Porthings: Things About Portland
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Porthings: Things About Portland

All the things that are great about this great city... it's great.

100
Porthings: Things About Portland
Jake Donahue

Ah, Portland, the greatest place in the world to live in, and if you don't agree, you're really, really wrong. But don't worry, we're super tolerable to any and all different opinions... expect disagreeing that Portland is the best. I've lived in Portland basically my entire life, and I wouldn't change that for anything. There will never be a dull moment in Portland, and the list of great things about it just keeps getting bigger and bigger. So without further ado, here is a list of Port-things:

1. No Sales Tax

No joke, when we pay for something (not just in Portland, in all of Oregon) if it's 4.99, it's 4.99. Imagine, at McDonald's, there's actually a dollar menu, not a dollar and some change menu.

2. We Have Gas Attendants

We sit in our cars while someone pumps our gas. That being said, I know how to pump gas, but I can count the times I have done that on my hands. Oh, and we don't pity the out-of-staters that try to pump their own and get yelled at. That's illegal, you fools.

3. Everyone Here Asks What High School You Went To

I don't know why, but when meeting someone new, a question that normally comes up is "hey, what high school did you go to?" I went to Lincoln, which obviously the best, and any others are nothing compared to it, but basically, as long as you didn't go to Jesuit, you're going to be fine.

4. We Have Really Cool Bridges

From the St. Johns to the newest addition of the Tilikum Crossing bridge, the bridges are all beautiful in their own way. Also, side note for anyone that needs a gift idea for Valentine's or an Anniversary gift, Betsy and Iya make amazing Portland Bridge-themed bracelets.

5. Doughnuts, We've Got Them

Now sure, Portland is known for Voodoo Doughnuts, and yeah they're fun, but when it comes down to it, it is more of a tourist attraction than anything. Go to Blue Star; those are some tasty doughnuts.

6. Coffee is Everywhere

With around 99 Starbucks just within Portland, coffee is never hard to find. But, as many will agree, finding a special coffee shop like Water Ave Coffee (pictured above) is much better than Starbucks. Portland loves its coffee, plain and simple.

7. Rain

It rains. A lot. There really isn't a season where it can't rain, but it keeps everything green, so it's all good, Mother Nature.

8. We Have Many Words for Rain

Speaking of rain, we can probably describe it in more ways than anyone, from misting, drizzling and sprinkling, to pouring, showering, and "this is the end of times flooding."

9. What Are Umbrellas?

Okay, okay, one last thing about rain. It's never easier to spot an out-of-stater than when it's sprinkling and you're popping opwn an umbrella. Just do what we do, grit your teeth, and point your head down. On the plus side, you really don't have to shower if it's raining in Portland, because nature just takes care of it.

10. Food Carts are the Best

"Where do you want to eat?" "I dunno." Well, now we're going to the food carts. Food carts are a staple of Portland and you can find just about anything at them, as there are around 500 carts in Portland alone. There isn't a type of cuisine that isn't included.

11. Hipsters

Okay, yeah, "Portlandia" may have gotten more than a few things right, but Portland is full of hipsters, and it just makes for a more interesting society. Like, "cool, that guy's walking a pig on a leash" or "wow, he's riding a penny farthing." It may shock some outsiders, but it's just a daily thing in Portland.

12. Beards

We do host this, that should be enough said, but just to add to that, Portland Monthly (yeah, there might be some bias, but shh) has declared that Portland is "the Beardiest city in America."

13. Flannel and Plaid

We will wear flannels and plaid until we die. This trend will never die in Portland, and it actually goes pretty well with all the beards here.

14. Nike

Nike was born here, so we'll just add another feather in our cap. In addition to this, there is a cutthroat game of asking all your friends whose parents work there for employee store passes. However, even with the discounts, you walk out thinking "How did I spend $500?"

15. Rip City

Portland loves its Blazers, and every year, we know we're winning the championship. Just like this year... We are winning the championship and your argument against that is invalid.

16. We Love College Football

With no NFL team to root for, our attention is turned to the collegiate level when it comes to football. Unless it's the Civil War, most of the time you can cheer for both (kind of), but when the rivalry game comes around, you have to pick a side, no platypuses. (Go Beavs.)

17. The Timbers

If you thought we were serious about the Ducks or the Blazers, clearly you haven't been within earshot of PGE Park (yeah, I called it that, but Jeld-Wen Field for all of you who don't appreciate history) during soccer season. I have seen Timbers Army tattoos, and everything under the sky be turned into a Timbers-themed item. Timbers (and Thorns) games are some of the best experiences ever. There's only one rule if you're going to be in the Army section: you have to stand and yell the entire game. If you're not going to do that, move to Seattle and become a Sounders fan.

18. Food

As mentioned before with the food carts, Portland has some amazing eats; you can't really walk around without finding (or smelling) some delicious food. Some personal favorites: Southland Whisky Kitchen on 23rd (shout out to Carson), Reverends on SE 13th (shout out to Chadwick), and any of the Mio sushi places (shout out to Emma). If you want to find something interesting to eat, like cow tongue tacos (Por Que No) or a grilled PB&J with roasted jalapenos, bacon, and cherry jam on challah bread, come to Portland to eat.

19. Beer

Getting to the more adult side of the article, if you happen to be so lucky to be over 21, Portland is known for loving beer and making a ton as well. Now, I was told that the best beer is a free one, but one from one of the 65 breweries in Portland can't be that bad either. Yes, 65 breweries in Portland alone, which is why we have more breweries than any other city in the world.

20. Other Legal Things

Also if you're over 21 there are "other things" that are now legal in Oregon.

21. We Apparently Really Like Strip Clubs

Can't say much about this, but Portland has one club for every 9,578 residents, making it the leader in America for strip clubs per capita.

22. Tattoos

To go along with our flannels and beards, many people also like to adorn themselves with inks of many colors. With plenty of places to go to for tattoos, Portland is a great spot to get your pieces done. My favorite place is on 24th and Alberta street called "Freaks and Geeks Tattoo," so special shout-outs to Jason and Brendon.

23. We Love Art

There are many art museums in Portland. The art community has continued to grow, and is increasing rapidly as you read this. We even have this cool day called "First Thursday" where every first Thursday of the month, all of the galleries and museums are free to look at (a great idea for a date night).

24. Speaking of Dates...

Portland is a great town for dates of all sorts. You want to go a little more formal? Go to First Thursday or a play at the Schnitz. You want a little more playful? Zoolights or Glowing Greens never disappoint.

25. Saturday Markets

Easily one of the best things about Portland is the Saturday markets, scattered all throughout Portland. Saturday is a perfect day to go walking through Portland, stopping at a market, getting some great food, supporting small businesses while buying whatever food you need, and listening to some great music. There aren't many things better than the Portland Saturday Markets.

26. Hikes

There are so many different hikes you can take it's ridiculous. We pride ourselves on finding the "off the beaten trail" hikes, but in all reality, even doing the hikes that you know you'll probably see someone you went to high school with on are just as fun.


Overall Portland, Oregon is a place to call home (unless you're moving here from California). I barely scratched the surface on why Portland is the best city in America, but you can get where I am going. We are the city of roses, loud and proud, and I am so thankful that I grew up in such a beautiful, welcoming place. There's really only two things to say about Portland, and those are:

Rose City 'Til I Die

and

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71178
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133132
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments