The Portland Lifestyle

The Portland Lifestyle

As a result of inventive dining, a plethora of cultural offerings, a rich juxtaposition of historic and modern architecture, endless recreational activities, and its friendly feel, Portland has become an alluring destination for just about everyone: whether you're young or old, low budget or extravagant, a novice or a seasoned traveler, there's something about this city that will feel inexplicably right.

It seems that food -- or rather the creative applications of ingredients -- has become a big deal of late where Portland is concerned, in national gourmet magazines and even the New York Times. It's true that Portland's dining scene is filled with amazing choices -- though that's not necessarily what is causing all the commotion. Rather, it's the "sustainable" movement -- using ingredients that are raised, grown, or foraged within a reasonable distance -- that keeps diners and chefs magnetized to the city. Often, diners experience savory fish, fowl, or pasta dishes made with seasonal fruit and vegetable accompaniments that have just been plucked from the vine or ground.

After you're done with a delicious meal, you may find yourself at one of the many unique coffeehouses or local breweries sipping on a cup or mug of something satisfying. Portland is a mecca for both, and dozens of options blanket the city. Stumptown Coffee Roasters is a local favorite for a cup of joe; for microbrew possibilities, check out a McMenamins, BridgePort, or Widmer brewery. These sites are frequented by locals, too, and make great hangouts to people-watch or as a pit stop for determining the day's or evening's activities.

Portland has a thriving cultural community and showcases everything from the ballet, opera, symphonies, theater, and art exhibitions both minor and major in scope. Whatever you choose, you can count on several things: relatively affordable ticket prices and crowds dressed in everything from tennis shoes to tuxedos. Portlanders are sometimes accused by outsiders of being "too casual" when it comes to showing up for performances. But it's perhaps this "lower-brow" approach to arts and culture that is why many events are well-attended.

One arts attraction that both locals and tourists alike comfortably frequent is the Portland Art Museum. Its two large buildings house paintings by old-world masters, an impressive collection of Native American art -- much from the Northwest -- and an expanding collection of modern and contemporary art. Right across the street from the Portland Art Museum is the Oregon Historical Society, which has more than 85,000 artifacts, including ancient objects from the earliest settlements. Displays illuminate Oregon's "growth of business and industry, the development of artwork and crafts, and maritime history."

If smaller galleries are more of your thing, Portland has plenty. Many of the city's galleries and studios are condensed in the swanky Pearl District, just on the fringe of downtown. From print art, fiber art, contemporary art, and photography to glass, performance art, and even 3-D art, you can find an immense selection of edgy talent.