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Welcome to the Portland guide, Portland is a city that thrives on its unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and innovative spirit. Founded in 1845 and named after Portland, Maine, the town has grown from a small settlement to a bustling metropolis, earning its nickname “The City of Roses” from its many rose gardens and annual Rose Festival. Portland’s progressive and forward-thinking ethos is reflected in its commitment to sustainability, thriving arts scene, and reputation as a foodie paradise. In addition to the many facets of Portland, the city is surrounded by many interesting neighborhoods such as Tigard, Beaverton, Lake Oswego, Tualatin, Sherwood and Hillsboro on Portland’s West side.
Portland's History
Portland’s history is a rich tapestry of indigenous cultures, pioneer settlers, and industrial growth. The area was originally inhabited by the Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, and other tribes before the arrival of European settlers. The city’s growth was propelled by its strategic location along the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, making it a key player in the lumber industry and a gateway to the Pacific. Much of the history can be explored in places such as:
- The Pittock Mansion: A preserved turn-of-the-century home offering a glimpse into the city’s past.
- The Oregon Historical Society Museum: Showcases the state’s diverse history.
- The Shanghai Tunnels: A network of tunnels in the Old Town Chinatown neighborhood that were used for “Shanghaiing” sailors during the early 20th century.
Where is Portland, Oregon?
Catch the Portland Vibe at Pioneer Courthouse Square at Lunchtime
Unique Points of Interest
Portland is a city that caters to a diverse range of interests. Here are some unique attractions:
- Powell’s City of Books: The world’s largest independent bookstore, spanning an entire city block and housing over a million new and used books.
- Oregon Zoo: Home to over 2,000 animals from around the world.
- Portland Japanese Garden: Considered the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan.
- Pearl District: A cultural hotspot with art galleries, boutiques, and eateries. The district’s First Thursday art walk showcases the vibrant local art scene.
- Lan Su Chinese Garden: A serene oasis in the heart of the city, featuring beautiful plants, water features, and traditional Chinese architecture.
Education in Portland
Portland is home to a number of highly-rated schools and universities. Here are some educational highlights:
- Portland Public Schools district: Serves over 49,000 students, with Lincoln High School and Grant High School being among the top-rated. Lincoln High School is known for its rigorous academic programs and strong community involvement.
- Higher education institutions: Portland State University and Reed College offer a wide range of programs and contribute to the city’s vibrant intellectual life. Reed College is renowned for its rigorous curriculum and high student engagement.
- Lewis & Clark College: A private liberal arts college known for its beautiful campus and strong programs in law, education, and counseling.
- University of Portland: A private Catholic university known for its nursing, business, and engineering programs.
- Oregon Health & Science University: A public university dedicated to health sciences with a nationally-ranked hospital.
Outdoor Activities
For outdoor enthusiasts, Portland offers a plethora of options. Here are some outdoor activities:
- The Willamette River: A popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding, with companies like Portland Kayak Company offering rentals and guided tours.
- Mount Tabor Park: A city park located on an extinct volcanic cinder cone, offering panoramic views of the city.
- The Columbia River Gorge: A scenic area perfect for hiking, fishing, and boating, located just outside of the city.
- The Portland Farmers Market: Held in various locations around the city, it’s a great place to enjoy local produce and artisanal goods.
Shopping in Portland
Portland offers a unique shopping experience with a mix of local boutiques, vintage shops, and well-known retail stores. Here are some shopping highlights:
- Traditional shopping: The Lloyd Center and Pioneer Place feature many popular retail stores. Pioneer Place, located in downtown Portland, houses high-end brands like Apple, Tiffany & Co., and Louis Vuitton.
- Hawthorne Boulevard: Known for its vintage shops, independent boutiques, and hip eateries.
- Northwest 23rd Avenue: A shopping district with a mix of clothing boutiques, home decor shops, and specialty stores.
- Sellwood Antique Collective: A large antique mall with a wide variety of vintage and antique items.
The Arts in Portland
Portland is a city that thrives on creativity, and this is evident in its vibrant arts scene. Here are some highlights:
- Portland Art Museum: Founded in 1892, it’s one of the oldest art museums in the country. It boasts a collection of over 42,000 works spanning ancient times to the present.
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI): Offers a variety of exhibits that blend science with art, making it a great place for both kids and adults.
- Portland Center Stage at The Armory: The city’s leading professional theater company, offering a mix of classic, contemporary, and premiere works.
- Disjecta Contemporary Art Center: A dynamic platform for contemporary and visual performing arts, known for its artist-driven exhibitions and programs.
- First Thursday: A monthly event in the Pearl District, where galleries open their doors for art viewings and the streets come alive with performers and vendors.
Parks and Recreation in Portland
Portland is often referred to as the “City of Roses” for its many parks and public gardens. The city’s commitment to green spaces provides residents and visitors with numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. Here are some highlights:
- Forest Park: One of the largest urban forests in the United States, with more than 80 miles of trails spread over 5,200 acres.
- Washington Park: A 410-acre park that includes the Oregon Zoo, Portland Children’s Museum, World Forestry Center, Hoyt Arboretum, Portland Japanese Garden, and the International Rose Test Garden.
- Mount Tabor Park: A popular destination for hiking and picnicking, this park is actually an extinct volcanic cinder cone.
- Tom McCall Waterfront Park: Located along the Willamette River, this park is perfect for jogging, skateboarding, and festivals. It’s also home to the iconic Portland Saturday Market.
- Powell Butte Nature Park: An extinct cinder cone volcano that now provides hiking and biking trails with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
These parks and recreational areas offer a breath of fresh air and a chance to connect with nature without leaving the city. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone who enjoys leisurely strolls, Portland’s parks and recreational facilities have something for everyone.
Golf Courses in Portland
Portland offers a variety of golf courses that cater to players of all skill levels. Here are some golfing highlights:
- Heron Lakes Golf Club: Known for its beautiful views and challenging layout. The club’s Greenback course is a favorite among locals.
- Eastmoreland Golf Course: Offers a unique golfing experience with its mature trees and water features. Eastmoreland is one of Oregon’s oldest courses.
- Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club: Known for its two 18-hole courses and its history of hosting professional tournaments.
- Rose City Golf Course: The oldest public golf course in the city, known for its challenging layout.
- Columbia Edgewater Country Club: A private club known for its beautiful course and top-notch facilities
Employment in Portland
Portland, Oregon, is home to a diverse range of employers across various sectors. Here are some employment highlights:
- Major employers: Intel, Nike, and Providence Health & Services are among the city’s largest employers. Intel’s Ronler Acres campus is the company’s largest and most advanced facility.
- Tech hub: The city is a hub for startups and tech companies, earning it the nickname “Silicon Forest”. Tech giants like Google and Amazon have offices in the city, while local startups like Puppet and Jama Software are making waves in the tech industry.
- Adidas North America: The sportswear giant’s North American headquarters is located in Portland.
- Columbia Sportswear: A leading innovator in the global apparel, footwear, accessories, and equipment markets, headquartered in Portland.
- Daimler Trucks North America: The leading heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America, with its headquarters in Portland.
Restaurants in Portland
Portland’s food scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Here are some culinary highlights:
- Farm-to-table dishes at Higgins Restaurant and Bar: Known for its seasonal menu and locally-sourced ingredients.
- Food carts: The city is known for its food carts, offering a wide range of cuisines from around the world. The Alder Street Food Cart Pod is one of the largest in the city.
- Voodoo Doughnut: An iconic doughnut shop known for its creative and quirky doughnut varieties.
- Le Pigeon: A French-inspired restaurant known for its innovative dishes and communal dining experience.
Portland, Oregon has a lot to offer and is a stand-out city. Surrounded by natural beauty from the mountains to the Oregon coast and areas such as the Willamette Valley and the Columbia River Gorge, Portland has a wonderful balance of the outdoors, business, education, the arts, and various types of entertainment. You should check it out!
