Big city excitement and small town charm make Portland, Oregon, known as "The City of Roses," one of the West Coast's most rapidly growing metropolitans. Portland is situated approximately 70 miles east of the Pacific coastline between the sparkling waters of the Columbia and Willamette rivers. Portland's historic Old Town, famous Saturday Market, green parks and diverse galleries, museums and theatre companies keep visitors and residents occupied year round. Beyond city limits, destinations such as Willamette Valley wineries, Mount Hood's Timberline Lodge and the numerous spectacular ocean beaches make for excellent daytrips or weekend getaways.
Recognized for its eco-conscious attitude, Portland is known for its sustainable architecture, farm-fresh organic cuisine, pedestrian-friendly streets and award-winning mass transit system. One of the most extensive and advanced in the U.S., Portland's mass transit system includes buses, streetcars, historic trolleys and an urban light rail line, "MAX." What's more, the downtown transit mall and "Fareless Square" free-ride zone make getting around town easy, inexpensive and convenient.
For those who prefer to travel by foot, Portland's short blocks, combined with public art and antique statuary, fountains, bridges and parks offer opportunities for leisure and contemplation while effortlessly getting from here to there. For the more adventurous walker, Forest Park has over 70 miles of trails.
Portland's nightlife scene is as varied and eclectic as its residents. Culture seekers will delight in world-class performances by the Oregon Ballet Theatre and the internationally known Oregon Symphony, in addition to Broadway musicals, modern dance performances, local Shakespeare theatre and nightly concerts from local and global musical acts at venues throughout the city. Portlanders can also see art up close at First Thursday art gallery walks in Northwest Portland's Pearl District, and again in Northeast Portland for Last Thursday.
Foodies can pleasure their palates while noshing on fare from any of Portland's many acclaimed restaurants where diners are likely to find plentiful Northwest staples including salmon, local fruits and vegetables and native game on the menus. And as any Portlander will attest, the best way to wash down any meal is with a local microbrew. Chockfull of pubs and brew houses, Portland offers ample opportunity for tasting local microbrews from an impressive lineup of award-winning brewmasters.
Every night is sports night in the Rose City. The NBA's Portland Trail Blazers keep fans cheering in the stands, while the Portland Winter Hawks heat up the ice during hockey season. In the summer, the Portland Beavers keep "America's favorite pastime" alive in the heart of downtown.
A combined sense of integrity, relaxed respectability and urban appeal make Portland, Oregon, one of the country's most dynamic metropolitans. But don't take our word for it; here are a few things other people had to say about the City of Roses:
- No. 2 among the “10 Greenest Cities in America;” MSN.com City Guides.
- First in nation for biking to work; The U.S. Census Bureau.
- No. 1 among “America's Most Sustainable Big Cities;” SustainLane.com (June 2006).
- America's “Best Eating Destination;” The Food Network (April 2007).
- No. 9 among “Top 25 Fittest Cities in the United States;” Men's Fitness (February 2007).
- No. 2 for the “20 Best Cities Awards;” Cooking Light (January/February 2007).
- “World's Top Travel Destinations;” Frommer's Guidebooks/Frommers.com (January 2007).
- Among “Top 10 Cities for Independent Moviemakers;” MovieMaker Magazine (Winter 2007).
- Oregon named “Top Dog in the USA;” for mountain biking; Annual International Mountain Biking Association's “Report Card;” (Winter 2006).
- “Visiting Asia Without Crossing the Pacific in Portland, Oregon;” - New York Times (December 2006).
- “World's Top Travel Destinations;” Frommer's Guidebooks/Frommers.com (November 2006).
- No. 10 among “Best Arts City in America;” AmericanStyle (June 2006).
- “Best Place to Live in the U.S.;” Men's Journal (April 2006).
- “Welcome to the Playland For Adults;” Men's Journal (April 2006).
- “Best Walking Town in America;” Prevention (April 2006).
- “Best Cycling City in the U.S.;” Bicycling (March 2006).
- *Source: www.travelportland.com
