Banishing Clichés in the Rose City

✎ written by Holly Bieler

If you’ve never had a desire to go to Portland, then you’re wrong, first of all, but second of all, it’s not your fault. It’s Fred Armisen’s. Not since The Mary Tyler Moore Show tried to convince us that Minneapolis was glamorous has a city been so woefully misrepresented as Armisen’s Portlandia, his long-running IFC sketch show which defined the role of the Portland hipster. As a result, Portland has become kind of a shorthand for the pained earnestness and contradictory moralizing associated with millennials.

But don’t let IFC trick you. In reality, Portland is one of the loveliest, least-annoying cities in the country, brimming with culture, a tremendous restaurant scene and stunning natural spaces. This is coming from an earnest millennial, so take it with a grain of salt. But to my mind, there’s no better city to visit in 2023.

What to Do

Portland’s downtown is impressive, but our favorite places to explore are the city’s up-and-coming neighborhoods Slabtown is one of our favorites, a tree-lined pocket of northwest Portland filled with Victorian homes and tons of local shops and eateries.

Head to the area’s main stretch, NW 23rd Ave., for some of the city’s best shopping. Check out Superette for a beautifully-curated selection of contemporary womens clothing and The Meadow for rare choco- lates, wines, salts and other goodies. Once you’re shopped out, head to McMenamins Tavern, a Portland landmark with one of the best beer menus in town.

One of the best things about Portland is its unparalleled access to nature. Every corner of the city seems to explode in green, and it boasts some of the best hiking in the west.

The Multnomah Falls Trail is one of our favorite hikes in the city. A 2.4-mile loop with some steep uphill areas, it’s not exactly a walk in the park. However the hike immerses you in stunning greenery, and offers a truly unique payoff: an up close look at the 611-foot tall Multnomah Falls. Another, slightly easier favorite is the Pittock Mansion hike.

ENDLESS OPTIONS Portland offers a city and nature vacation in one,with cosmopolitan downtown neighborhoods and some of the best hikes on the west coast within just miles of .

Where to Eat

In recent years Portland has established itself as one of the country’s great food cities. One of our favorite restaurants is Kachka, a homey and endlessly convivial Russian restaurant serving some of the best dishes in the city. Make sure to order “Rabbit in a Clay Pot”, their trademark dish, and don’t snooze on the menu of dangerously yummy house-infused vodkas.

For something a bit more lowkey, check out Arden, A cozy wine bar that just beckons you to sit for hours, Its seasonal menu and impressive winelist make for a lowkey and surprisingly affordable dinner. And no trip to Portland would be complete without a trip to Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai, a family-owned bakery whose small batch doughnuts have become a favorite among locals.

Where to Stay

Portland’s downtown area is a fantastic launching pad for exploring the city. Hotel Zags has long been one of our favorite hotels in the area, a trendy spot featuring beautiful rooms and a stunning outdoor area. Centrally-located in the fountain district, Hotel Zags feels at once luxurious and unique, with thoughtful amenities such as bikes and even vintage gaming consoles and games available to use.

For something a little quieter, the Kimpton RiverPlace can’t be beat. Located right on the river just a few steps from downtown, the hotel proffers waterfront views and beautifully-appointed, surprisingly large rooms. The Kimpton RiverPlace also boasts an exceptional on-site restaurant, King Tide Fish & Shell. Helmed by Executive Chef Alexander Diestra, the restaurant features an inventive, thoughtful seafood-forward menu. MM