2010 marks an auspicious moment in my life–I have officially been a Portlander for 30 years. Learning about Portland is somewhat of an obsession for me, and has hit a new height recently, when I was hired as a Travel Advisor for Travel Oregon. I work at the Oregon Welcome Center at Portland International Airport, and spend my time there helping people with any and every question they ask me. For someone who loves Portland as much as I do, there is nothing better than to have someone ask you, “Tell me what is unique about Portland.”
As a Travel Advisor, it is part of my job to direct people to places that are not only uniquely Portland, but easily accessible via mass transit, and simple to locate. I spend a lot of time talking about Powell’s, Mills End Park, the International Rose Test Garden and Japanese Gardens, and VooDoo Doughnuts. Sometimes people ask about museums or art galleries, and occasionally I’ll get a unique request, such as the best place to fish near downtown Portland (I directed him to Sauvie Island).
But only rarely do I get a traveler who has the time and interest to listen to the things I love about Portland, and when they do, it is the best part of my day. I have so many diverse interests, that my favorite places span many neighborhoods and cross all types of people. I love eating at Clyde Common and Kenny & Zuke’s Delicatessen, or getting Bhan Mi at the Food Cart pod on 10th & Alder. I also love the Food Cart pod at 12th & Hawthorne, which is great when you have late night munchies; poutine at Potato Champion and fried pie at Whiffies. Tin Shed Garden Cafe on Alberta & 14th is an old favorite, and definitely the funky kind of place that makes Portland so unique.
When I need to sit and work on the computer or read, I go to the library at McMenamins Edgefield, or Sacred Grounds Coffee Shop on 97th & Sandy Blvd, or New Deal Cafe on NE Halsey & 52nd. Portland is a haven for coffee lovers, and there are too many places I love to name them all, but I’m drawn to places with the friendliest people, like Palio Dessert House in Ladd’s Addition.
No one enjoys a sunny day like a Portlander. When we get weather like we have had recently, everyone begins scurrying to get outside and enjoy it. I went to Home Depot to get some supplies for the raised garden I’m building, and it was a hive of activity. I love the off-leash area at Normandale Park; there is plenty of room for my small bichon frise Puka to run around and tire herself out, and plenty of dog-loving Portlanders with whom to talk. A short drive up to the top of Rocky Butte is always a favorite; I never get tired of that beautiful panoramic view. And I’m always willing to stroll through the park blocks, where the scenery always changes, and I’m especially excited for the Portland Farmer’s Market to begin again on March 20. When I’ve had a rough day, I love to get a cup of coffee and drive along Marine Drive, pulling over to watch the planes take off and land, and keeping an eye out for herons.
Although my friends call me “Queen of Portland”, I am the first to admit that there will always be things I need to learn about my city. My goal for 2010 is to individually research each neighborhood in Portland, including its history, unique shops and restaurants, parks and community spaces, and any other identifying characteristics. I started with Montavilla, and have nearly completed Sellwood, both of which I will recap soon. One of my favorite things is to explore places I’ve never been; I recently visited Cacao for some spicy drinking chocolate.
My request to all of you is this: What would you do to celebrate 30 years in Portland?
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Jake’s.
Great post….and Happy Anniversary!
This is just my first year in PDX, but i’m so in love with it. There’s so much to explore and it’s exciting to know that we’ll have plenty of adventures over the years to come. If you come over to the SW Hillsdale neighborhood during your ‘tour’ be sure to stop and eat at Baker & Spice. Their pastries are simply amazing and they make a lot of savory lunch/dinner pastries i’ve not seen anywhere else. I think the cornerstone of Hillsdale is the year round farmer’s market. Everyone comes out for it rain or shine on Sunday. It’s really the locals hangout and tons of good options for eating lunch on-site.
Maybe a great way to celebrate would be to pick some of your favorite events and invite friends to come out for flash mob style parties. Don’t just go to the event…find a way to be a part of it! One of my favorite days here last Summer was the Mississippi street fest, because of all the folks who brought something to share with others. There was even a gentleman giving away bunches of fresh lavender from his garden.
Cheers!
~Kat
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