Portland, Oregon is known for its natural beauty. With stunning views of miles and miles of bright green forests, fresh clean waters, and mountains that touch the sky, it is no wonder why many people call Portland home. There are many sites for visitors to see in Portland, however, if you want to get a true taste of the culture and life; pack your bags and check out these top 10 non-tourist places to visit in Portland, Oregon.
Food
Higgins’ Restaurant and Bar
Portland’s top chefs truly know how to utilize fresh and local foods for their menu items. Since the city is close to the water, fresh fish immediately available and a staple on most menus. In my restaurant experience in Portland, Higgins Restaurant and Bar uses its classic French bistro inspiration to enhance their lunch and dinner dishes. I enjoy their smoked Sockeyed salmon dish, which features risotto of hazelnut smoked Sockeye salmon, leeks and chèvre cheese with a horseradish-scallion vinaigrette. Their menu also includes halibut, mussels, clams, and Pacific oysters. Some of Higgins’ house specials include razor clams, cod, and salmon. While dining at Higgins, you will also get a nice feel of Portland history as the restaurant is a historic building.
Location: 1239 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97205
(503) 222-9070
Price per plate: $20 – $45
Hunan Pearl
Chinese culture has a prominent influence in Portland’s culture, including dinning. The atmosphere and food comes from the Hunan province in China. What I like most about this restaurant is that it has been family owned and operated for three generations. You will feel apart of the family as soon as you walk inside. While it is extremely difficult to pick a favorite dish, I would recommend for the seafood lovers, the Double Ocean Delight. This dish includes shrimp and scallops sautéed in Kung-Pao sauce. If you are looking for something with meat in it, the Hunan Pearl Sizzling Platter dish, which is shrimp, beef, chicken, and fresh vegetables in a delicate brown sauce served on a sizzling platter would be the perfect choice. Hunan offers traditional Chinese family-style dining. Located just south of Portland, Hunan Pearl brings the Chinese culture to the Pacific Northwest.
Location: 15160 SW Bangy Road
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
(503) 968-6868
Price per plate: $10 -$15
Shopping
Pearl District
The Pearl District is quaintly tucked in the Northwest area of Portland. Walking down the streets, you will find locally own shops such as Parallel. Parallel features clothing style for both men and women that represent the earthy, laid-back feeling that is Portland. In the streets of the Pearl District, you will also find an eclectic range of fine arts and performing arts. It also does not stop short when it comes to dinning as well, as you will find that the restaurants have a great nightlife for drinks and fun.
Saturday Market
For nearly 35 years, Portland’s Saturday Market has been a place to shop for local handcrafted goods. The Saturday Market truly exudes what Portland is all about. It features jewelry, wood work, candles, clothing, and local plants that people from around the area have spent time making. Live music brightens the streets as you walk around from booth to booth in Portland’s historic Old Town. It is perfectly located on the Willamette water front. It is free to walk around on every Saturday and Sunday from March until December and products go from $1 and up.
Beaverton Farmers Market
If you are planning your trip to Portland in the months from May to November, check out the Beaverton Farmers Market for locally grown produce, sauces, side dishes, and even some goodies for your four legged friend. Beaverton is located 5 miles southwest of Portland; therefore, it would not be too out of your way. The farmers market features a long list of local farms and small businesses from around the area. Music from around the area is featured throughout each month such as Sky in the Road and the Rhythm Dogs. I never leave empty handed and only spend around $20.
Location: SW Hall Boulevard between 3rd and 5th Street
Nature
Portland’s Rose Gardens
Portland is proudly known as the City of Roses and the best place that exhibits Portland’s finest jewel is the Rose Gardens. It is the oldest official, continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States. At the Rose Gardens, they mainly test new varieties of roses, which paint a beautiful canvas as you walk through the gardens and view over 10,000 rose plants. The best time to take a visit here is between June and October. While donations are gratefully accepted, there is no admission charge to walk through the 4.5 acre gardens. It is located off of Highway 26 via the Zoo Exit.
Willamette River
The Willamette River divides Portland in half. Sitting on the water front of the river, you can peacefully watch as boats and ships pass down the river. I suggest testing the waters first hand by taking a kayak trip down the river. If you are an experienced paddler, the Portland Kayak Company offers kayak rentals at their shop location just off of the river. This is the best way to view the beauty of Portland. If you do not have any experience, there are tours and classes available as well. Rentals start at $50 for one day and tours are $45 and $47 respectively.
Location: 6600 SW Macadam Avenue
Portland, OR 97239
(503) 459-4050
Ramona Falls
Ramona Falls offers a breathtaking walk along the Pacific Crest Trail. The water falls are purely magnificent located on the upper Sandy River on the west side of Mount Hood. Although this is an hour and a half outside of Portland, it is definitely more than worth the trip. The falls are over 120 feet tall and fall down a wall of cascades.
Location: Mount Hood, Clackamas, Oregon
Price: $5 per car
Art
Crystal Ballroom
If you are looking for live music and comedy, the Crystal Ballroom is the perfect place to go. It is also a great place to enjoy happy hour. The Crystal Ballroom features nights such as Comedy Movie Night: Highlighting Bill Murray. Located inside of the Crystal Ballroom is Lola’s Room where you can travel back in time for ’80s Video Dance Attack. The building is another one of Portland’s proud historic building and you will feel that vibe once you walk inside.
Location: 1332 W. Burnside
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 225 – 0047
Price: $5 cover charge
Pioneer Place
Pioneer Place is located in the heart of Portland. In the summertime, on weeks, you can generally find great live music playing in the small outdoor arena. Join other locals as they walk down the historic streets of Portland and through small shops along the way. The barbeque is running for a nice lunch, and Pioneer Square offers plenty of shopping.
Location: 700 SW 5th Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 222 – 6938
Being a local Portlander myself, I am still taken aback by the amazing beauty that this city holds. Portland offers a wide variety of activities for its locals and visitors as well. Next time you are planning a trip to the Portland area, be sure to shop by some of these top 10 non-tourist places and enjoy the true culture and life of Portland, Oregon.
Sources
Higgins Restaurant and Bar
http://higgins.ypguides.net/
Hunan Pearl
www.hunanpearl.com
Pearl District
www.explorethepearl.com
Saturday Market
www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com
Beaverton Farmers Market
www.beavertonfarmersmarket.com
Portland’s Rose Gardens
www.rosegardenstore.org/
Willamette River
www.portlandrivercompany.com
Ramona Falls
http://web.oregon.com/hiking/ramona_falls.cfm
Crystal Ballroom
www.mcmenamins.com/
Pioneer Place
www.pioneerplace.com
