Known originally as “The Clearing” for the American, Canadian, and British traders, trappers, and settlers of the 19th century that regularly passed through the area, Portland has quickly gained its own distinct voice in American culture, as a city promoting such liberal ideas as sustainability, locally-sourced, farm-to-table restaurants, and of course, craft beer. Here are our top 10 things to do when in town.
With 58 breweries within its boundaries and counting, Portland has more grass roots beer houses than any other city on earth. Deservedly nicknamed ‘Beervana’, hops come by the heavenly handful here, with such well-known brands as BridgePort Brewing, Deschutes Brewery, and HopWorks Urban Brewery. The city has many brewpubs to enjoy what’s fresh on tap, but look to stop at BridePort Brew Pub, serving draught from Portland’s oldest microbrewery.
BridgePort Brewpub, 1313 NW Marshall St, Portland OR, USA, +1 503-241-3612
As the largest used and new book store in the world, Powell’s City of Books helps make Portland one of the most literate cities in the country. The store takes up an entire city block in Portland’s downtown, boasting an average of 3,000 in-store customers a day. Grab a cup of coffee and peruse the shelves for an hour or two; you are sure to find anything and everything of interest on Powell’s shelves.
Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St, Portland OR, USA, +1 503-228-4651
Portland By Segway offers the most popular historical tour of the city. With a twenty-minute Segway training class before the tour, this company ensures that everyone is ready to ride downtown, exploring the Willamette River, Portland’s green architecture, and important Portlander cultural sites. Tour hosts are knowledgeable and open to ideas from the group, so be sure to voice an opinion about your interests and what kind of history you would like to learn about along the way.
Portland Glide Segway PT Tours, 150 SW Harrison St, Portland OR, USA, +1 503-946-3361
About 30 minutes outside of Portland lies the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, a 292,500-acre park whose spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge and the Cascade Mountains are unsurpassed in the Portland area. Whether on foot or by car, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is completely worth the trek; with various waterfalls along the way, be ready with your camera to snap some memorable shots.
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Cascade Locks OR, USA, +1 541-308-1700
Whether you’re travelling with kids or just feel like acting like one for a couple hours, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry has everything to bring out your inner child. Featuring over 200 interactive exhibits, a planetarium, a movie theater, and a real submarine, this museum is a must-see – whatever your age. Oh, and be sure to check out the Ripley’s Believe It or Not exhibit before it leaves for good!
Oregon Museum of Science & Industry, 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland OR, USA, +1 503-797-4000
