By Megan Walsh Staff Writer walsh15@up.edu
What if you had to unexpectedly leave Portland tomorrow, never able to return to the city of bridges again? Would you feel satisfied looking at the list of things you have seen and done around this strange and exciting city? Or perhaps you would think of your years spent here with regret, wishing you had spent more time scouring the internet and conversing with the native hipsters, discovering the countless places and activities, hidden and obvious, that Portland has to offer.
In hopes of preventing post-Portland regret and distress, here is a list of the things that every Pilot should experience before life takes them away from The Bluff. In no particular order:
1. Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Clinton Street Cabaret
If you have seen the movie, this should be pretty self-explanatory. If you haven't, Google it.
2. Last Thursday/First Thursday
From May to September, Last Thursday, a huge street fair happens from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. on the last Thursday of the month. Alberta St. is shut down from the 15 through 30 and is filled with musicians, street vendors, food carts, and eclectic people. The energy level is high and the people respond to it; you definitely will not go home without a great story. As for First Thursday, this event occurs throughout the entire year and has a tad less eclectic crowd. Art galleries in the Pearl District open to show off their new pieces and to serve appetizers. The event happens from 6 - 9.
3. Spend a Day in Powell's Bookstore
Portland is famous for being home to a bookstore that takes up an entire city block. School books, romantic books, books about plants or anything that your hearts desire will be found in this store, and there is a lovely coffee shop as well. It's nearly impossible not to get pleasantly lost.
4. OMSI
For the science lovers, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry can be seen as heaven, but even for those who don't love science, OMSI offers an array of entertaining and interactive experiments and exhibits. It's unique to Portland and should be experienced by all.
5. The Pittock Mansion
Nestled high in the West Hills, the Pittock Mansion offers a look into the past. Built over a century ago and kept in pristine condition, this gorgeous estate will take your breath away.
6. The food carts (and countless other strange restaurants)
It is no secret that Portland is known for its array of delicious and strange restaurants/food carts. Before you leave this city, it should be your goal to taste test at least ten. Here are some ideas to get you started: Salt & Straw, Pine State Biscuits, Slappy Cakes, Voodoo Donuts, Stepping Stone, etc.
7. The Jet Boats on the Willamette
Not only do you get a tour of interesting things along the shore line, but you also get to do cookies on the river and race at fast speeds. Just make sure to book this for a hot day because you will get wet.
8. The Saturday Market
Spoons made into jewelry, coffee cups that are bird feeders, bowls with Mt. Hood on them - these are just a few of the crafty things one can buy at the Saturday Market. Not only does this market offer numerous handmade products to purchase, it is also one of the best venues for people watching.
9. Hike through the Columbia Gorge
Although this is not truly located in Portland, this is too good of an experience to be left behind and close enough that it is manageable. Whether you decide to hike to a waterfall, see the beautiful view from Angel's Rest or jump off of Punchbowl Falls, the Gorge has so many beautiful hikes and swimming holes to offer.
10. Sporting Events/Concerts
Be it cheering on the Blazers, the Timbers or the Winterhawks, you should not leave this state before enjoying a sports event. They are not lying when they say that Portland has the best fans, so be prepared to have some hearing loss immediately after the game. Portland is also known for its great music scene, so buy a ticket to a concert. It can be anywhere from the Roseland or the Crystal Ballroom to the Rose Garden or the Memorial Coliseum - it all depends on your music preferences.
