests.

Foodies ock to the city’s food trucks and stop at Voodoo Doughnuts (1) for a box of out-of-this-world flavors, while outdoorsy types take advantage of the many hiking and biking trails, and water sports like paddle boarding and kayaking. With all Portland has to o er, you’ll be sure to nd something that will inspire you to keep coming back for more.

New to the city and located in downtown Portland is the Moxy Hotel (2), a fun and funky space, with a lobby bar greeting guests checking in, classic industrial rooms, and lots of hip modern art. Guests can request a record player for their room or get their room “ ocked” by the hotel sta , who decorate it with pink amingos! It’s a fantastic hotel that serves as the perfect base to explore The City of Roses.

You must visit (3) Darcelle XV Showplace, the oldest continuously running drag cabaret in the United States. Headlined by Darcelle XV, the Guinness World Record’s “oldest working drag queen,” the show also includes performances by Poison Waters, Alexis Campbell Starr, Bebe Jay, Cassie Nova, Syra St. James, and Summer Lynne Seasons. It is an incredible show that keeps you engaged and entertained throughout.

Shine Distillery & Grill, a gay-owned distillery and restaurant located in Portland’s Williams District, made some incredible “pandemic pivots” that allowed them to remain in business and provide for the community. Soon

The region’s gorgeous scenery and landscapes surrounding Portland are another reason to visit. One of our favorites was Rooster Rock State Park. The Park is home to the first official clothing-optional beach in the U.S. where you can enjoy the cool water, hike to explore the surrounding nature, and have a really great time. Washington Park is another mustvisit for its International Rose Test Garden (with more than 10,000 individual rose bushes that bloom from May to October) and the serene Portland Japanese Garden, a place of inclusivity, anti-racism, and cultural understanding.

No matter what you are looking for, you can nd a vibrant LGBTQ+ inclusive activity or venue throughout Portland that will leave you wanting to visit time and time again. The city is the best kind of “weird” where travelers from all walks of life will feel seen and supported.