HelloSalem.com HyperLocal Articles Feed

Cultural District: With art and museums wherever you turn

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

No trip to downtown Portland is complete without walking around the Cultural District. Close to all major downtown hotels, you can see many sites within a mile radius. Everything that Portland has to offer in terms of museums, galleries, and public art is right at your fingertips. Even if you do not have time to make it into any of the museums, a walking tour can be a great for photos and viewing outdoor sculptures.

Director Park: The young, bright star of Portland Parks

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Many of Portland's parks follow in lock-step with the beautiful natural surroundings. Director Park takes a more modern approach with an urban design and feel. With a transparent rain shield, you can visit the park any time of year and still enjoy a respite from the busy shopping district nearby.

Por Que No: PDX's 'Line Around the Block' restaurant

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

With large crowds at both locations, Por Que No serves up some of the most pleasing Mexican cuisine in town. Cheap and delicious tacos make Por Que No the perfect sunny day restaurant or a great place to meet friends after work. Por Que No can be a refreshing stop, because of its laid back and easy going atmosphere.

Random Order: As Portland as apple pie

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Random Order is home to some of the best coffee and pie Portland has to offer. While a pie shop may make you think of a cop movie from the 1970s, Random Order tastefully updates many classic American desserts with fresh and innovative ingredients.

Northwest Film Center: A resource to explore the art of film

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Everyone loves movies, but the Northwest Film Center should be your destination if you want to learn more about the art of cinema. With a variety of film exhibitions, classes and programs, the Northwest Film Center is an invaluable resource for both Portland residents and visitors to the city.

Evoe: Charming slow food done right

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Evoe s unassuming charm seems out of place on bustling Hawthorne Boulevard. Stepping into Evoe is a fresh respite from a busy day. Next door to Pastaworks, this restaurant serves up deceptively simple dishes with locally sourced ingredients. Perfect as lunch spot or for an early dinner, Evoe is a warm and welcoming stop for visitors or Portland residents.

Dove Vivi: Cornmeal pizza made for a fork

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

With vintage appeal, Dove Vivi carves out a niche for itself with its deliciously filling pizza. While there is a plethora of thin-crust traditional style pizza places throughout Portland, Dove Vivi eschews a Naples-style pizza for a thick cornmeal crust. The restaurant has a definite Portland-feel with locally sourced food that will leave feeling satisfied, but never overly full.

Portland City Hall: Where civic business gets done in style

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Portland has a vibrant civic life. With an active and engaged community, Portland City Hall is a great place to visit. It offers stunning architecture combined with history and political activism make it a must stop while sightseeing in downtown Portland.

Irvington: A local neighborhood with regal charm

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Irvington neighborhood offers visitors a stroll through tree-lined drives and majestic homes. Most were built at the turn-of-the-century, giving a peak into Portland s transition from a small lumber town to an international city. The stately homes are surrounded by beautiful parks, bountiful shopping and great eateries.

Alberta Park: Relax on the grass in this picturesque park

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Alberta Park perfectly accents the nearby Killingsworth and Alberta neighborhoods. Like southeast Portland s Laurelhurst Park, this park has a soothing and relaxing appeal. Its tall trees and lazy atmosphere make it perfect for a Sunday stroll or picnic in the park.

Movie Madness: Doubling as Historic Hollywood Museum

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

At Movie Madness, you not only get a choice of great movies, but can also take a look at vintage artifacts from decades of the silver screen. The store has a fervently local feeling with a large following. Movie Madness shows why when other chain stores are going out of business, it continues to be busy.

Couch Park: Northwest Portland s tucked-away secret

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Nestled in the Alphabet District, Couch Park offers scenic views and a place to rest your feet. Take a breather from all the sights and sounds of the Rose City while still remaining close to everything. Couch Park has ample lawn space, park benches, and a playground. It is well suited for families and usually has a dog or two playing fetch.

Mio Gelato: Cool Off with PDX s favorite summertime treat

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Gelato is gaining in popularity and starting to rival traditional ice cream as the summertime treat of choice. Mio Gelato serves up this authentic Italian delight and has people lining up to get a taste. Quickly becoming a Portland favorite, Mio Gelato is strategically located around town to be close by no matter what part of town you are in.

HOTLIPS: A sustainable pizza with fresh, local ingredients

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

For a slice of authentic Portland Pizza, Hot Lips has you covered. From traditional pizzas to more out-there concoctions, this hip pizza place has something for everyone. With both a speedy delivery service and a wonderful dine-in atmosphere, this local favorite has become a hit both with Portland residents and visitors.

PGE Park: Portland s historic home for outdoor sports

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

PGE Park is a classic stadium with a modern feel. It balances its wooden rafters with comfortable seats and affordable concessions. Portland is lucky that their major outdoor sports venue is within walking distance of all major downtown hotels. You can also take the light rail for free to any game as it lies within the free rail district.

North Park Blocks: Nature in Portland s Urban Core

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Take a stroll through these tree-lined blocks to get a feel for what old time Portland felt like. Before the automobile and other modern inventions, city residents took leisurely walks up and down this promenade. While it has less public art than the South Park Blocks, this park makes up for it with towering trees and a convenient location, especially if you are visiting the Pearl District.

Stumptown Coffee: Local coffee roaster with global appeal

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Portland is known for its coffee. Its local coffeehouses serve both as a place to get a caffeine jolt in the morning as well as a place to observe local art and culture. Stumptown offers a view inside a truly PDX phenomenon. Their delightful blends have not only become popular around town, but are featured throughout the country and beyond.

Oregon Maritime Museum: Step aboard Portland s floating nautical history museum

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The Oregon Maritime Museum is a fun adventure on the banks of the scenic Wilamette River. Housed inside the U.S. Portland, the museum will teach you all about the storied history of Oregon s waterways. With activities for adults and children, it is a fun visit when walking through the Waterfront Park.

Alder & Co.: Aesthetically pleasing gifts at Portland s newest shop

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The newest business on a busy block, Alder & Co. is quickly establishing itself as a wonderful location for gifts and shopping in downtown Portland. Located in the heart of downtown Portland's West End, it is a convenient and lovely place to find something special.

Irving Park: Northeast Portland s best spot for sport and leisure

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Irving Park is a great excursion for both Portland residents and city visitors as it is close to everything northeast Portland has to offer. It has many activities you look for in a city park including pick-up basketball, playgrounds, large open spaces and tall, majestic trees.

Ira Keller Fountain Park: Urban renewal has never been so much fun

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Ira Keller Fountain Park is a testament to public planning. With its flowing waterfalls and large grassy areas, the park is a perfect place for both kids and adults on a sunny day. In the summer, the park becomes a fun oasis in the middle of downtown Portland and a chance to cool off for free.

Lownsdale Square: A Picture Perfect Spot in Portland s History

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Lownsdale Square is a scenic spot to have a look into Portland s past. Conveniently located in downtown Portland, this square should be on your list of things to do while visiting the Rose City. Within walking distance of all downtown hotels, it is an easy place to get to when visiting other high profile museums and shops. With a mix of monuments, green space, and large towering trees, it is a great place to snap photos or relax on the many benches spread out through the park.

Ken s Artisan Pizza: A slice of Portland at this popular pizzeria

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Pizza restaurants abound in Portland, but nobody serves it up better than Ken s Artisan Pizza. One taste of their delightfully simple, thin-crusted pizza and you will join other Portlanders in making weekly trips to this local favorite. Served in the style of Naples and fired on a wood stove, their pizza is traditional, but strives to push the concept further.

Pastaworks: A Taste of Tuscany in the Rose City

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Pastaworks is the local destination for slow food. Find the right food, wine, and supplies for a romantic meal or a large family meal. This specialty store is focused on Italian goods and boasts a large wine and cheese selection. You will find what you are looking for and much more. With a few locations spread about Portland, it seems there is always a Pastaworks close by.

Albina Press: A Hip Coffehouse For All

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Portland is known for its coffee and coffeehouses. With so many to choose from, the task can sometimes seem daunting. Albina Press is a great option if you are looking to find a coffeehouse which exudes a local flavor, hip appeal, and has all the amenities you need. It can satisfy many travelers' needs with its delicious coffee, free Wi-Fi, and yummy snacks.

Jackpot Records: Strike musical gold

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Jackpot Records proves that a music store is not an antiquated way of purchasing the latest hit single. With its sheer quantity of music, ranging from obscure limited-edition vinyl records to the most popular group of the moment, you will find what you are looking for and more.

Mio Sushi: Portland s Top Sushi Spot

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Mio Sushi is an award-winning restaurant with fresh ingredients and an affordable menu. While once exotic, sushi has recently entered the mainstream of American cuisine. Especially in the Pacific Northwest, sushi restaurants abound and it is sometimes difficult to choose the best one out of the bunch. By serving quality food with low prices, Mio Sushi is quickly becoming known as Portland s top sushi spot.

South Park Blocks: A Quick Stroll Through Portland s Cultural Past

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The South Park Blocks are a wonderful fresh air excursion for Portland visitors. Within a short distance of all the major downtown hotels, a short stroll through these beautiful blocks will remind you why Portland is well known as a center for arts and culture.

Pittock Mansion: Elegance and style in the West Portland hills

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Any trip to Portland must include stepping foot inside the opulent and stately Pittock Mansion. While the mansion may be a personal history of one family s experience in the Pacific Northwest, it helps to give visitors a perspective on how Portland has transformed itself from logging town into the cultural center it is today.

Colonel Summers Park: Southeast Portland s park of many uses

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Portland has many wonderful parks to choose from on a sunny day, but it is hard to find with more activities and green space than Colonel Summers Park. The park has an inclusive feel with many groups and activities taking advantage of its multiple uses.

Buckman Neighborhood: A creative taste of youthful Portland

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The Buckman neighborhood is a great jumping-off point for a day of fun exploring Portland. With its countless cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops, you can explore this up-and-coming neighborhood which seems to be right near everything there is do in Portland.

World Forestry Center: A hands-on adventure through the tall trees

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

A visit to the World Forestry Center teaches you about the links between your life and the beautiful forests both in Oregon and around the world. Any visitor to Portland will notice that trees populate each city block and the surrounding areas as well. The majestic forests of the Pacific Northwest are not only beautiful, but also in need of preservation.

Wolf & Bear's: Fantastic falafel at an eclectic food cart

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Wolf & Bear's offers wonderful Middle Eastern cuisine at the corner of 20th and Morrison. On the edge of the Buckman neighborhood, this restaurant shows off Portland's innovative cuisine culture from a food cart perspective.

Blossoming Lotus: Organic Food for the Soul

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Whether a vegetarian or not, Blossoming Lotus provides you the opportunity to taste the wonders of meat-less cooking. Part of the joy of dining out is being able to experience new tastes and flavors. Their inventive dishes will both amaze and comfort you.

Lone Fir Cemetery: A reflective journey through Portland s past

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Lone Fir Cemetery gives visitors a chance to walk through and see Portland s past residents from major businessman and former mayors to the everyday citizen. Cemeteries are not only places for thought and reflection of those who have passed away, but great cemeteries offer a chance to see the history of a city through those who lived before you.

Jamison Square: A sunny spot for the whole family

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Jamison Square is an award-winning park which provides a nice escape from the busy atmosphere of shopping and eateries in the Pearl District. This urban park has plenty of space to lounge on the grass, put your feet in their elegant wading pool or just relax on one of the many benches.

Quintana Galleries: Innovative and informative indigenous art

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Quintana Galleries provide a wonderful opportunity to see modern Native American art by many of the most talented artists in North America. Their masterfully curated exhibits show off beautiful and thought-provoking works. The gallery provides perspective and you can see how the beauty of art can communicate far beyond the object itself.

Noun: A simply amazing shop for inventive gifts

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Noun is a beautifully understated shop in southeast Portland. Sharing its space with the delicious Saint Cupcake, it is also a sweet stop if you need a gift to amaze. With an innovative blend of antiques, local art and curiosities of all shapes and sizes, you can find that perfect something for that special somebody.

Biwa: Delicious and tempting Japanese bar food

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

When one thinks of bar food, fish & chips or hamburgers may immediately come to mind. Biwa does away with these clich s and offers a refreshing view on what tavern food means. Delicious and reasonably priced Asian cuisine is served for your delight. Not only will you savor your dishes, you will explore new tastes you might not have had before.

Laughing Planet: Portland s home for The Sustainable Burrito

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

In need of a quick lunch sport? Laughing Planet perfectly fits the bill. This award-winning restaurant not only offers a wholesome meal, but one which is healthy and sustainable too. It is one of the few restaurants that will you fill you up and leave you feeling good about your positive impact on the environment.

Kenny And Zuke s: Bringing the East Coast deli to the Rose City

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Kenny and Zuke s gives you the taste of the neighborhood delicatessen with the innovative feel of Portland. Surprisingly, Portland lacks many quality sandwich stops despite being a city known for food carts and cheap eats. Kenny & Zuke's solves this problem by providing quality and affordable sandwiches among many deli creations.

Portland Art Museum: The grand museum of the Rose City

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

In a city dotted with galleries of every shape and size, the Portland Art Museum towers above them all. The museum is an example of how to blend the innovation of modern art with time-honored tradition. You will enjoy a day viewing exhibits that are curated to perfection.

Lower MacLeay Park: Urban hiking near the majestic West Hills

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

One of the major differences between Portland and other metro areas is the lack of development in the west hills. Lower MacLeay Park is part of the massive Forest Park network of trails. With paths that go throughout the luscious green west landscape, you can get a good taste of the Pacific Northwest without ever leaving the city limits.

My Thai Bistro: Elegantly served Asian cuisine

Mon, 31 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

By offering the best in Thai cuisine and extraordinary service, My Thai Bistro humbly beats out the many Thai kitchens that dot Portland s culinary landscape. The restaurant is wonderful to dine with its elegant interior, but also can make a good choice for take-out.

The Alphabet District: A neighborhood with fun from A to Z

Mon, 31 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Even if you have never been to the Rose City, chances are the names Flanders, Lovejoy, and Quimby ring a bell. These names made famous by the long-running Simpsons television show are just one of the ways the Alphabet District is such an endearing part of Portland. Combined with delicious restaurants and a plethora of shopping, the district is a perfect way to spend a weekend afternoon.

Whole Bowl: A Simply Amazing and Healthly Meal

Tue, 25 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The Whole Bowl is a restaurant that does not take you long to decide what you want. In fact, there really is only one thing on the menu, besides drinks and a few other little items. The bowl itself is a delightful healthy and tasty creation which has spread across Portland like wildfire. From a food cart downtown to a sit-down restaurant in southeast Portland, people are becoming quickly addicted to the Whole Bowl.

Portland Actors Conservatory: The leading edge of emerging theatre

Tue, 25 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The Portland Actors Conservatory is a place for education and study as well as a theatre to experience emerging stars in the city's acting community. With an intense education program, the actors become well versed in their craft. Their performances will both amaze and inspire you while remaining very affordable.

Mill Ends Park: A park where leprechauns and snails race freely

Tue, 25 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

When most people think of a park, they envision a vast expanse of green trees and grass. Mill Ends Park is like no other park you have seen, as it is actually too small to even enter. Located between Naito Parkway and the Waterfront Park, Mill Ends Park is a must see not only for its size, but also its audacity.

Pioneer Courthouse Square: Relax in Portland s living room

Sun, 23 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Pioneer Courthouse Square is the center of Portland. Nearly everyone who lives or visits Portland has come across it at one time or another. It is the nexus of culture and commerce as well as being on the steps of civic life and the nearby shopping center. It is truly a spot which has something for everyone.

Oregon Historical Society: A living record of the state s past

Sun, 23 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The Oregon Historical Society Museum is a perfect place to learn more about Oregon. From the days of Lewis & Clark to more recent developments, you can further your knowledge and have fun, too. It is an adventure for both kids and adults, while its convenient location makes it easy to enjoy everything downtown Portland has to offer.