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We've compiled the best of the best in Oregon - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Built in 1869, this historic opera house in downtown Salem is home to an eclectic collection of locally owned stores, shops, restaurants, bars, and bakeries, everything from art galleries to tattoo parlors. Its Trinity Ballroom hosts special events and celebrations.
The concept is simple, silly, and fun: you and a group of friends (kids love this place) show up and pose for pictures—the staff will help you bring out your inner goofiness—in each of the eight themed upside-down scenes, and you leave with a bunch of frameable mementos. The inverted vignettes include a saloon, a kitchen, and a Seaside's own promenade.
A beautifully designed cannabis shop in which carefully curated marijuana is displayed in blue ceramic dishes inside blond-wood cases, Serra stands out for its knowledgeable staff and decidedly artisanal aesthetic. They'll lend you a bronze magnifying glass if you want a closer inspection of the products, which also include cannabis-infused local chocolates, gummies, and other edibles. There's a similar branch in Southeast on Belmont Street.
All-natural skincare products take center stage at this wellness boutique, where you'll also find a range of self-care indulgences, from scented candles to cozy cotton pajamas.
Portland's largest antiques mall, Stars has two stores across the street from each other in the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood. Since it rents its space to about 200 antiques dealers, you might find anything from low-end 1950s kitsch to high-end treasures.
Owned by a mother-and-daughter team, this famous knitting, sewing, and quilting store opened its doors in 1975. The spacious store not only inspires the senses with colorful fabric, patterns, and yarns, but also conducts classes throughout the year. The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, annually held the second Saturday of July, is the largest in the world and intertwines its origins with the store's early years.
The urbane, free-spirited fashions carried in this friendly Alberta Street boutique capture the essence of the neighborhood—many of the short dresses, leather handbags, and unpretentious necklaces and bracelets are in the blacks, grays, and tans favored by East Sider Portlanders, although you'll find the occasional floral-print top or rose-hued handbag in the mix. Major brands include Pink Martini, Biko, and Spitfire.
The retail shop of the eponymous Portland record label founded by Jared and Brianne Mees carries not only music but also cool hand-printed cards, posters, and T-shirts, along with an artistic selection of handcrafted lifestyle goods, from pastel miniature vases and squiggle-shaped earrings to ceramic fox trinkets and illustrated prints. You'll find additional locations on Hawthorne, in Nob Hill, at Bridgeport Village, and in the airport.
Billing itself as Portland's "most hands-on store," Thinker Toys offers puppets, games, educational toys, and a large wooden playhouse that kids can hang out in.
Check out the well-curated collection of fair-trade clothing, soaps, skin-care products, Buddha statuary, jewelry, pottery, and artwork at this colorful two-story boutique carrying both local and international goods.
Carrying fun and stylish designer clothing, you might describe Tumbleweed as "country chic," for the woman who likes to wear flirty feminine dresses with cowboy boots. There's also baby and toddler clothing in their children's shop next door, Grasshopper.
Stocking an exhaustive selection of trendy men's underwear, this boutique has a strong following with Portland's gay community, but any guy with a discerning eye for quality boxer briefs and ribbed trunks will appreciate underU4men and its helpful sales staff. In addition to more than 50 underwear brands, from good old Levi's boxers to sexy Unico and Andrew Christian briefs, the shop also carries thousands of swimsuits and a range of apothecary products.
For distinctive women's fashion and accessories designed and made in Portland, check out this boutique in up-and-coming Montavilla. Though there are scores of dresses for any season, including a very good selection of dresses and skirts in plus sizes, there's also plenty of everyday wear, like hoodies and hats.
Located 18 miles north of Salem just off Interstate 5 are more than 100 brand-name outlet stores, including Nike, Adidas, Calvin Klein, Coach, Ann Taylor, Levi's, Pendleton, and Columbia Sportswear. There's also a small playground and a couple of places to eat.
