If you are planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, you might consider spending a few days in Portland, Oregon. The City of Roses, nicknamed due to the city’s perfect rose-growing climate, has everything that you could want in a northwest city: It’s clean, is known as the greenest city in America, has been listed as one of the top ten cities in which to retire, and is teeming with cultural and entertainment opportunities, along with all of the other amenities that you would expect to find in a big city. If you would like to add Portland, Oregon, to your vacation itinerary, here’s the lowdown on where to stay, what to eat, and things to do while you’re there:
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Places to Stay Portland offers a wide variety of funky and hip hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts, so if you’re in the mood for something fun, you’re in the right place. The Jupiter Hotel, located right in the heart of downtown, has been described by The Guardian as a cross between Twin Peaks and a cosmopolitan truck stop! From the uniquely eclectic murals on the walls to the popular lounge attached to the hotel, you will find charm at every turn. If elegance is more your style, try the Hotel DeLuxe, on SW 15th Avenue. You’ll feel like a movie star when you climb the marble steps into the ornately decorated lobby, and the crystal lamps and stunning views from your room will just add to this hotel’s appeal. Want somewhere quirky to hang your hat? Consider staying in the Kennedy School, which is a hotel that was built in a once-abandoned school.
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Foods to Eat As with any large city, Portland has its share of utterly excellent eateries, spanning all budgets and cuisines. If upscale Peruvian fare sounds good to you, consider Andina, which was honored as the best restaurant in which to hold a rehearsal dinner by Oregon Bride Magazine. Start with the chilled sliced chorizo, savor the quinoa-crusted divers scallops, and finish with the red wine-caramel flan. For Thai food, head over to Pok Pok on SE Division Street, where you can enjoy Thai fare such as Kaeng Hang Leh (curried sweet pork belly) or Pet Pha Lo (stewed duck leg).
- Things to Do If you are into the arts, you’ll find quite a large variety of venues, from the Oregon Ballet Theater, to the Oregon Symphony, to the Portland Center Stage. You should definitely check out Forest Park, which is the largest urban wooded park in the country. With over 70 miles of walking and hiking trails, you can get a different walk in every day of your stay. Go for a stroll through the International Rose Test Garden if you visit between April and October, and see why the city is nicknamed, City of Roses. Another not-to-miss activity in Portland is to rent a bike and travel across one or more of the eight bridges crossing the Willamette River. You’ll be in good company, as about 6% of the city’s population commutes by bicycle each day.
Portland is a friendly, clean city, filled with excellent opportunities for tourists. Have you been to the City of Roses? What was your favorite thing to do? Tell us about it!
