Sure, you could order online from Powell's City of Books, but you would miss seeing one of the largest independent bookstores in the United States. With over 1.5 million books in 3,500 different sections, this shop covers an entire city block and offers new, used, rare and out-of-print books. Many come to browse, get out of the rain, drink coffee in the cafe and pontificate. Authors read their works several evenings a week. This iconic store is a Portland must visit.
An Oregon tradition, this open-air market is the largest continuously operated outdoor market in the United States and is comprised of tents, booths and sidewalk displays stretches from the Burnside Bridge to the Skidmore Fountain. Every batik wall hanging, tie-dyed T-shirt, papier-mache mask, glass sculpture and wooden trinket box is handmade, usually by the person manning the booth. Ask the craftspeople about their work or commission a one-of-a-kind item. Stroll around and watch magicians, listen to music or nosh on a world of food—from falafel to chowders and everything in between. Credit card acceptance varies from vendor to vendor.
No one would blame you for mistaking the Belmont Station for beer heaven. This charming shop and cafe offers its customers a jaw-dropping selection of over 1200 bottled varieties of beer that are cared for in a manner that ensures absolute freshness and crisp taste. Adjoining the shop is a delightful little biercafe where people can meet over a pint of brew and explore the current brew selection with fellow beer lovers. The cafe serves up a rotating selection of 20 beers on tap alongside delicious Italian-inspired meals from The Italian Market. With such a well-curated and varied selection on offer, you are sure to find something that perfectly suits your taste as you explore new discoveries and indulge in old favorites. Keep an eye on the Belmont Station website and facebook page for updates on beer tastings and special events.
On your way in or out of town, this could be a necessary stop. Located near three of Portland's main roadways (Interstate 5, State Highway 26 and State Highway 217), Washington Square is a convenient place to shop. Saturdays get fairly crowded, but the five major department stores, 100-plus specialty shops and well-kept landscape make it worthy of a visit if you like the mall thing. Be sure to grab a bite in one of the many restaurants.
With origins that can be traced back to Oaxaca, Mexico, this family business has made a name for itself in Portland as creators of handcrafted, durable, leather goods that are stylish, minimalist and timeless in their beauty. A lifetime of experience has been distilled and combined with the fresh perspective of today's generation to create the fashionable wares sold at this Old Town boutique. Browse through a rotating selection of accessories, bags, purses, wallets and shoes crafted by hand at the store's on-site workshop. As you marvel at the fine craftsmanship and thoughtful design of the Orox Leather Co.'s fantastic pieces, take a few moments to visit the craftsmen as they work at their desks just a few feet away to truly appreciate what goes into the making of these functional works of art. Exceptional craftsmanship and the inherent richness of leather come together at the Orox Leather Co. to create everyday pieces brimming with charm.
Summer Saturdays are special in the City of Roses. Not only is the Saturday Market in season, but so is all the beautiful produce that is traded at this farmers market. Spread out in the South Park Blocks near Portland State University, the market features fresh plants, flowers, herbs, breads, cheeses and organic meats. From May through October, the country harvest is brought into the city. Visitors should check out the Oregon History Center while in the area. If you are feeling adventurous, there are many other locations- one for every day of the week.
This downtown shop sells all the yellow and green you need to root for the University of Oregon Ducks. Just about anything in this store would make a sensational souvenir from this neck of the woods. From clothes to knick-knacks, the quantity of duck-printed items is astounding, providing a wealth of items to choose from. If you prefer the Beavers' orange and black, the Oregon State University shop is just around the corner.
Step through the looking glass and enter a world where the bizarre is beautiful at Hoodoo Antiques & Design. This shop boasts an unusual collection of furniture, artwork, light fixtures and collectibles, with a smattering of taxidermy, posters and more. Created using down-on-their-luck antiques and collectibles, Hoodoo's collection is a mass of oddities that have been brought back to life in an intriguing way that goes beyond simple restoration. Unusual treasures and statement pieces that are sure to enliven your home decor are easy enough to find at Hoodoo Antiques & Design; choosing just one of the many on offer is what promises to be the true challenge. The store also offer prop rentals, and can be visited outside open hours by appointment.
An Oregon tradition, this open-air market is the largest continuously operated outdoor market in the United States and is comprised of tents, booths and sidewalk displays stretches from the Burnside Bridge to the Skidmore Fountain. Every batik wall hanging, tie-dyed T-shirt, papier-mache mask, glass sculpture and wooden trinket box is handmade, usually by the person manning the booth. Ask the craftspeople about their work or commission a one-of-a-kind item. Stroll around and watch magicians, listen to music or nosh on a world of food—from falafel to chowders and everything in between. Credit card acceptance varies from vendor to vendor.
Floating World Comics is an exciting bookstore for artists and readers that showcases books that are a treasure to own and read. Curated books that are rare but make for a great read are also available at this store. Art shows held on a monthly basis at the store invites talented cartoonists to share and display their craft. A record store is also housed in the premises and is a great place to find music from across genres.
With origins that can be traced back to Oaxaca, Mexico, this family business has made a name for itself in Portland as creators of handcrafted, durable, leather goods that are stylish, minimalist and timeless in their beauty. A lifetime of experience has been distilled and combined with the fresh perspective of today's generation to create the fashionable wares sold at this Old Town boutique. Browse through a rotating selection of accessories, bags, purses, wallets and shoes crafted by hand at the store's on-site workshop. As you marvel at the fine craftsmanship and thoughtful design of the Orox Leather Co.'s fantastic pieces, take a few moments to visit the craftsmen as they work at their desks just a few feet away to truly appreciate what goes into the making of these functional works of art. Exceptional craftsmanship and the inherent richness of leather come together at the Orox Leather Co. to create everyday pieces brimming with charm.
For those who constantly keep a watchful eye for quirky fashion, a visit to the Upper Playground is must. When you step inside this store, you are sure to be surrounded by vivacious colors, its every wall has graffiti and the selection of clothes and accessories complement the theme of the place. T-shirts are their highest selling items, these come designed with whimsical art and their quality is top notch. Upper Playground also has quite a selection of pullovers and bags, and they also sell footwear. The place boasts of a distinctive character; it's an art gallery that comes with a store or could also be described the other way round. It all depends on what you are here for!