ARRIVING IN PORTLAND
Portland International Airport (PDX) is an
award-winning airport with local-branded
passenger amenities, including a free movie
theater that runs classic movies on a loop.
Don’t miss Elephant’s Deli, (located pre-
security), for their famous orange tomato soup.
Add a dash of hot sauce to take the edge off a
cold Portland day.
Once you arrive at PDX you’ll want to take the
MAX light rail into town. The cost is nominal:
$2.50 for adults, $1.25 for youngsters and $1 for
seniors. The MAX is easy to use and navigate,
and is generally safe. It’s not advised to take the
MAX after midnight, but cabs, shared vans, Lyft
and Uber are available for late evening travel.
fashionable watering holes located throughout
the neighborhood. Popular eateries fill with
revelers who enjoy top quality cuisine. The
Pearl District is also a great place to shop and
most retailers stay open late on First Thursdays.
Portland is known for its live music scene.
Quality acts come through regularly, and you
might become a fan of a new band at one
of the many music venues. Be sure to check
schedules at Doug Fir — downstairs is the
music venue and upstairs is for drinking and
carousing; Crystal Ballroom — some of the
best acts pass through, and it’s located in a
grand old building with beautiful architectural
details; and Mississippi Studios — for sound
purists and a more intimate crowd.
WHERE TO STAY FOOD AND DRINK
Most of the hotels in Portland are located
downtown. There are historic hotels like The Portland is famous for an extraordinarily
sophisticated food and beverage scene —
Heathman and modern hotels such as The
Nines. Airbnb options are plentiful, and the
following neighborhoods are recommended for
safety, access to top quality food and drink, and
walkability: Alberta, Mississippi/Williams, The
Pearl, NW 21st and 23rd, Downtown, SW Hills,
Waterfront, Sellwood and Inner Southeast. exquisite wine produced in nearby Willamette
Valley, a huge variety of locally produced
microbrews, a growing distillery business, tea-
making, exceptional restaurants, food carts,
bakeries and donuts — there is a lot to take in.
While visiting Portland you should book dinner
at one of the city’s top restaurants, plan an
afternoon in the wine country, schedule a food
cart lunch day and an evening enjoying local
drafts and spirits. And don’t forget to sample
the baked goods — donuts or croissants,
depending on your personal preference.
DIY CULTURE
One of the most unique traits about Portland
is the Do It Yourself culture. Nowhere is that
more evident than at DIY Bar. Guests combine
a passion for creativity with the love of local
beer and wine while enjoying a night out. DIY
Bar is part crafting studio and part bar. Adam
and Jason Gorske, the brothers behind the
bar, developed 20 projects for the project
menu (such as making a lamp). All the supplies,
materials and tutorials are provided for guests
to complete a craft from the project menu. The
bar features craft beer from local brewers, as
well as a diverse selection of Oregon wines.
GET OUT AND MINGLE
Despite the gloomy weather, Portland is a
very sociable town. Get out and meet the
locals at various monthly events and popular
venues for live music. Every last Thursday of
the month, colorful crowds descend upon
the Alberta Street District for Last Thursday
on Alberta. Street vendors sell handcrafted
arts to passersby, and you might see jugglers
in costume. Be sure to stop in for pasta and
cocktails at Ciao Vito.
For an elegant, downtown experience, cross
back to the west side for First Thursday
Artwalk in the Pearl District. Portland’s best-
dressed roam The Pearl on first Thursdays,
slipping in and out of gallery openings and
FLYWASHINGTON.COM 56 WINTER 2017/18
Doug Fir Lounge
Credit: www.travelportland.com
DINNER SPOTS
Despite the casual culture of Portland, it’s
best to book a table at one of the city’s
best restaurants. Headwaters is the latest
collaboration between the historic and iconic
Heathman Hotel and long time, celebrated
chef, Vito Paley (Paley’s Place, Imperial,
Portland Penny Diner, Da Net pop-up). This
is the spot for seafood. Get a table by the
window and enjoy impeccable service as you
stare out onto Broadway. Immerse yourself
in authentic Russian culture by sipping flights
of unique vodka paired with fish jerky and
caviar across the river at Kachka. Chef Bonnie
Morales prepares the food she grew up eating
with her Belarusian family. Kachka serves over
50 different vodka selections and an Eastern
European-focused beer and wine list. Gabe
Rucker continues to do what he does best and
that is to create and serve fantastic food. Our
favorite Rucker restaurant is the original, Le
Pigeon. If you’re going in a group then you’ll
have to book in advance, but if you’re on your
own then you might luck out with a seat across
from Gabe at the chef’s bar.
Last Thursday on Alberta
Credit: Rob Finch / www.travelportland.com
GETTING
THERE
Alaska Airlines offers daily
nonstop service from DCA
to PDX and United Airlines
offers daily nonstop service
from IAD to PDX.