Moving to Portland next week: What (and where) should we explore first? (new home)

[The Global Citizen]

We have a few weeks to explore our new home before work comes calling. We are wondering if anyone has any specific places of interest or must sees in the Portland Metro while we have ample time to explore. Thanks for all of your ideas. We are so excited to be moving!

[urbanlife78]

So all the touristy things, then follow it with all the hiking things, then follow that with all the boozy things. Then head off to real life.

[58rhodes]

you should check out Kelly Point Park, its where the Columbia and Willamette rivers meet.
Council Crest
Portland Spirit
Mt Tabor
Saturday Market--look for weird Elvis LOL
Japanese Gardens
Lan Su Garden
Willamette Falls
Columbia River Gorge
Pittock Mansion
the Zoo
Portland City Grill

[cafemocha]

Maybe take a little trip up to the International Rose Garden and the Japanese Garden. I've heard the Chinese Garden is nice too, but smaller (I also don't like the area around it that much).

The Pearl District and the Alphabet District have a lot of great breweries and coffee roasters, if you are into beer or coffee, so you can just walk around and explore.

If you like food, maybe go explore some food cart pods. I've never seen so many food carts anywhere else I've lived -- people love food carts here and there are some really good ones. Skip Voodoo Donuts, it's a tourist trap, but if you love donuts, go to Blue Star Donuts instead. Whether you read or not, Powell's City of Books is a cool stop for little knick-knacks.

I reckon you should go to a Portland Timbers game, or even a Portland Thorns game, and if you really want to have a good time, sit in the general admission supporter's section (just be prepared to stand up the whole time and chant).

[urbanlife78]

Originally Posted by cafemocha

Maybe take a little trip up to the International Rose Garden and the Japanese Garden. I've heard the Chinese Garden is nice too, but smaller (I also don't like the area around it that much).

The Pearl District and the Alphabet District have a lot of great breweries and coffee roasters, if you are into beer or coffee, so you can just walk around and explore.

If you like food, maybe go explore some food cart pods. I've never seen so many food carts anywhere else I've lived -- people love food carts here and there are some really good ones. Skip Voodoo Donuts, it's a tourist trap, but if you love donuts, go to Blue Star Donuts instead. Whether you read or not, Powell's City of Books is a cool stop for little knick-knacks.

I reckon you should go to a Portland Timbers game, or even a Portland Thorns game, and if you really want to have a good time, sit in the general admission supporter's section (just be prepared to stand up the whole time and chant).

Unless it is late at night and you are really drunk or high, then it is more of a real Portland experience.