Portland has had a thriving music scene with its own unique sound ever since the 1960s, when garage rock groups The Kingsmen and Paul Revere & the Raiders first came to prominence. Since then, Portland has hosted important groups in punk rock, bluegrass, and world music, sometimes even combining aspects together. It’s no surprise that there are plenty of places to catch a show. Here are a few of the best. Read the rest of this entry »

Portland’s climate combines warm summers and rainy winters, never dipping too far down on the thermometer. This makes it a perfect site for rose gardens, which led to the city’s nickname a century ago. Visitors to the city will not want to miss the International Rose Test Garden, the oldest still-operating garden in the country.The garden was founded in 1917 by Jesse A. Curry, the editor of the Oregon Journal. This site served as protection for the roses recovered from Europe during the first World War. Starting in 1919 Portland began to offer gold medals for the best new variety, and in 1996 the Portland’s Best Rose award was installed. This award is judged by rose experts from around the world. Read the rest of this entry »

Portland is well known for its love and respect for fine brewing. How well known? As far back as 1887, brewer Henry Weinhard offered to supply the local Skidmore Fountain with free beer instead of water. Today, the Weinhard tradition is carried on in brewers like the McMenamin brothers, Mike and Brian. In 1974 they opened the Produce Row Caf, and in 1985 established the first Oregon brewery since the end of Prohibition. Read the rest of this entry »

With all of the great breweries around Portland, you’re going to need to find some great food as well. As always, there’s a great variety, whether you’re looking for steaks or sandwiches. Here is a guide to some of the best dining sites in the downtown area. Read the rest of this entry »

Portland is well-known for its musical culture and other alternative movements. While you will find everything from punk rockers to naked bike riders, one of the things everybody agrees on is the importance of taking care of the environment. Popular Science calls Portland the greenest city in America, coming in ahead of San Francisco and Boston. The city’s energy source is 50 renewable, and about of commuters take a bike, carpool, or use public transportation. Read the rest of this entry »