THE WEEKENDER:
PORTLAND OREGON
Whether your idea of the perfect vacation includes browsing at the US’s biggest bookstore or hiking through mountain gorges and scenic waterfalls, Portland offers unparalleled beauty and adventure for the (long) weekend traveler. Click through for our late-fall picks for a visit to the City of Roses.
City Mouse: Powell’s City of Books, the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world, is a must-visit for bibliophiles. If the aisles get a little overwhelming, nearby boutique Reading Frenzy offers a much more curated selection of independent zines worth perusing. Then, take the scenic drive through some of Portland’s poshest neighbourhoods to visit the world-renown International Test Rose Garden, which offers spectacular blooms and a good view of the city all year long.
Country Mouse: Rent a car and drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway, where the breathtaking scenery and majestic mountain views can only be outdone by the gorgeous fall foliage and seven waterfalls along the way. Make sure to stop by the Crown Point Overlook and Multnomah Falls to take in the spectacular views, and foodies and Twihards alike will enjoy lunch at the romantic View Point Inn nearby, where scenes from Twilight were filmed. On your way back into the city, the Pendleton Woolen Mills outlet store is worth a look, especially because Oregon is one of a handful of states that does not have sales tax.
Hungry Mouse: You’ll eat well in Oregon, whether it’s at one of the city’s 400 food carts (our favorite is Nong’s Khao Man Gai at 10th and Alder) or while checking out the incredible bounty at the local Farmer’s Market. If you can brave the massive lineups, try one of the wild concoctions at the infamous Voodoo Doughnut, which includes donuts topped with ingredients such as bacon and Fruit Loops.
