Things to do in Portland
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Montage
This beloved Creole nightspot under the Morrison Bridge has long, white-clothed community tables, aggressively oddball waiting staff, oyster shooters, streetwine cocktails and legendary macaroni and cheese.
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Powell's City of Books
The largest independent bookstore in the US, this place is dangerously addictive. Bank on your quick one-hour 'browse' turning into three. Fantastic travel section.
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Paradox Cafe
A cosy favorite in the charming Belmont neighborhood, the Paradox whips up vegetarian and vegan treats like a tempeh Reuben that could win over the most devoted steak lover. (If not, though, there's also the organic, hormone-free beef burger.) Its kitsch decor includes a soda-fountain counter and blue vinyl booths.
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Pittock Mansion
The grand Pittock Mansion was built in 1914 by Henry Pittock, who revitalized the Portland-based Oregonian newspaper. It's worth visiting the (free) grounds just to check out the spectacular views - bring a picnic.
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Oregon Museum of Science & Industry
The Oregon Museum of Science & Industry, which offers hands-on science exhibits for the whole age range. There's also an Omnimax theater, planetarium shows and a submarine tour (all separate charge).
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Oregon Zoo
Don't miss 'zoolights' during the holiday season, when the zoo becomes a winter wonderland filled with lit-up trees and animal figures. In summer there are concerts on the zoo's lawns. Parking costs $1.
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Classical Chinese Garden
The Classical Chinese Garden is a one-block haven of tranquillity, reflecting ponds and manicured greenery. Free tours are available with admission.
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Kenny & Zuke's
Portland takes on New York in this new traditional Jewish-style deli next to the Ace Hotel where the pièce de résistance is - surprise, surprise - the hand-sliced pastrami (cured for five days, smoked for10 and steamed for three). Once you've demolished the classic pastrami on rye leave room for a blintz, latke or formidable desert.
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Pearl District
The Pearl District is dotted with high-end galleries, boutiques and home-decor shops - don't miss Powell's City of Books. On the first Thursday of each month galleries stay open longer and people fill some of the Pearl's streets amid a party atmosphere. And on weekends, visit the quintessentially Portland Saturday Market.
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Shanghai Tunnels
Running beneath Old Town's streets are the Shanghai Tunnels, a series of underground corridors through which, in the 1850s, unscrupulous people would kidnap or 'shanghai' drunken men and sell them to sea captains looking for indentured workers. Tours are available by appointment.
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Eastside
Eastside has lots of trendy shopping streets that also host a few restaurants and cafés. SE Hawthorne Blvd is the biggest, N Mississippi Ave is the most recent and NE Alberta is the most artsy and funky. Down south, Sellwood is known for its antique shops.
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St Honoré Boulangerie
Insanely popular for its luscious breads and pastries, this modern-rustic bakery also serves tasty panini sandwiches, vegetarian soups and oven-fired pizzas. Snag a sidewalk table on a sunny day.
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Egyptian Room
Portland's main lesbian hangout, where guys are (barely) tolerated and girls are (mostly) butch. It's heavy on the hip hop and full of chain-smokers, with karaoke and pool tables to distract.
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Hoyt Arboretum
Prettiest in the fall, Hoyt Arboretum is home to more than 1000 species of native and exotic trees and has 12 miles of walking trails. There's also a popular zoo.
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Kennedy School
Kennedy School is the McMenamin brothers' premier Portland venue. Watch movies in the old school gym.
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Pambiche
Americans might not be able to legally visit Cuba, but they can get the next best thing at this multicolored Cuban restaurant in the Northeast district. Open all day, la hora del amigo (Cuban happy hour) is the best time to chow (2pm to 6pm Monday to Friday, 10pm to midnight Friday and Saturday). The menu? No Castro speeches, but plenty of ropa vieja (shredded beef), snapper in coconut sauce and that rich Cuban coffee. Warning - the place is insanely popular, but tiny. Arrive early!
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Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Two-mile-long Tom McCall Waterfront Park flanks the west bank of the Willamette River, hosting summer festivals and concerts. The Salmon Street Springs Fountain swarms with frolicking kids in warm weather. Toward the north end of the park is the Japanese-American Historical Plaza, a memorial to Japanese Americans who were interned by the US government during WWII. Across the river is another great walking strip, the Eastbank Esplanade.
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Portland Building
In a downtown devoid of big skyscrapers, the city's signature structure is the emblematic Portland Building designed in 1980 by Michael Graves. A triumph of postmodernism to some but a mine of user unfriendliness to others, the 15-story block had the Neptune-like Portlandia statue added above the front door in 1985 representing the Goddess of Commerce.
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Paley's Place
Vitaly and Kimberly Paley have established one of Portland's premier restaurants, offering a creative blend of French and Pacific Northwest cuisines. Whether it's the duck confit, Kobe burger or veal sweetbreads, you can count on fresh ingredients, excellent service and a memorable experience.
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BridgePort Brew Pub Bakery
Portland's oldest microbrewery, BridgePort, is a vast gathering place in a red-brick warehouse. The beer is top-notch (try the great Black Strap Stout or the flagship Blue Heron). Recent renovations add fine dining and breakfast service to the brewpub's assets.
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Velveteria
Truly unique is the Velveteria, a treasure trove full of stunning velvet paintings that will make you appreciate the art form; don't miss the 'nudes' room. It's run by a wacky couple who have been combing thrift stores and estate sales for years.
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Higgins
If you spring for one fancy meal, do it here. Chef Greg Higgins consistently wins restaurant-of-the-year honors for his innovative preparation of fresh, locally grown organic ingredients. The cheaper bar menu includes downtown's best burger.
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LaurelThirst Pub
Crowds sometimes spill onto the sidewalk at this dark, funky neighborhood joint. Regular live music is free in the early evening, but incurs a cover charge after 9pm. Good beer and wine selection (but no liquor), along with fine breakfasts.
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Old Wives' Tales
This beloved cornerstone of progressive Portland dining serves upscale organic comfort food such as tofu scrambles and parchment-baked halibut with wild rice. Parents may want to take advantage of the children's playroom off to the side.
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Lovely Hula Hands
This neighborhood favorite has that elegant yet homey feel, serving up wide-ranging dishes like North African vegetable stew and green garlic soufflé. Those in the know go for the luscious hamburgers - some of the best in Portland.
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