Keeping Portland Weird
One day a friend told me that he wanted to get his first tattoo to remind him of Portland, Oregon – the city he’d visited many times and fell in love with. As weird as it may sound, the famous kitsch pattern on the carpet at the PDX airport is what he wanted forever inked on his arm. True story.
I kid you not, the carpet is so famous its has its own hashtag #PDXcarpet on Instagram. It shouldn’t come as a surprise though because “Keeping Portland Weird” is a popular slogan, originally intended to promote local businesses, and has since evolved to bring independence, nonconformity, creativity and all things bizarre to the Rose City. Not knowing what to expect, I visited Portland with an open mind and discovered all the hot spots and hidden gems that keep Portland weird. Expedia’s Kiwi travellers spend 2-3 nights in Portland – so that’s plenty of time to tick a few things off my list:
What to see
You don’t need to be a bookworm to appreciate a good book. I guarantee you’ll find a tome you’ll love at Powell’s City of Books. The largest independent new and used bookstore in the world, this place covers an entire city block, and is so massive maps are provided for visitors to find their way around. There are nine colour-coded rooms that house more than one million books. The cookbook section alone is every food lover’s dream.
Portland is often awarded “Greenest City in America”, and you’ll understand why when you take a walk or hike at Forest Park on the west side of the city. Just a short 10 minutes drive from downtown, this urban forest stretches over 13km along hillsides overlooking Willamette River. There are many trails you can explore, expect to forget you’re still in the middle of the city.
If hiking is not your thing, then you might like to slow down the pace and smell the roses at the International Rose Test Garden. Local government established the garden during World War I in an attempt to preserve species of European roses that may have been decimated by the bombings. The best time to visit is during June blooming season, where you can wander amongst the colourful roses and feel like Alice in Wonderland. Next to the Rose Test Garden is the tranquil Portland Japanese Garden which is well worth a visit too (admission fee applies).
More Articles With Destination
Expedia has released its 2023 Air Travel Hacks Report, providing six proven tips to help save travellers time and money.
Planning for travel in a post-lockdown era can be stressful. The team at Expedia has prepared this guide to help with all the questions travellers may have on the New Zealand and Cook Islands Travel Bubble. Note: The information provided below has been prepared to give travellers guidance on the arrangements to date. We encourage… Continue reading Cook Islands Travel Bubble guide
Planning for travel in a post-pandemic era can be stressful. The team at Expedia has prepared this guide to help with all the questions you may have on the Australia and New Zealand Trans-Tasman Travel Bubble. Note: The information provided below has been prepared to give travellers guidance on the arrangements to date. We encourage… Continue reading Trans-Tasman Travel Bubble Guide
Oahu. A land where swaying palm trees and aquamarine beaches meet fine dining and five star hotels. Where surfing, smoothie shacks coupled with road trips to meet dinosaurs are part of the everyday. Where honeymooners dance under the stars and couples curl up on the beach in cabanas. It’s almost too easy to turn on… Continue reading Oahu – the easiest romantic holiday ever
Are you looking for a romantic getaway that’s big, bold and beautiful? If you want to take things up a notch, and go way beyond the typical honeymoon, anniversary or couple’s getaway, you need to make a beeline for Hawaii Island. Here’s why: Size First off, yes, there is a reason Hawaii Island is known… Continue reading Why we love Hawaii Island