May 18 2009
Itinerant Attendee: Portland, Oregon
Portland — Progressive, Green, and freedom-loving. Its name decided by a coin toss, Portland stands rich and proud along the banks of the Williamette and Columbia rivers, a rich and intricate string of urban legends adding to the charm of its Warehouse and Brewery districts. Your Itinerant Attendee never passes up an opportunity to attend a convention in this wondrous town. Portland is far too complex a city to put a convenient handle on, except to say that it’s one of my favorite places to go exploring. Portland’s restaurants are amongst the most tasty in the nation, the Pearl District always offering new surprises, and the ambiance is both welcoming and generous. People from Portland really value their individual freedoms, and grant the same to others. Where else could you find 1200 people bicycling naked in a court-sanctioned annual event?
As you may have noticed, Portland has developed quite a micro-brewery industry — so much so that, in 2006, Mayor Potter made it official: Portland is now also known as Beertown. Even if beer isn’t your thing, it’s fascinating to see what all is involved in the making of these small batches of brew. With at least 28 microbreweries to tour and sample from, you’re sure to find something that suits your fancy. You may even find yourself sending on souvenirs — strictly for medicinal purposes, of course!
The delightful restaurants are a large part of Portland’s appeal. There are so many unusual and unique places to visit! One that I make a point of going to as often as possible is a truly peaceful glade called The Tao of Tea. With their waterfall and tranquil vibe, it’s an ideal place to get some down-time, and enjoy one of the vast array of teas available. You’ll probably want to take some of them home with you, and maybe a few brewing accessories as well! Another unusual spot is the Elephants Delicatessen. An eclectic and divers menu of gourmet coffees, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, cheeses, home-made pasteries and breads… salads, sandwiches, deserts (bet ya can’t eat just one!) Await, and one can even take some of the entrees home to eat later. Even the cost is diverse; there’s something for every budget at the Elephants Deli, so make a point of putting it on your must-do list for Portland!
Portland is called the City of Roses, and I’d be amiss in my duties if I didn’t tell you about the International Rose Test Gardens and the Hoyt Arboretum. Imagine the 6800 rose bushes that adorn the IRTG, some 557 varieties of them! And the Hoyt is a living museum of trees! It covers some 187 acres and includes a thousand species of trees! Some of their important work includes producing seeds used to reforest destroyed habitat — a very noble mission, and an extraordinary exhibit!
Portland, Oregon has so much to offer, so many things to see and do and enjoy! This is just a tidbit sampling of all that the city has to offer. But dont’ take my word for it — visit and find out for yourself! Keep your fingers crossed that a Portland, Oregon meeting or convention is on your schedule this year.
Video: Twitter Portland Oregon Visitors and Convention at #inpdx
