Besides all its natural wonders, Portland also has a thriving arts scene. As a hub for innovation and creativity, the city has a love for independent businesses. Visitors to the city would get to witness some amazing street arts that adorn many of its neighborhoods. These works of art reflect Portland’s progressive spirit.

Those exploring this city are welcomed with a laid-back atmosphere and a delicious variety in cuisines. Today, there is a greater focus on locally sourced food and products in this part of the world. At the heart of this movement are the farmers markets. They offer some exceptional experiences for residents as well as tourists.

A doorway to fresh, organic local produce

The farmers markets in Portland stand testimony to the city’s commitment towards supporting local farmers and artisans. These markets showcase an abundance of fresh, locally grown produce. All the items offered in these markets say a lot about the region’s fertile soil and diverse climate. From juicy berries and heirloom tomatoes to vibrant greens and fragrant herbs, the markets abound with seasonal delights.

Farmers in Portland take pride in cultivating their crops using sustainable and organic practices. In this way, they ensure access to the highest quality ingredients grown using ethical practices. Both locals and visitors get the chance engage directly with the farmers. This fosters a sense of community and connection between the farmers and consumers.

A memorable culinary experience

Beyond the fresh produce, Portland’s farmers markets are no less than a paradise for food lovers. Among the delectable items found here are the delectable breads and pastries created by the local bakers. Specialty vendors offer everything from handmade chocolates to small-batch jams and preserves. These markets are truly a treasure trove of flavors, textures, and aromas.

Those who just want a quick bite can visit the food trucks and food stalls. At these places, they can try some freshly-prepared oysters or grab a flavorful taco. They can also sample some fabulous culinary creations coming from various international cuisines. The options in these farmers markets are almost endless.

A place for interacting with the local community

The farmers markets in Portland also serve as vibrant community hubs besides offering some pleasant spaces for gastronomic delights. Residents don’t just flock to these markets to fill their baskets with locally sourced ingredients. They also engage with others in a lively social atmosphere. These markets offer excellent spaces for people coming from all walks of life to connect, share stories, and support local businesses.

In addition to the thriving trade, the markets often feature live music performances. They also provide spaces for conducting workshops on cooking and other activities. Families with children can participate in several educational activities focused on sustainable farming. The kids can develop a good understanding of the importance of local food systems due to such activities.

The post A Glimpse Into the Farmers Markets of Portland appeared first on AltPortland.com.

The city enjoys proximity to other major destinations in the Pacific Northwest. This has become another big reason for its popularity among tourists. While exploring this majestic city, you’ll get the chance to visit some of its fascinating attractions. Let’s take a look at some of them here:

1. Forest Park

When you’re in the west side of Portland, you’ll get to visit Forest Park. It covers over 5,000 acres of Northwest forest. This is a perfect place to move away from the hustle-bustle of the city. One of the largest urban parks in the United States, it is home to many hiking trails. If you’re visiting this park for the first time, it’s better to have a map.

This will help you explore the hiking and walking trails that extend to about 80 miles. One of the popular places in Forest Park is the Maple Trail Loop. You can also visit the famous Pittock Mansion by starting your hike from Lower Macleay Park.

2. Pittock Mansion

This grand mansion was the home of Henry Pittock. He was the founder of the newspaper, Oregonian. The mansion was marked for demolition in the 1960s, but the local community opposed the demolition. Eventually, it was bought by the City of Portland and completely restored through private fundraising.

As a result, the tourists visiting Portland can visit this impressive mansion. The mansion has been built on a 46-acre land, which has an elevation of 1,000 feet. You can enjoy some fabulous views from this place if you’re visiting on a clear day.

3. Washington Park

You’ll be able to visit the renowned International Rose Test Garden when you’re in Washington Park. This place was once a wild land. It was purchased by the City of Portland in 1871. You can spend your entire day in the park, visiting its charming attractions. In the International Rose Test Garden, you’ll find some new varieties of roses.

As Portland has a mild climate, roses in this garden continue to flower into the fall season. The annual Rose Festival is held here in the months of May and June. Another garden in Washington Park that would fascinate you is the Portland Japanese Garden. It’s one of the largest Japanese gardens outside Japan.

4. Portland Japanese Garden

Spread across 12 acres, the Portland Japanese Garden is located on the grounds of an old zoo in Washington Park. You’ll go through some unique and peaceful experiences while getting around in this garden. It was built to offer Portland’s residents a place to unwind and find some serenity. First opened to the public in 1961, this garden also recognized the growing cultural ties between Japan and Oregon.

The garden spaces here include the Tea Garden, Flat Garden, and Strolling Pond Garden. Cultural demonstrations, mindfulness tours, and lecture series are some of the events held in Portland Japanese Garden. You can also enjoy tea and Japanese finger foods at the Umami Cafe.

5. Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo is home to hundreds of birds, animals, and marine beings. Located in Washington Park, this zoo has animals from around the world. It was established in the late 19th century by Richard Knight. During your visit to this zoo, you can learn more about its conservation programs.

They mainly focus on preserving the Pacific Northwest region’s species. The behind-the-scenes tours conducted in the Oregon Zoo allow you to interact with the animals. They also give you the opportunity to take a look at the daily operations.

6. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

This region is a popular place for sightseeing and going on leisurely drives. It covers the entire length of the Columbia River on the Oregon-Washington state border. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is one of the best destinations for taking a day trip from Portland. It covers a total area of 292,500 acres.

During their day trips, many of the toursits like photographing the waterfalls. These waterfalls include the Latourell Falls, Multnomah Falls, and Oneonta Gorge. Other places worth exploring here are the Angel’s Rest hiking trail and Vista House.

7. Portland Art Museum

The oldest museum in the Pacific Northwest, the Portland Art Museum was founded in the late 19th century. Over the years, it has managed to preserve a vast collection of artworks. There are more than 50,000 items in this art museum.

Only a few of them are displayed in the gallery with an area of over 112,000 square feet. Among the museum’s major highlights are the Native American artifacts, Asian art, and English silver art. Vincent Van Gogh’s Cart with Black Ox is one of the most precious pieces of art in Portland Art Museum.

8. Powell’s City of Books

If you’re a book lover, you’ll love your visit to this legendary bookstore. It has more than a million books, including the new titles as well as used books. The bookstore has some excellent displays and a spacious coffee shop. You’ll find plenty of space to read a book while leaning against a corner.

The availability of so much space also makes it easier for you to choose a book. There’s something for book lovers every day in the events calendar at Powell’s City of Books. The events include writing workshops, author readings, and panel discussions.

9. Lan Su Chinese Garden

The tranquil environment in Lan Su Chinese Garden is a beautiful combination of plants, trees, rocks, gardens, and a lake. All these things have been blended well on an area of 40,000 square feet. This garden opened in 2000 after Portland established a relationship with Suzhou, its Chinese sister city.

Artisans of Suzhou had helped construct walkways and traditional buildings here. The native Chinese plants that you see in this garden were imported. Both guided and self-guided tours are available for the visitors of this garden. Special events on Tai Chi, Mahjong, and tea tastings also take place in Lan Su Chinese Garden regularly.

The post 9 Enchanting Attractions Worth Visiting in Portland appeared first on AltPortland.com.

1. Explore the trails of Forest Park

Spread over a vast area, Forest Park is full of rivers, waterfalls, dense trees, and bridges. You’ll find many trails in this park for activities such as hiking and biking. Most of these trails are well-maintained and suitable for the runners and bikers.

Forest Park is located on the eastern side of the Northwest Hills. You can get to this park from the downtown in just a few minutes. By taking just a short hike through this park, you’ll get to see Oregon’s enchanting natural surroundings.

2. Enjoy concerts in the parks

If you’re visiting Portland during July and August, you’ll get to enjoy summer concerts for free. They usually start at 6:30 in the evening and are held in many parks across the city. You can check out the concert schedule online in advance before heading to Portland.

These free concerts are available for all visitors almost any night in a week. Attending these park concerts would be a great way to spend your evenings in this city during summers.

3. Go bird-watching in Smith & Bybee Wetlands Natural Area

For the bird lovers, Smith & Bybee Wetlands Natural Area in North Portland would be an ideal spot. This preserve is spread over 205 acres and is the largest protected wetland located within an American city. You can watch diverse bird species in this preserve from multiple viewing platforms.

If you’re vigilant enough, you’ll also be able to sight a bald eagle. So, bring along your binoculars and a good camera to capture some charming birds in action.

4. Experience the joy of kayaking

There are some places around Portland where you can have a wonderful time kayaking on the rivers. One such spot is the Clackamas River, which gives some thrilling rides for beginners as well as experts of kayaking. You’ll also love to go kayaking on Scappoose Bay. It is a long channel that feeds into the Columbia River. While paddling through the waters, you’ll also get to see the great blue herons and salmon.

5. Spend some amazing moments at a campground

Portland has several campgrounds located within a short drive from the city. They offer excellent natural escapes for those who love to spend a memorable night under the stars. One such place is the Oxbow Regional Park, which is located 25 miles east of Portland’s downtown.

The scenic Sandy River gives you the opportunity to enjoy swimming, rafting, and kayaking. The campsites located here are equipped with picnic tables and cooking grills. One important thing to note is that pets are not allowed in this park. This is to prevent them from damaging the sensitive habitat of the area.

6. Try one of the aerial obstacle courses

Have you ever experienced the adrenaline rush while taking an aerial obstacle course? Well, you’ll get to live such moments at the Tree to Tree Adventure Park. It combines the thrilling tree climbing adventures and the excitement of zip lines.

You’ll also get to try the rope and tire swings, ladders, trapezes, and tightropes. Located in North Willamette Valley near the Hagg Lake, this park is truly worth exploring for the adventure seekers.

The post 6 Outdoor Activities You Can Try While in Portland appeared first on AltPortland.com.

You must be knowing many things about the city. However, there are some interesting facts you probably never knew. Here are some of them:

1. Over a million books in a bookstore?

Powell’s City of Books is a bookstore located in downtown Portland. It is the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world. The bookstore covers an entire block of the city and is a literary haven for many. It offers book lovers a vast selection of over a million books, making it a must-visit destination for any book lover.

2. The iconic Voodoo Doughnuts

A visit to Portland wouldn’t be complete without trying the famous Voodoo Doughnuts. They’re famous for their unconventional flavors and unique toppings like bacon, Cap’n Crunch, or even Tang. Over the years, these doughnuts have become an iconic symbol of Portland.

3. Yet another nickname

Portland is home to many bridges, thus earning it the nickname ‘Bridgetown’. It is yet another nickname among all the other nicknames that the city has been given. The bridges of Portland span the Willamette River. Some of these bridges include the famous Steel Bridge and St. Johns Bridge.

These bridges give you the chance to enjoy some wonderful views of the city. They also provide ample opportunities for you to savor the leisurely walks or bike rides.

4. The food cart culture of the city

You’ll get to see a thriving food cart culture in Portland. The food carts or mobile eateries offer a diverse range of culinary delights. From gourmet cuisine to international street food, they cater to varied choices and dietary preferences of Portland’s residents. The food cart scene in Portland is truly a foodie’s dream come true.

5. A microbrewery capital

Portland is well-known for its craft beer scene. The city has the highest number of microbreweries per capita in the entire United States. Beer lovers can explore a good variety of local breweries in Portland. They also get to attend the beer tasting events and sample a wide range of flavorful brews.

6. ‘Keep Portland Weird’

The city proudly embraces its quirky side with one of its mottos – ‘Keep Portland Weird’. Portlanders value individuality, eccentricity, and creativity. You’ll see this reflected in the city’s vibrant street art and unconventional fashion choices.

7. A bike-friendly city

This city has an extensive network of bike lanes and trails. This is why Portland consistently ranks among the most bike-friendly cities in the United States. Cycling enthusiasts can conveniently explore the city’s neighborhoods, parks, and waterfronts on two wheels. While doing so, they also get to enjoy the city’s fresh air and beautiful surroundings.

8. The Portland Sunday Market

Located alongside the Willamette River, the Portland Sunday Market was founded in 1974. It features unique hand-made goods, delicious foods, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere. Today, it is the largest continuously operating outdoor arts and crafts market in the United States.

9. An amazing snow-capped volcano

Visible from the city on clear days, Mount Hood is an iconic symbol of the region. This snow-capped volcano offers year-round outdoor activities. They include hiking, skiing, camping, and snowboarding. With such diversity in outdoor activities, this place attracts many nature lovers and adventure seekers.

The post 9 Interesting Facts About Portland You Probably Never Knew appeared first on AltPortland.com.