Get a glimpse of the oriental culture right in the heart of Portland at Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center. Established in 2004, this center works towards conserving and promoting the glorious history of Japanese immigrants in the city. The museum has a vast space dedicated entirely to 'Issei immigration' (first generation). Named after the Japanese term meaning 'descendants', this museum traces the origins and cultural changes that the community has seen through the years. Thriving on donations and the meager admission fee, this museum has maintained its exhibits with great care.
Anything less than complete entertainment is just not a possibility at Darcelle XV, and no drag club in the country has enjoyed a longer run. Established in 1967, this club has always endeavored to entertain, and the desired effect is achieved every time the troupe of female impersonators walks on to the stage, proceeding thereby to make you laugh until you cry. Fridays and Saturdays bring with them male strippers, and these shows start at 12a.
Mild-mannered Portland was once one of the toughest ports of the Pacific. In the 1890s, it was known for being a trafficking hub. Although historians have questioned the veracity of these claims, the tunnels remain a source of intrigue. The Shanghai Tunnels are open for tours every week, so be sure to get the right date and time to explore this nugget of Portland's dark history.
Finished in 1926, this double-leaf, drawspan bridge replaced another bridge that was originally built in 1894. The grand piers sit on timber pilings and are topped with turrets for the bridge operator to see up and down the river. Since the Willamette River is the West-East boundary and the Burnside the North-South divider, the 2,308 feet (703.478 meters) span marks the center of the city. On the West bank is Waterfront Park, where you will find many of Portland's festivals.
One of Portland's busiest nightclubs, Dante's is a mid-sized venue that hosts live music events through the week. The menu has a bit of Americana favorites as well as an Italian touch; Dante's pizzas have even won an award! You can even do karaoke with the live band whose performance is slated for that day.
Resembling a community garden you would find in Suzhou, Portland's sister city, Lan Su Chinese Garden is a beautiful green space near the bank of the Willamette River. The garden is complete with winding pathways, gorgeous plants, a lovely tea-house and a gift store. You can take a tour to get insider knowledge of the garden and try to come during one of their many interesting events, including exhibitions and lectures. This place is a must-visit for its unique beauty. You can even hire this garden for private events such as weddings and receptions.