Portland is a wonder. It’s the largest city in the state of Oregon, but with all the charm of a small town. Situated near the idyllic Mt. Hood, this town is rich in the arts and culture, with a little of something for everyone.
Portland isn’t small, and with so much to see and so little time, having a car on hand will surely help you reach your destination quicker. If you’re starting your journey in the Portland Airport, you can pick up a car rental right from the airport’s doorstep. Hertz Car Rental is available at the Portland Airport’s Car Rental Center as well as throughout the city, so you can visit an outlet closest to you. The Portland Airport is only 9 miles away from downtown Portland, so drive on down!
Whether you’re a local or a curious tourist, you can’t miss a visit to the Portland Saturday Market. Open weekly, the market features over 250 stalls run by local artisans. The range of wares run from arts and crafts to fresh produce and is definitely a feast for the eyes and mouth. Are you a fan of flowers? Why not visit the International Rose Test Garden, a beautiful garden filled with over 7,000 rose plants. The acres of perfumed flowers are sure to brighten anyone’s day.
Portland is home to many shopping options, from the trendy to the eclectic. While there are stores in the city that tout major brands, there are also many fascinating boutiques and stalls that sell antiques and other hard to find items. One such store would be Billy Galaxy. This antique toyshop peddles retro toys and trinkets that are sure to entice any collector. And even if you’re not a collector yourself, you can be sure to awaken your sense of nostalgia within its walls. Portland also houses Powell’s City of Books, the world’s largest bookstore. With over 3 floors and more than 3,000 sections of new and used books to look through, don’t be surprised to spend hours riffling through its wares!
Museums in Portland can get a little bit strange, but that makes them all the more interesting. Visit The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium, for an enjoyably creepy experience. This ‘museum’ is home to an eclectic collection of sci-fi exhibits to details on fascinating urban legends, and is sure not to disappoint. Movie Madness is a video store and a museum all in one. Housing many props from the sets of popular films such as Psycho and The Sound of Music, this museum is a must-see for any film enthusiast.
Portland is a bustling city full of life and excitement on every corner. Rich in arts and culture, Portlanders are passionate about their city and it really shows in their wares and work. Portlanders also have a penchant for cycling, and they may even cycle beside you on the road! Although the cyclists have their own designated lanes to ride in, do be careful of them when driving in Portland!
