3 experiences not to miss...
Live Music Scene...
The live music scene in Portland truly does offer something for everyone,
and is regarded as one of the country's best live music cities. There are
also a number of music festivals throughout the year, most popular of
which is MusicfestNW, held every August. Among the many options,
don't miss Jimmy Mak's (see below hidden gem). But there are many
other venues depending on your taste. Check out this site for more info.
1
Powell's City of Books...
If you haven't heard of Powell's, well, where have you been?! They claim
to be the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world. This
is an iconic bookstore, established in 1971, with 5 locations in Portland,
and an online store for those without access to the brick and mortar!
Head over to Powell's City of Books - 68,000 square feet covering an
entire block - and you'll see why this is a place not to miss!
2
Downtown Waterfront Area...
The Tom McCall Waterfront Park is a great place to relax and enjoy some
downtown outdoor life. It sits on the edge of the Willamette River and is
popular with joggers, skaters, cyclists, and walkers alike. As well as the
active, the park also hosts a number of festivals, most notable of which
is the Rose Festival. In the height of summer the refreshing fountains
are usually a hub for those wanting to cool off!
3
My 3 hidden gems...
Music Millennium...
Jimmy Mak’s...
Elk Rock Garden...
This place is an iconic Portland
record store. In fact it's the oldest
record store in this part of the
world. Still going strong, and
often hosting famous musicians
(playing and signing autographs)
it's a place (like Powell's)
that helps keep Portland so
special. Check out their instore performance page and go
support this local business!
A fantastic venue if you like Jazz
and Blues (or even if you don't to
be honest!). Rated by Downbeat
Magazine as one of the world's
top 100 places to hear jazz! It's
a small, intimate venue, perfect
for this kind of music. Mel
Brown plays regularly and is well
worth seeing. They also have a
Greek restaurant which receives
consistently good reviews.
If you relish the thought of a
tranquil, undiscovered escape,
this place is for you! There are
a wide range of shrubs, ferns,
perennials, trees and more
across a number of different
areas and gardens. Spend a
wonderfully relaxing hour here
strolling the grounds, with views
of the Willamette. Admission is
free but donations are welcomed.