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- Does this City have the Best Waterfalls on the East Coast? 🌊🌲 - Portland, Maine.
Does this City have the Best Waterfalls on the East Coast? 🌊🌲 - Portland, Maine.
Today: Waterfalls, History, and more!
Random Towns & Trey Shuey
July 12, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes
In partnership with
Fun Fact: About 40% of Maine residents reside in the greater Portland Metropolitan area.
Welcome to Portland, Oregon, a captivating coastal town renowned for its natural beauty and rich history. Nestled between the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest and the stunning coastline, Portland offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and scenic tranquility.
Long before Portland was established, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Multnomah people, part of the Chinookan peoples. They thrived along the banks of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, utilizing abundant natural resources for fishing, hunting, and gathering. The rivers served as vital transportation routes, linking various tribes and fostering trade.
In the early 1800s, European explorers and fur traders arrived, attracted by the region's natural wealth. The Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804-1806 played a significant role in mapping the area and paving the way for future settlement. By the 1840s, pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail began to establish roots in the fertile Willamette Valley, drawn by the promise of rich land and a mild climate.
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Portland was officially founded in 1845 by two New Englanders, William Overton and Asa Lovejoy, who saw the potential of the land. Overton sold his share to Francis W. Pettygrove, who, along with Lovejoy, decided the city's name with a coin toss. Pettygrove, hailing from Portland, Maine, won the toss, thus giving the city its name.
As you explore Portland, you'll quickly discover its historical charm. The city's history is preserved in its beautifully restored Victorian-era buildings, historic districts like Old Town Chinatown, and landmarks such as Pittock Mansion, which offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape.
Portland's location on the Willamette River, just a short drive from the Pacific Ocean, adds to its allure. The city's waterfront parks, such as Tom McCall Waterfront Park, provide picturesque settings for leisurely strolls, outdoor activities, and community events. The riverfront is also home to the iconic Portland Saturday Market, one of the largest and longest-running arts and crafts markets in the country, showcasing the city's creative spirit.
Known for its commitment to sustainability and green living, Portland is a haven for outdoorsmen. The city's extensive network of parks and green spaces, including Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the United States, offers countless opportunities for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature. The nearby Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood provide additional outdoor adventures, from breathtaking hikes to world-class skiing.
Portland's vibrant cultural scene is another highlight. The city boasts a thriving arts community with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues. The Portland Art Museum, one of the oldest museums on the West Coast, features an impressive collection of Native American artifacts and contemporary art. The city's culinary landscape is equally impressive, celebrated for its innovative farm-to-table dining, diverse food carts, and world-renowned breweries.
The city's neighborhoods each have their own distinct character, from the trendy Pearl District with its chic boutiques and galleries to the eclectic Alberta Arts District known for its colorful murals and independent shops. Portland's commitment to fostering a sense of community is evident in its numerous farmers' markets, local festivals, and vibrant street fairs.
Now, here are the best things to do and see in Portland!
Explore the International Rose Test Garden 🌹
Fun Facts:
Established in 1917, the garden is one of the oldest continuously operating public rose test gardens in the United States.
Home to over 10,000 rose bushes representing more than 650 varieties, it serves as a testing ground for new rose varieties.
The garden offers stunning views of downtown Portland and Mount Hood, making it a favorite spot for photographers and visitors alike.
Activities:
Enjoy a leisurely stroll among the beautifully arranged rose displays, taking in the vibrant colors and delightful fragrances.
Take photos of the roses and the panoramic views, capturing memories of your visit.
Learn about different rose varieties and their histories through informational plaques and guided tours available during peak bloom seasons.
Visit Powell's City of Books 📚
Fun Facts:
Powell's City of Books is the largest independent bookstore in the world, occupying an entire city block and offering more than a million books.
The store features nine color-coded rooms, including the rare book room, which houses first editions and collectible volumes.
Powell's has been a Portland institution since it opened in 1971, attracting book lovers from around the globe.
Activities:
Browse the extensive collection of new, used, and rare books across multiple genres, from fiction and non-fiction to graphic novels and children's books.
Attend author readings, book signings, and literary events held regularly at the store, providing opportunities to meet your favorite writers.
Enjoy coffee and snacks at the in-store cafe, or take a break in one of the many cozy reading nooks throughout the store.
Stroll Through the Portland Saturday Market 🛍️
Fun Facts:
The Portland Saturday Market is the largest continuously operating outdoor arts and crafts market in the United States, open every weekend from March through December.
Located in the historic Old Town Chinatown neighborhood, the market has been a beloved Portland tradition since it began in 1974.
The market features local artisans and craftspeople selling handmade goods, from jewelry and clothing to artwork and home decor.
Activities:
Shop for unique, handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, and artwork, supporting local artisans and finding one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Enjoy live music and street performances that create a lively and festive atmosphere, adding to the market's charm.
Sample a variety of foods from local vendors, including international cuisine, gourmet treats, and classic fair foods.
Discover Forest Park 🌲
Fun Facts:
Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the United States, spanning over 5,200 acres of lush greenery and diverse ecosystems.
The park is home to more than 112 bird species and 62 mammal species, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
With over 80 miles of trails, including the 30-mile Wildwood Trail, Forest Park offers ample opportunities for hiking, running, and biking.
Activities:
Hike the Wildwood Trail or one of the many other trails, immersing yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of the forest.
Go bird-watching and wildlife spotting, keeping an eye out for native species such as owls, woodpeckers, deer, and coyotes.
Enjoy a peaceful picnic amidst the lush greenery, taking in the sights and sounds of nature while relaxing in a serene setting.
Wander Through the Lan Su Chinese Garden 🌸
Fun Facts:
The Lan Su Chinese Garden is inspired by the traditional gardens of Suzhou, China, and was designed in the authentic Ming Dynasty style.
The garden features beautiful landscaping, including koi-filled ponds, ornate bridges, and intricate rock formations, creating a tranquil and harmonious atmosphere.
Opened in 2000, the garden is a collaborative effort between Portland and its sister city, Suzhou, showcasing Chinese art, architecture, and horticulture.
Activities:
Take a leisurely stroll through the garden's pathways, admiring the exquisite landscaping and serene water features.
Participate in cultural events, workshops, and exhibitions that highlight Chinese culture, art, and traditions.
Enjoy tea and snacks at the garden's teahouse, experiencing the traditional Chinese tea ceremony and sampling a variety of teas and treats.
Experience Voodoo Doughnut 🍩
Fun Facts:
Voodoo Doughnut is known for its quirky and creative doughnuts, offering a wide variety of unique flavors and whimsical designs.
The Bacon Maple Bar, topped with crispy bacon strips, and the Voodoo Doll doughnut, shaped like a voodoo doll and filled with raspberry jelly, are fan favorites.
The shop, which opened in 2003, is open 24/7 and has become a Portland legend, attracting both locals and tourists with its eccentric vibe and delicious treats.
Activities:
Try unique and delicious doughnut creations, from the classic glazed and chocolate frosted to the adventurous flavors like Captain Crunch and Tang.
Snap photos of the fun and eclectic atmosphere, including the vibrant decor and the iconic pink boxes that the doughnuts are served in.
Collect Voodoo Doughnut merchandise, such as T-shirts, stickers, and mugs, as a keepsake of your visit to this iconic Portland spot.
See you in Portland, Maine!
Dennis Jarvis
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