The city of Portland, Oregon has a morbid past, as it was known to be one of the most dangerous port cities due to racketeering and organized crime. Now, it has become one of the greenest cities in the world and has transformed into something definitely worth checking out.
Travelers visiting the 8th most popular city in the country will surely never run out of things to do, from strolling in its breathtaking gardens to meeting its friendly people. Here are a few things to scratch out from the Portland bucket list.
The Smallest Park In The World
Portland is famous for its sprawling parks and gardens such as the International Rose Test Garden, Washington Park, and the Portland Japanese Garden. However, one park stands out from the rest because of its uniqueness.
Ever heard of a part that is famous for its size? Situated at the intersection of two streets in Southwest Portland, located in the center divide, travelers can find the 452-square inch Mill Ends Park. This park has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's smallest park.
It was originally meant for a light pole but was turned into a special piece of attraction when the project didn't push through. While there's nothing much to look at, aside from a miniature tree surrounded by tiny bushes, seeing this park is truly something a traveler can tell their friends back home.
Portland Saturday Market
People craving for something fresh and exotic will surely have the time of their lives in the Portland Saturday Market.
Located at the northern side of Tom McCall Waterfront Park, this market has been running for the past 44 years. It boasts around 300 booths filled with clothing, toys, artworks, and even flowers. People can also fill their stomach with the market's tasty and must-try food booths.
Those who want to try unique cuisines such as Nepalese and Polish dishes can even find something to appease their taste in the market. Visitors will also be entertained by the numerous special events and performance in the market.
Portland Saturday Market is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sundays between March and Christmas Eve.
Inaugural Edgefield Brewfest
Anybody's visit to Portland will not be complete unless beer is involved. The Inaugural Edgefield Brewfest will feature hundreds of cideries and breweries across the states of Washington and Oregon.
In addition to the impressive selection of drinks, festival goers will also be treated to live music on the massive lawn. Dogs and children are even welcome. However, those who want to sample the drinks must be at the age of 21 and above.
Mount Hood
Adventurous people will surely get their adrenaline rushing at the region's prime skiing area — Mount Hood. The Mountain that towers over the Portland skyline has several powdery downhills and cross-country trails.
Sports junkies can test their skills at the expert slopes of Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl or the Timberline Ski Area, which is the highest ski area on the mountain. People who want to enjoy the slopes for more than a day can also spend the night in the Timberline Lodge.
Powell's City Of Books
Book lover or not, travelers must see Powell's City of Books. Home to over 2 million books, both new and old. This independent bookstore is the largest of its kind in the world. The impressive bookstore has three floors and occupies a whole city block.
Although Powell's City of Books has many locations, its main store is located in Pearl District on West Burnside Street and is open every day from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
