Portland, We Made It!
After an early early morning and a quick stop in Chicago, Teresa and I touched down into PDX. Even though it was only 1030am, we were wide awake and full of excitement. By the time we checked into the Travelodge at 9th and Burnside, we had traveled for about 12 hours. There was no reason to stop. We walked out the door toward the city center.
The weather here is stupendous. The days begin in the high 50s and low 60s. By the middle of the afternoon, the temperature climbs to the high 70s or low 80s. For part of the day, I walked around in a long sleeve t-shirt. Normally, this time of year, there isn't a cloud in the sky. I don't think you can ask for better walking around weather.
Our first stop was Pioneer Courthouse Square. This renovated block of downtown is called by some Portland's Living room. The city block size brick square is home to a tourist info center, daily entertainment, food, and general relaxation spots. You can easily find the square by taking any of the MAX lines into the fareless square. Our goal was to speak with some representatives from the tourist info office. Two older residents of Portland helped us plan our first few days. They were very helpful in stirring us into the right neighborhoods for visiting. Before we left the square, we indulged in some Honkin’ Huge Burritos. These might be some of the best burritos around town.
Our goal for the rest of the day was to enjoy portions of the Southwest and Northwest. We walked east on Morrison toward Goose Hollow. This quaint neighborhood is considered part of Northwest, but it is south of Burnside. Its streets are hilly and lined with old Victorians and new development. Of course, trees dot the landscape. We walked south until hitting Jefferson and continued east too 19th street. The first stop we made was the Goose Hollow Inn. This pub has a forty year history in the neighborhood. The small building is wrapped by a large outdoor deck. We took a seat at a picnic table for a few beers. Teresa had a Goose Hollow Golden and I had a Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale. I could not have dreamed up a better moment. This was the perfect start to our vacation. The sun was shinning on our faces. The air was cool and crisp. The neighborhood was quiet and beautiful. I was drinking an excellent tasting beer! I hope the whole trip is similar to this one experience.
We continued to walk around the blocks of Goose Hollow, but we soon wandered north of Burnside into Nob Hill. This neighborhood might be one of most gentrified areas of the city. As a result, its streets are lined with a variety of shops and restaurants. The two most popular are 23rd and 21st. We browsed a few clothing stores and boutiques. We walked through the cross streets to admire the vintage restored homes. It seems like a great neighborhood for living. Within a few blocks, you'd have access to a ton of eating and entertainment options.
Our next stop on our self-made walking tour was the Buffalo Exchange on Burnside. This "thrift store" is located in the Perl District which is closer to downtown. I say "thrift store" because; the clothes are of better and larger quantity than say a Salvation Army. I perused the racks for some t-shirts, but I didn't find any I liked. However, I did find a sweet pair of surplus cameo shorts. Now I have an extra pair of shorts for the trip!
Just across the street from Buffalo Exchange is the flagship of Powell's Books. This local group of bookstores might be the best I have entered. The one on Burnside is the size of a big box bookstore, but it has a ton more charm and resources. Each area of the store contains shelfs of books with staff recommendations -- not just one shelf near the counter. I picked up a nice laminated map of the city which we needed badly. Teresa got some goodies and books. I used a local happy hour guide to find a spot for dinner. Lucky for us, a good option was right around the corner - Henry's Tavern.
Henry's is at the corner of 12th and Burnside. It occupies about half a city block. It seems like the building is a converted mill or brewery. The inside boosts a huge bar with over a 100 beers on tap. We sat at an outside table in a patio surrounded by restored brick walls and direct street access. The result of the patio location is a vibrant dining experience that blends outdoors goodness with people watching entertainment. My burrito was still sitting in my tummy so, I just had a chicken and nectarine salad. I supplemented that with a few beers Kona Wailua Wheet, Skagit River Scullers IPA and Bridgeport IPA. The wheat beer was too fruity but the IPAs had amazing flavor. Overall, I enjoyed Henry's. I bet it is packed on the weekends.
After our dinner, we walked back across the Burnside Bridge to the Travelodge. I was asleep by 9pm. Of course, we had been awake forever. It was great to finally get some sleep. I think, the first day was a huge success. I hope each day is somewhat like the first. Tomorrow, we are off to North Portland. Unlike the Northwest, we have never visited this part of the city. If anything, it should be a interesting time.
