Portland Is the Coolest Food City on the West Coast
"Even 20 years ago, you could feel electricity in the air in Portland. It’s no surprise it’s become such a happening food city." —Rach
The Pearl District
This shoppers’ paradise is packed with boutiques of every flavor. Powell’s Books, the world’s largest indie bookstore, is a must, as is the all-local Made Here PDX (below). P.S. There’s no sales tax in Oregon!
Stumptown Coffee
Dive into the city’s caffeine culture with a free hour-long Friday afternoon tasting at Stumptown headquarters. The Portland-based brewer helped kick off America’s artisanal-coffee movement nearly 20 years ago, and it’s still the crema of the crop.
Jupiter Hotel
Housed in a renovated motor inn in the Central Eastside, this boutique hotel has a hipster vibe and easy access to live tunes: The renowned Doug Fir Lounge is right next door.
Distillery Row
You can walk and sip your way through Portland’s craft-spirits scene with eight distilleries and tasting rooms within a 20-block radius. Taste fruity vodkas (below) at Wild Roots, aquavit at House Spirits Distillery, and small-batch whiskeys at Eastside Distilling.
Portland Japanese Garden
Don’t miss the cultural center at this Washington Park gem (below); it was designed by celebrated Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and houses a glass-walled tea café.
Bistro Agnes
Snag a table at this downtown bistro for top-rate French fare from James Beard Award winners Greg Denton (below) and his wife, Gabrielle.