Traveling to a new city for the first time is quite similar to the experience of discovering a new band Where does one even begin to start!? It’s in best practice to start with the ‘Greatest Hits’ before getting into those deeper cuts
Here is a roundup of the most classic things to Eat/Drink/See/Do while visiting:
A SIDE: EAT/DRINK
● Dine at lauded restaurant, Kann
A live-fire cooking experience that marries Haitian cuisine with the Pacific Northwest by James Beard Awarded Chef, Gregory Gourdet Insider Tip - Be sure to check out the speakeasy Sousòl for pre- or post-dinner drinks!
● Portland’s Signature Food Cart Pods
You are bound to stumble across a Food Cart hub or two (but there are more than 500 carts in total across the city)
● A City of Pop Ups
There are constant Pop-Up dinners at Portland restaurants, who open their kitchens on their day offs, for businesses without a brick and mortar to showcase their talents. Keep your eyes and ears open to what's popping up + when while you ’ re in town.
● Overindulge at Voodoo Doughnuts
Filling the hole of no donut shops in Portland in the early 2000’s Voodoo doughnuts was born between two nightclubs and quickly rose to success. Try one of their over-the-top creations, or attend an array of sideshow activities like legal weddings, or weekly Swahili lessons
● Grab a Pint in the Craft Beer Capital
Aptly nicknamed “Beervana” Portland has over 70+ breweries to check out. Portland classics are: McMenamins, Steeplejack Brewing, located in a converted church; Belmont Station featuring more than 1,400 beers stored under a UV-filtered light.
B SIDE: SEE/DO
● Walk the Burnside Bridge to see the signature Portland sign! The White Stag sign has been lighting up the city since 1940. During the holidays, a red nose is added!
● Lose Time in Powell’s City of Books
he largest independent bookstore in the world is a 68,000 square feet literary fortress of 10 rooms, three floors and over 3,500 sections–one being the Rare Book Room which houses several thousand valuable books.
● Transport to a fairytale land in Forest Park
Insider Tip - Book a hike with Around Portland Tours for a guided walk through the forest stopping at all the must-see attractions within, from The Witch’s Castle, to the Pittock Mansion estate, ending up at the International Rose Test Garden- a free park of 10,000 roses and sublime views of downtown and Mount Hood!
● Roam through the Portland Art Museum
he oldest museum in the Pacific Northwest with both a permanent collection, and special exhibitions that bring the world to Oregon and Oregon to the world. In the heart of downtown Portland's cultural district.
● Shop at Portland Saturday Market
Every Saturday from March through Christmas Eve, this open-air market place is a thriving environment for handmade food, and arts & crafts appreciators. This year, the market celebrates 50 years.