Trifter

Independent local businesses are rigorously supported in Portland’s Artsy Pearl District. The area is perfect to visit whether your tastes are more geared toward “Vintage Chic” or more up-to-date looks: you are certain to find something appealing to the senses in this most fashionable Portland area.

Take a tour of this up-market area on an otherwise “lazy” weekend. There is plenty to do as well as a great number of places to chat or just relax.

The place to stay while visiting the Downtown Pearl district is the McMenamins Kennedy School. The Kennedy School is a renovated school turned into a hotel property. Besides the unique concept, the school/hotel offers amenities not particular to any standard hotel. During your weekend stay, you may sleep in what once was a school classroom. Libations may be taken at the renovated hotel’s Detention Bar. Dinner is consumed in the former school cafeteria.

There is also a “soaking pool” as well as a movie theater. The tiled soaking pool is within a beautiful courtyard surrounded by gardens. The movie theater provides cushy vintage armchairs. A thick slice of pizza is hand-delivered to you while you watch the movie.

The hotel’s location is: 5736 N.E. 33rd Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97211. Contact the hotel at 888-249-3983. The Kennedy School is the perfect place to stay during your Portland weekend visit. Additionally, you may visit McMenamins to check out their other unique Portland properties.

After spending a delightful night sleeping in class at the McMenamins Kennedy School, you’ll want to start your weekend off right. Wake up in Portland style by taking in a rich, strong cup of “Java” roast. The city of Portland is very serious about its coffee. You must at least pretend to be a coffee connoisseur as taking in Portland brew is not for amateurs. So, in the “spirit” of Portland stop by the Pearl Bakery and order your first fresh brewed cup of coffee for the day possibly complimented by a delicious croissant or perhaps the artisan bread.

If you are more of the “outdoorsy” type then it is safe to speculate you will not mind spending your day on a lengthy hike, biking trip or even riding horseback in a Northwest forest. You may easily find such a place at The City Park. Portland’s Forest Park is the country’s largest natural forest within the limits of the city.

However, if you’d rather take your weekend activities another direction and possibly do some shopping, then you will want to visit Portland’s Pearl district. The area is noted for having all kinds of really out of the ordinary “cool” shops. Once you spend a weekend in the Pearl district, you will leave with a sense of renewed perspective as far as shopping. Read on for more information on truly interesting places to shop and browse:

The landmark bookstore is a place called Powell’s Books. The store happens to be one of the largest independent booksellers in the country. The bookstore provides new and used books as well as hardback and paperback editions. The merchandising design that makes the bookseller so unique is that paperbacks and hardbacks are found on the same shelves. Therefore, the hunt for an old classic or your favorite genre becomes much more challenging. In fact, you may leave with a paperback or hardback you’d not considered since your search is much more intense.

The place to find the landmark bookstore is at Couch which is actually pronounced “Cooch.” Just make sure you get it right as you don’t want to offend any of the locals. You will find the store just down the way from the Pearl Bakery. The Bakery is located at 102 N.W. 9th Avenue. Powell’s Books is just down the way at 1005 West Burnside Street in Portland.

After perusing the vast amount of shelves (four floors worth) found at Powell’s and making your purchase you’ll want to proceed up 11th Avenue as your next stop should be Bernadette Breu High Bohemian Antiques. As the name implies this is an arts salvage shop. Here you will find all kinds of neat architectural salvage: windows to vintage-style buttons. Find a Turkish Smoking Chair or a 1920’s carousel chandelier. The pieces range from 18th century “classic” style antiques to the unique and the “funky.” Designers shop the antique store often. Definitely make this vintage storehouse one of your stops. The shop is located conveniently at 1134 NW Everett in Portland.

The next retail experience will need to be: In Good Taste. This is definitely a “must stop and see” for the culinary enthusiast. Here you will find professional cookware, knives, cookbooks, custom gift baskets, specialty foods including a nice selection of olive oils, balsamic vinegars (they’ll let you taste test); gourmet salts including: truffle salt, Murray River salt, Maldon sea salt, and Feur de sel. There are spices and condiments such as Madras Curry Mustard, Dulcet Dressings and Olive Marmalade. You may also purchase Boyd’s coffee and gourmet chocolate as in Poco Dolce Tiles.

In addition, there is a very nice selection of Oregon wines. The Willamette Valley in Oregon is well-known for its offerings and the shop provides a nice “sampling” from the “Valley.” Find In Good Taste at 231 NW 11th Avenue in Portland. You’ll find In Good Taste just a few doors away from the decorative arts and antiques salvage shop: Bernadette Breu High Bohemian Antiques.

Dig is found further up 11th Avenue by taking a left on Glisan. The shop can be considered an urban garden shop housing supplies for creating container and herb gardens. You may wish to consider a Spanish Trug. This is a carrier tub with dozens of possible uses. There are three varying sizes. Also, the tub is made of 100% recycled material should you be environmentally concerned. In addition, Dig offers a variety of garden furniture and locally crafted gifts and art. Items include Dune chairs and unique garden umbrellas.

Circa AD is off 11th Avenue by taking a left on Glisan. The home and accessories shop provides a nice European theme. It is located at 1204 NW Glisan in Portland, Oregon.

After all of your shopping, you are sure to be hungry. Next door to Circa AD is Biways Café. You may wish to “plop” down at the soda fountain and check out the 50’s era view masters while waiting for a hamburger fresh and hot off the grill. Also, I understand they have a delicious tuna melt and the best fries in Portland. If you are into chain-dining you won’t truly appreciate Biways; however, if you are a real person that prefers really great food from a very special diner than Biways will have special appeal for you. You may easily locate Biways at 1212 NW Glisan in Portland. Additionally, I understand the French Toast (should you like to visit them for Breakfast) and the coffee are out of this world! Don’t forget to use plenty of sugar and cream in that hot cup of coffee.

After lunch, just down the street at 13th and Glisan, you’ll want to visit the Knit Knot Studio. Those who have not knitted before may receive an introduction to knitting at this fun shop. There are also “knitted” items for sale such as sweaters and scarves.

Additionally, shop Knit Knot Studio for the perfect yarn for your proposed knitting project. In example there are cotton/wool blends with a hint of Lycra for that perfect bit of give and stretch. Many of the quality yarns are imported from locations such as Australia and the price point is not cost-prohibitive. A great find or shopping experience is sure to be had at Knit Knot Studio located at 1238 NW Glisan Street in Portland.

Here are some other retailers you may wish to add to your shopping list while visiting Downtown Portland and the surrounding area:

Cielo Home is located at 528 West 12th Avenue. This is a very well-decorated store offering a diversity of products. I am told the store provides home décor items from the high-end price range to affordable. The staff is quite knowledgeable and friendly. Also, there is a nice mix of feminine as well as masculine offerings. If you are a bachelor looking for the perfect item for your apartment or home this may be a good place for you to shop.

Oblation Papers and Press is an old world letterpress print shop specializing in invitations and stationery. The invitations are printed on recycled cotton handmade paper. This paper is produced at their very own urban paper mill. The shop is a European-style stationery boutique. Some of the offerings I found on-line were really quite unique. For example they offer blue-tooth fairy envelopes, five for the tooth fairy and five from the tooth fairy; green monogram note sets and for the holidays–joyeux note set. Their European-style letterpress shop is a “must see” when visiting Downtown Portland.

Linens that are incomparable as far as quality and feel may be found at French Quarter Linens located at 1313 NW Glisan Street in Portland. This is a “must-shop.” Favorite things include: Charles Chocolate, Nancy Koltes Cashmere Throws, Zoeppritz Microstar Throws, Scandia Down Travel Pillow, Cotton Blankets, Legna Sheets, and Leitner of Austria Fine Linens. This last brand is perfectly representative of a quality linen. Leitner provides simple yet elegant European styling. The Leitner Company was established in 1853. You will find such quality finds throughout this truly unique shop.

After you have experienced many of the truly interesting shops Portland has to offer, you may like to round out your visit at the Andina Restaurant. The restaurant is colorfully decorated by its Peruvian owners. Here are some possible menu recommendations: Cheese stuffed peppers and smoked trout. The restaurant also offers venison pork; yucca stuffed with ricotta and crab and other adventuresome and delicious dishes: I am told the restaurant has a fabulous menu. For dessert the recommendation is the chocolate mousse (that is if you still have room after the meal). Live music is another bonus and is played nightly. The restaurant is conveniently located at 1314 NW Glisan Street in Portland.

Whether shopping or taking a long bike ride amidst a “forested” trail, you can’t but feel a little bit more inspired after taking in Portland’s nature and/or “artsy” side. It is a sure bet the weekend visit will rejuvenate your outlook.

Side Notes: Parking can be difficult once you reach the Pearl district; therefore, it is advised to take the streetcar from the downtown area. I-405 also runs right by the Pearl district. Portland International Airport is 12 miles away with available taxi service.

Enjoy a great weekend in Portland’s Pearl district! Try to get your shopping done on Saturday when most of the shops are sure to be open; enjoy the City Park on Sunday or a nice café or restaurant. There is plenty to do in the way of activity or simple relaxation so keep Portland in mind for your next weekend adventure!