1. The Unipiper
Man riding a unicycle, playing flaming bagpipes and perhaps dressed up as Darth Vader? Just a normal day in downtown Portland.
2. Bicycles. Everywhere.
Lots of people bike around town, but Portlanders take it to the next level. We have a steadfast cohort of bike commuters but lets not forget the Bridge Pedal, the double-decker bikers and most importantly, the World Naked Bike Ride.
3. Hiking
It's just what you do on weekends, duh.
4. Food Carts
Fast, cheap and delicious, what more could you want? Portlanders made food carts cool. I’m not talking about those hot dog and peanut stands in Manhattan they call food carts. Our carts serve tacos, gyros, dal, curry, crepes—you name it. Plus, we have whole blocks of them!
5. Powell's Books
“The world’s largest independent bookstore” doesn’t even encapsulate the magic that is Powell’s. Seriously, even if you hate books, you can’t deny that there’s something relaxing about wandering through the quiet maze of shelves.
6. Hipsters
Glasses, beards, flannel shirts… yup we got 'em.
7. The Food Scene
Portlanders like to keep up to date with the latest food and drink trends, particularly when they involve craft beer, fancy coffee or anything “free range” or “grass fed.”
8. Voodoo Doughnuts and Salt & Straw Aren't As Good As Everyone Seems to Think
I mean, they're not bad, but is it really worth the line when there are other places that are just as good? Try Tonalli’s or Blue Star for donuts and Cool Moon and Ruby Jewel for ice cream.
9. Fountains
I’ve never been to a city with so many large public fountains that people are allowed to climb into.
10. This picture
My dad took this picture on his way to work. It's just so Portland!