Neighborhood Spotlight: Alberta Street

The Alberta Arts District is renewal defined.

Its history is anything but linear, having been nearly destroyed only to be rebuilt into a pocket of bustling Portland life, an icon of co-existing microcultures.

Alberta Street got its Anglo name from the British royalty in rule throughout the 1890s – Princess Alberta – and is tucked into the Humboldt and King neighborhoods in Northeast Portland.

As newcomers to the union ventured west and into Oregon, the Germans and Russians who permeated the surrounding streets brought new streetcar construction with them, laying the path for Alberta’s evolution into a living creative mash-up.

The streetcar became the artery bringing Alberta to life. Local businesses poured in, from markets to salons, even a theater and a library. Alberta was a line with no lines; people of all colors and backgrounds called the street home, mingling and doing business together.

The sun shines as people stroll past some of Alberta’s iconic street art.

Transportation, both a blessing and a curse, was also the culprit in Alberta’s temporary decline. The sounds of cars replaced footsteps and major freeways opened adjacent to the epicenter of Alberta, swallowing up most traffic, leaving the once-lively street more desolate. Businesses closed and families moved out.

Decades of residential and economical decline followed. The country’s disease of racial discrimination spread to Alberta, as businesses were looted and violence increased.

That all changed in the 1990s. Two organizations – the N/NE Economic Development Task Force and the Sabin Community Development Corporation (CDC) – built the groundwork that would push into motion one of the most vibrant neighborhood comebacks in Portland’s history. Then, one Roslyn Hill opened up the first new business on the street in years – a cafe enveloped by gardens – and the proverbial mural painting was on.

Committees formed. The city made Alberta a target area for revitalization. Citizens joined forces to clean the street and attract business. Artists began moving into the boarded-up buildings, and in 1997, art studios and businesses showcasing art opened their doors on the first Thursday evening of the month, turning the usually car-filled street into a giant colorful sidewalk (this would later become the popular Last Thursday event).

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Fast forward to today. Alberta Street is the artistic jewel of Portland, a delicate mixture of old and new architecture and business, with small and large art and music establishments peppered throughout. As you walk, you will see full-on punk rock bars across the street from sleek, modern ice cream parlors. Cozy hipster cafes are just a few doors down from some of the best, most down to earth Mexican (La Sirenita) and Middle-Eastern (DarSalam) restaurants in Portland.

 

Collage, a one-stop shop for all your crafting and journal needs.

And while you are here, grab a latte or a slice of rhubarb pie (or better, get both) at Random Order Coffeehouse and Bakery – just look for the red ostrich logo. As you stroll the street, (abstract and a hodgepodge of trends and cultures), stop into Collage to satisfy all your journal and craft needs.

Go immerse yourself in local jazz music at the infamous  Solae’s Lounge , and after gawking at the incredibly detailed and beautiful murals adorning the walls of brick buildings on virtually every block, grab some tacos and a brew at Cruzroom. Want to cook a meal at home after your journey? Grab all the fresh ingredients you need at the Alberta Co-op.

Want to do it all by bike? Find your two-wheeled ride at Community Cycling Center, a nonprofit ensuring people of all backgrounds, colors and ages have access to safe bicycling, hands-on bicycle maintenance and riding education. Prefer to rent a bike? The Nike Biketown bike share system has a bright orange station at the corner of Alberta and Vancouver Avenue.

About  Last Thursday : it is free and held year-round, but the summer is when things really heat up. From June to August, Alberta is closed to all vehicle traffic from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and artists, musicians, performers – anyone really – replace the metal on four wheels. From 15th Avenue to 30th Avenue, businesses of all types welcome you with local art as the sun sets.

Explore Nob Hill

“It is all here,” says Peggy Anderson of the Nob Hill Business Association, when asked about what sets Nob Hill apart from other Portland neighborhoods.

Nob Hill is the bustling, diverse pocket between Burnside, 27th Avenue, Wilson, and Interstate 405. It is home to libraries, a number of schools, parks, religious institutions, a major hospital, and even an emergency room for pets, as well as countless cafes and boutiques. The neighborhood is an eclectic mix of the old and the new– traditional Craftsman style houses are shuffled in with sleek, modern apartment buildings. New businesses, like Aria Portland Dry Gin, are budding next to mainstays that have stood in the same location for decades. The result is a dense, destination neighborhood, but with affordable retail rents and manageable parking.

Northwest 23rd (or trendy third) was named One of America’s Best Shopping Streets in 2012, by US World Report. “You do have Williams-Sonoma,” Peggy says, “but most of them [the businesses] have five or fewer employees, and are locally owned, and I think that’s what makes us unique.”

Child’s Play, the Nob Hill toy store that guarantees smiles and a constantly changing selection of the best toys, has been delighting families with kids for over 35 years. Adults might be more drawn to an evening at Cinema 21, the famous, single-screen movie theater that has its own unique brand and reputation, uniting movie lovers through consistently high-quality films. The New Renaissance bookstore, which Peggy describes as a much smaller Powell’s, offers everything from coloring books to meditation classes. Dazzle, a fashionable, locally owned boutique is sure to live up to its name, with artfully curated clothing and sparkling jewelry. There is something for everyone, whether you are a permanent resident, or just visiting for the day.

The same is true for real estate in Nob Hill. The area offers such a wide variety of homes– from the Old Portland style houses, with their welcoming porches and beautiful woodwork, nestled throughout the Alphabet district, to the classic red brick apartments, as well as plexes, townhouses, and condos– ensuring there is something for practically any buyer’s budget. New condos and apartment buildings are continuously under construction, providing additional opportunities.

“My quip is,” Peggy says, “that I went to a lot of business association meetings all over Portland, but I really liked going to the Nob Hill one.”

Adventures in Milwaukie and Oak Grove!

Christmas Ships in Milwaukie Bay, Milwaukie Oregon, coming around again this Saturday at Milwaukie Riverfront Park.

Adventures in Milwaukie and Oak Grove

Did you know Milwaukie and Oak Grove are just south of Sellwood?

Both Milwaukie and Oak Grove have many beautiful woodsy areas with larger lots and a mix of vintage homes from the 1910s through the 1940s, and many mid century and new homes as well. There is a long stretch of waterfront homes along the Willamette Riverin Oak Grove and Jennings Lodge. A little known haven for many artists and musicians, Oak Grove continues to grow a warm but informal sense of community, where many artists and musicians have been developing their crafts for years. Neighborhood street fairs, open mikes, art shows, potluck groups and more make Oak Grove a sweet place to call home. The end of the line light rail station at Park and McLoughlin is making Oak Grove even more convenient. Many cyclists are moving to the area because the new Trolley Trail bike and pedestrian way connects to the Springwater Corridor and easy and direct routes to downtown.

Outside of rush hour, the beautiful bayfront Milwaukie Riverfront Park is a short 15 minute drive from Hawthorne and SE Martin Luther King Blvd. Getting to town by bike is easy too! And the Portland Metro area welcomed the MAX Orange Line a year and a half ago–a 7.3 mile stretch of easy-to-access public transit aiming to alleviate congestion on the McLouglin/Highway 99E Corridor and serve a growing residential community. The new transit option has opened up more home buying opportunities on the east side of the river, particularly in up-and-coming Milwaukie and Oak Grove!

Prices are up in this blossoming area, but there are still good deals to be had in both Milwaukie and Oak Grove. With large lots and big trees, this area can feel like a welcome retreat, yet it is 5 minutes to Sellwood cafes and shops. I’ve been selling homes in this area for quite a long time and I have some favorite areas and hideaways, so don’t hesitate to ask me if you’d like to know more.

Perhaps unbeknownst to many folks, Milwaukie is home to a world class comic book publishing house, Dark Horse Comics, and the purveyor of organic ingredients, Bob’s Red Mill. A fantastic large farmers’ market meets every Sunday in the warmer months along with a First Friday celebration that fills downtown with people. It includes salsa dancing at one end and varying live music at the other, with sidewalk cafes, booths, and more. The lively downtown scene is seeing an uptick in new businesses.  With the Orange Line providing an easy way to get into city without the hassle of traffic, Milwaukie or Oak Grove may just be the the right option for you!

With lower home prices on average than Portland, both Milwaukie and Oak Grove might belong on your radar next time you’re poised to enter the market. I know this area very well. If you’d like to know more about homes in this burgeoning real estate market, give me a call. I am always happy to help!

 

MAX Orange Line Map

Hidden Gems: Restaurants

Fresh vegetables, richly colored berries, and local dairy are intrinsic ingredients incorporated into many cuisines served in Portland, Oregon. Tom Sietsema of the Washington Post ranked Stumptown as 2015’s Best Food City in the US after spending 60 plus days on the road, and exploring 271 various restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, and bars.

We have shared some of our personal favorite gems among Portland restaurants, divided in quadrants around the city. Visit these hotspots and enjoy first-hand what makes Portland a food city to remember.

NW
Dick’s Kitchen is a unique restaurant in the heart of trendy Northwest Portland, whose menu emphasizes local, healthy, sustainable, and humane ingredients. The owner, Richard Satnick, based his business principle on the value of catering toward a range of diets, from gluten-free to paleo and vegetarian. Through this commitment, they have formed strong bonds with the producers and farmers. Truly one of the best burger joints in town, Dick’s can’t be missed!

SW
Fat City Cafe is a delightful breakfast spot in charming Multnomah Village. With old license plates lining the walls, checkered floors, and diner booths, this place fits the bill of a typical cozy American joint. Nothing served here is pretentious; just tasty breakfast classics like hashbrowns, toast and eggs and sizable skillets. Order a side of cinnamon roll and you have set yourself up for a knockout breakfast. If you’re looking for a new place to chow down, head over to Fat City Cafe. You won’t regret it!

NE
Every morning at 5:00 AM, a pit is fired up at Podnah’s Pit in Northeast Portland and high quality natural meats are prepared and smoked in an oak hardwood firebox to be served for that evening’s menu. The owner, Rodney, prides himself on never pre-cooking and solely relies on Texan methods for smoking delicious meats. This results in some delectable dishes you can’t get anywhere else in Portland! Head on over and taste it for yourself.

SE
This unassuming Vietnamese eatery is truly a hidden gem in Southeast Portland. Tucked away in Wing Ming Square, a small plaza on SE 82nd Avenue between Division St and Powell Blvd, among a spice shop, hair salon and hot pot restaurant, Ha & VL is easy to miss, but once you’ve eaten here, you’ll be back for more! Owners Ha “Christina” Luu and William Voung craft small-batch regional Vietnamese soups. Each day offers a different delicious dish that is full of flavor, with perfectly cooked noodles and some of the most aromatic broth in Portland. The store opens at 8am, and more often than not, soups sell out around 1pm, so be sure to arrive early!

 

 

The Spirit of Halloweentown

Northwest residents breathe a sigh of relief as fall comes to town. The long awaited season arrives with changing leaves, chill in the air, and everything pumpkin. Spines tingle as Halloween creeps closer. Homes in every neighborhood display ghoulish decorations in preparation for the holiday. Lucky for us, Halloween arrived early just 30 miles north of Portland.

St. Helens, Oregon, nestled along the picturesque Columbia River, welcomes the changing season with open arms. In 1998, this quaint town was a primary set location for the Disney Original movie, Halloweentown. Paying homage to the film, community officials host city-wide activities throughout the month of October. Wide coverage from media, such as Buzzfeed and Entertainment Weekly, sparked viral interest in the town’s famous appearance. From spooky storefronts to larger than life scarecrows displayed on every corner, St. Helens captures the true spirit of Halloweentown. My M media team filmed on-location footage from the decorated streets of St. Helens. 

On Saturday, October 10th, the town emerged transformed into an exact replica of the set. Festivities began with a bang as over 15,000 spectators flooded the streets to huddle around the original ceremonial Giant Pumpkin. This towering jack-o-lantern sits grinning in the center of Courthouse Plaza, beckoning onlookers from near and far.

Known for her role as Marnie in Halloweentown, actress Kimberly Brown donned witchy attire to appear as Master of Ceremonies this year. Many arrived in lavish costumes and traveled from out of state to take part in this enchanting event. Local police officers and firefighters joined the crowd dressed as zombies to pose for photos with guests. Little witches and monsters stared wide-eyed at the light display as they participated in activities throughout City Hall. The Pumpkin Lighting Ceremony kicked off at 7pm as Brown eagerly filmed the crowd (with help from her Selfie Stick) as she exclaimed, “Let’s get this party started!” With a whisk of her magic wand, the pumpkin centerpiece flickered to life.

The annual celebration not only unites the St. Helens community, but awakens the child in everyone. This hidden gem is a must-see for fans of this spooktacular season.

For those who were unable to attend the ceremony, don’t fret- the fun has only just begun! Upcoming events are scheduled throughout the month for boys and ghouls of every age. Check out our Halloweentown events calendar for more information.

 

Tilikum Crossing

A new sibling in Portland’s family of bridges opens to the public on September 12th, 2015. Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People, brings a beautiful splash of color to the Portland skyline after sundown. Its  nighttime lighting scheme  actually changes color based on the temperature, speed and depth of the Willamette River flowing beneath the bridge.

 

The first Portland bridge built across the Willamette in forty years, at over 1700 feet in length, Tilikum Crossing stands alone as the longest car-free bridge in the nation. Instead, bicyclists and pedestrians will share the bridge with the new MAX Orange Line. Under construction since 2011, this cable-stayed bridge will start to relieve commuter congestion on the other bridges, as well as provide a safe, dedicated, and ADA-accessible option for all non-car travelers.

This spelling of Tilikum is from the traditional Chinook language, used in this area for centuries. It means “family” or “tribe” and was selected by TriMet from a list of public submissions to honor the Chinookan people, whose ancestors lived on the Lower Columbia for thousands of years.

When it opens on Sept 12th, be sure to check out Tilikum Crossing for yourself!

Hidden Gems: Portland Hikes

Nestled between coastal and Columbia River Gorge hiking treasures, it’s easy to overlook the gorgeous hikes we have right here in Portland. These three gems provide an immersion in nature without a considerable investment in driving time. Explore the one closest to you or hit all three for a hiking hat-trick!

Wildwood Trail to Pittock Mansion Hike
Beginning this hike under the Thurman Street Bridge, the Wildwood Trail winds its way up and through a lush green landscape, populated thickly by tall trees that echo with birdsong. Expect to meet friendly flocks of local trail runners, making the pleasant climb past the mysterious Stone House, across Cornell then onward and upward to Pittock Mansion’s perch in the West Hills. This hike offers lush scenery typically found farther east in the wilds of the Columbia Gorge as well as the chance to tour a landmark rich with Portland’s history.
Start: Lower Macleay Park Trailhead
End: Pittock Mansion
Distance: 5 miles (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 900 feet
Cost: free (mansion tours $7-$10 depending on age)

Crystal Springs to Reed Canyon Hike
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden serves as a mecca for local flora, fauna and waterfowl. Begin your journey in the manicured grounds, its rhododendrons in bloom from mid-March through the summer, and progress into the 28 acres of rehabilitated forest in Reed Canyon. Deer are prevalent, as well as river otters, who can be glimpsed pulling fish out of man-made Reed Lake. The canyon is also home to Reed College, its nostalgic Tudor-Gothic architecture perfectly at home in the natural setting. Leisurely return to the trailhead while ruminating on this center for academia set in the simple beauty of classic Northwestern environs.
Start: Crystal Springs Trailhead
End: Crystal Springs
Distance: 2.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 145 feet
Cost: $4 – March through Labor Day from Thurs-Mon, free all other times

Tryon Creek Hike
Located just north of Lake Oswego, this verdant state park is bisected by Tryon Creek, which is fed here by a network of smaller streams. The abundance of trail options (pick up a free map from the visitor center at the trailhead) allows for creative exploration of several modest bridges spanning the waterways. Chart a trek of ideal length or simply meander through the lush expanse of protected land, losing yourself in this wooded oasis amidst civilization.
Start and End: Tryon Creek State Park Trailhead
Distance: roughly 2.5 miles (hikes vary)
Elevation Gain: roughly 200 feet (varies)
Cost: free

Hidden Gems: Food Carts

While food carts as a concept are a famous fixture in Portland, this Hidden Gem spotlight focuses on getting your brain (and mouth) around your favorite flavor of indie cuisine no matter when and where your belly rumbles.

Food carts, like whales and peas and dolphins, are happiest in pods. This is advantageous because their listed hours often serve as rough sketches. If it’s a sunny day, the cart may stay open later or just close early so the proprietor can play outside too.

Fickle as that may sound, it makes the food cart experience an adventure. On the off-chance you aren’t able to get what you came for, that cart’s podmates will gladly feed you with their offerings. The list below is conveniently divided by location and likely hours of operation to help you get some of this fantastic food in your face!

Featured Carts

Westside
Alder Food Cart Pod (SW 9th & Alder)
Nong’s Khao Man Gai – Mon-Fri – 10a-4p
The Frying Scotsman – Mon-Fri – 11a-4p
Samurai Bento – Mon-Fri – 11a-4p
Grilled Cheese Grill – Sun-Thurs 11a-5p, Fri-Sat 11a-8p

 


 

Q19 Food Cart Pod (NW 19th & Quimby)
Sawasdee Thai – Mon-Fri – 9a-3p
The Lunch Box – Mon-Fri – 11a-3p
OMG Oregon Made Grub – Mon-Fri 11a-3p

 


 

Eastside
Bundy’s Bagels (1421 SE 33rd) Wed-Fri 6a-3p, Sat 8a-5p, Sun 8a-3p
Potato Champion (1207 SE Hawthorne) – Tues-Wed 4p-1a, Thurs-Fri 4p-3a, Sat 12p-3a, Sun 12p-1a
Angry Unicorn (5205 SE Foster) Tues-Sat – 12:15p-7p
Grilled Cheese Grill (1027 NE Alberta) – Sun-Mon 11:30a-3:30p, Tues-Thurs 11:30a-8p, Fri-Sat 11:30a-2:30a
Los Gorditos (SE 50th & Division) – Mon-Sat 10a-9p
Cartlandia Super Pod (8145 SE 82nd) – 10a-9p

Click here for a full map of Portland’s food cart pods!

Hidden Gems: Artisan Foods of Portland

There’s an extra layer of pride when a local business achieves renown that extends beyond the shores of Portland. Not only are these artisans crafting their products here at home, but they’ll invite you inside to see how they do it and taste their wares firsthand.

  
Bob’s Red Mill

Employing time-honored techniques to quartz-grind their whole grains into an array of wholesome products, Bob’s Red Mill employees are as dedicated to quality as to each other. On Bob’s 81st birthday, he gave the company to his employees because “it was just the right thing to do.” Learn more about this remarkable organization on the factory tour at their world headquarters.

Their Whole Grain Store and Restaurant is open six days a week (closed Sundays) and serves hearty breakfasts, lunches and dinners.

  
Blue Star Donuts

Made from scratch throughout the day for maximum freshness, their donuts are always glazed to order. Blue Star prides itself on the highest in culinary standards and uses local, seasonal ingredients. There are no artificial flavors or preservatives and they have vegan options!

Check out their locations in Southeast, Southwest and North Portland.

  
Moonstruck Chocolate

Founded in Portland in 1993 on the principle that truly superior chocolates must be hand-crafted, Moonstruck still practices the same concept today. Their chocolates are designed to be not just a passing flavor but a memorable experience.

They have chocolate cafes on Alder, NW 23rd, in Pioneer Place and Beaverton. Check out the outlet store located in their factory to see how it’s all made!

Hidden Gems of Sauvie Island

Hidden Gems of Sauvie Island

As spring peeks its head out from the blanket of winter, Portlanders will undoubtedly be looking to embrace the out-of-doors at Sauvie Island. Already famous (notorious, even) for its various beaches, there are some lesser known gems definitely worth exploring on our Columbia River island. Did you know Sauvie Island is one of the biggest river islands in the country? A friendly word of caution: always make sure you know where you’re planning on parking and that you’ve paid for the privilege. Parking enforcement is ever vigilant. Passes can be purchased in the country store, just after you cross the bridge onto the island.


Douglas Farm – This fantastic farm has operated on the island since the 1940s and you can drive by one of the original work trucks on your way in. Touted by locals as the best place to pick peaches, this u-pick farm offers access to fresh produce, free-range eggs and 100% natural local honey. Stop in for some delicious goodness!
15330 NW Sauvie Island Rd. Portland, OR 97231
503.621.3177

Cistus Nursery – Gardening enthusiasts will especially love this nursery, but the amazing variety of flora can serve as an impromptu nature stroll. Their experts are available for consultations that could transform even the smallest balcony into a thriving sanctuary. Take something green home with you or gather ideas and then take advantage of their convenient mail order shipping.
22711 NW Gillihan Rd. Portland, OR 97231
503.621.2233

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area – If you’re looking for a serene stroll through protected land, the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area is an ideal destination. Courteous picnickers are invited to dine amidst the diverse wildlife population. Spring is the perfect time to catch songbirds at play in the boughs, while various waterfowl (including sandhill cranes) are still active. Lucky guests may even spot a majestic bald eagle. Those seeking a more active outdoor adventure will be happy to find fishing, hiking, trapshooting, canoeing and even dog training all available here.
18330 NW Sauvie Island Rd. Portland, OR 97231
503.621.3488

Hidden Gems – Wineries


You should not have to trek out to wine country to enjoy the tasting rooms of local wineries when we have fantastic offerings downtown. That being said, you should definitely trek out to wine country to enjoy those exquisite destinations as well. When planning your next evening festivities or weekend escape, consider the following hidden gems!

 


 

Southeast Wine Collective – Urban Winery

Currently featuring eight different wineries under one roof, this collective offers a diverse array of special events and movie nights. Check out their schedule and find an activity that strikes your fancy or just stop by their beautiful tasting room, crafted from wine barrels, for a taste of something wonderful.

(503)208.2061
2425 SE 35th Pl
Portland, OR 97214
www.sewinecollective.com

 


Clay Pigeon Winery – Urban Winery

Equipped with their own on-site restaurant, Cyril’s, this urban winery is open for lunch. They also offer classes and are available for private events.

(503)206.8117
815 SE Oak St
Portland, OR 97214
winery – www.claypigeonwinery.com
restaurant – www.cyrilspdx.com

 


White Rose Estate – Wine Country

Praised by wine experts for their outstanding product, it is unique in its high-percentage whole-cluster fermentation, granting it the most intense and beautiful aromatics. Find out for yourself at their tasting room that is open seven days a week.

(503)864.2328
6250 NE Hilltop Lane
Dayton, OR 97114
www.whiteroseestate.com

 


Domaine Trouvere – Wine Country

An offshoot of Lange winery, they are located in the same building as Red Hills Market, the ideal lunch destination for anyone day-tripping to wine country.

(503)487.6370
155 SW 7th St
Dundee, OR 97115
www.domainetrouvere.com

Hidden Gems: Portland Activities

The Greater Portland Metro Area possesses a diverse range of activities, including some hidden gems that might not come to the top of your mind when planning what you’ll do on your day off. Here are some lesser known adventures that may just be right up your alley.

 

Bocce Ball – Leisure Public House – St. Johns, North Portland

Play bocce ball for free on the patio of the Leisure Public House in St. Johns. Originating in Ancient Rome, the rules are simple (similar to playing horseshoes) and it’s a fun, fantastic way to pass the time while you’re enjoying the food and drink of the pub, conversing with friends or mingling with locals.

8002 N Lombard St
Portland, OR 97203
503.289.7606
leisurepublichouse.com

 


 

 

Blacklight Mini Golf – Glowing Greens – Downtown Portland

Underground black-light pirate-themed miniature golf. If you haven’t been to Glowing Greens yet, chances are you can’t say you’ve done this one before. They have a separate room for kids that’s great for birthday parties, but mini-golfers of all ages put their putting skills to the test, and have a blast doing it. Be sure to purchase a scorpion sucker or some spicy crickets on your way out!

509 SW Taylor St
Portland, OR 97204
503.222.5554
glowinggreens.com

 


 

 

Skeet Shooting – Portland Gun Club – Southeast Portland

A fixture in Portland for over a century, the Portland Gun Club prides itself on providing a safe, fun environment for anyone to learn the joys of skeet and trap shooting. Groups of five can shoot easily in one lane, firing at remotely launched discs. Their friendly experts are on hand to guide newbies in the basics, having first-timers hitting targets straightaway!

4711 SE 174th Ave
Portland, OR 97236
503.492.8752
portlandgunclub.org

Hidden Gems of Portland

 

The Garden at Elk Rock


Also known as the Garden of the Bishop’s Close, this wonderful gem was established nearly a century ago on the cliffs overlooking the Willamette River. Honoring the wishes of its creator, the garden remains open to visitors, providing Portlanders with the amazing opportunity to appreciate one of the jewels of the Northwest. Populated with a diverse assortment of flora that have something beautiful to show off no matter the season, the property also preserves its native madrone woods. Take an hour, explore its pathways and be rewarded with some stunning views of the Willamette.

For more information:
www.elkrockgarden.org

Open Daily: 8am to 5pm
11800 SW Military Ln
Portland, OR 97219

 


 

Portland Underground Tours


The tour guide slides a complex key into a metal grate in the street, twists, disengages the lock and pulls open two yawning doors to reveal a steep makeshift staircase; a portal into the black belly of Portland. The mystery shrouding these Shanghai Tunnels swirls so thick as to obscure their existence from a great many locals, striding along topside, unaware of the legacy of villainy beneath their feet. The tours provide a harrowing, historically accurate adventure into Portland’s fascinating criminal history. Brave explorers meet downtown at Hobo’s Restaurant and embark on a guided educational escapade under the city.

For tickets and tour information:
http://www.shanghaitunnels.info

120 NW 3rd Ave
Portland, OR 97209

 


 

Grand Marketplace


If you’re looking to spruce up your place with something unique or stroll through a collection of memories, the Grand Marketplace is a hidden gem packed with gems from our past. Curated by a passionate group of vintage collectors, every item tells a story. More than fifteen separate vendors gather their eclectic wares in this wonderful setting. Even if you’re just dropping by to browse conversation pieces with a friend, you might just find something you can’t put down.

For more information:
http://grandmarketplacepdx.com

1005 SE Grand Ave
Portland, OR 97214

Portland Waterfront Focus

Portland Waterfront Focus

As Portlanders, a point of pride has always been our glorious waterfront. More than merely an aquatic line of demarcation between the territory of Eastsiders and Westsiders, the Willamette and her shores are mother to much of our trademark Northwestern beauty.


Spanned by architectural wonders (the Broadway Bridge was our first bascule bridge- the longest in the world at its time of completion and currently the longest Rall-type bascule bridge still in existence), our waterfront is beautiful to behold, both in broad day and after the sun slips beneath the distant Pacific.

Whether enjoying the river views from the private comfort of a condo balcony, outdoor restaurant seating, on a lunch break in the park or while pedaling along our picturesque, paved bicycle routes… the waterfront signifies a sense of progress while hinting at our history. Our shipyards contributed to the Allied effort in WWII and still construct commercial transport ships today.


Anyone looking to get an interactive tour of our waterfront is encouraged to take a high velocity, highly informative jet boat ride with Willamette Jetboat Excursions. The tours continue through the end of September and are a genuine good time for all ages, Portland natives and visitors alike.

No matter how you choose to embrace it, get out there and experience Portland’s amazing waterfront!