Around PDX

If you haven't been to Portland before, you'll know there's a lot to do... but if this is your first trip, here's a list to get you excited about your visit:

Ten Things to do in Portland

  1. Pioneer Courthouse Square (Downtown, a short walk, SW 6th & Morrison) – Portland’s Living Room, if you haven’t spent 10 minutes there, you haven’t seen the City
  2. Powell's Books – (Downtown, Streetcar, NW 10th and Burnside) – If Portland is a City of Books, this is it’s heart, Powell's is the largest independent book store in the country.
  3. Oregon Brewfest and our many Brewpubs. (Waterfront Park - three blocks from the Hotel and Brewpubs throughout the City) – Craft Brewing Magazine has called Portland the microbrewery capital of the world, with more than 70 operating in the City. Whether it be the unique chain of brewpubs owned by the McMenamins brothers or a nationally known beer like Widmer, they are everywhere.
  4. Ride a Bike (Throughout the City) – Named Best Bicycling City in America for several years running, Portland prides itself on being friendly for two wheeled transportation. From the Eastbank Esplanade to the Springwater Corridor, borrow a bike and get out and see the City.
  5. Portland Streetcar and Light Rail (Downtown, a short walk) – Portland has been operating light rail since 1986, streetcar since 2001, it is one of those things that makes Portland, Portland.
  6. Chinese Garden (Downtown, six blocks from hotel, NW 3rd & Everett) – An urban oasis of tranquil beauty and harmony. An authentic all-seasons Ming Dynasty classical Chinese garden with a teahouse built by artisans from Suzhou, China.
  7. Voodoo Doughnuts - A Portland Institution, get there early so you can avoid the lines. (Across the street from the hotel)
  8. Portland Art Museum (Downtown, a short walk, SW Park & Madison) – Portland’s very own, which is one of the 25 largest museums in the country has an exhibit on bicycles (of course).
  9. Multnomah Falls (45 miles east of Portland, a drive) – The falls are the second highest year-round waterfall in the nation at 620 feet. Take in the beauty of the Columbia Gorge and the historic Columbia River Highway during the trip.
  10. Portland’s Aerial Tram (South Waterfront, Streetcar, SW Gibbs & SW Moody) – Portland’s newest mode of transportation, it is a unique urban development tool to connect the Oregon Health Sciences University with an exciting new neighborhood.

Because we couldn't just stop at 10 Things, on Wednesday after you have seen the Oregon Brewfest, you can go experience the Portland Timbers play soccer against Norwich City FC which is a short train ride from the hotel at JeldWen Field.

Also, if you haven't experienced Portlandia yet, here's your crash course in videos.