12 Step Planet: Portland, Oregon

How do I get there?
A range of carriers provide flights to Portland, Oregon from Dublin, among them Continental Airlines via Newark and Delta Airlines through JFK.
Portland International Airport is 12 miles north-east of the city centre. Take the MAX Red Line Light Rail from Terminal C every 5 – 15 minutes from 5am to midnight for just $2.

When should I go?
Portland has warm dry summers and rainy winters. June to August is the ideal time to visit.
June is the month for the famous Portland Rose Festival featuring the Grand Floral Parade and the WaMu Waterfront Village.
July sees the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival take over. This year’s event takes place from July 2 to 5 and boasts performances from Little Feat, Booker T and John Mayall.
Foodies should travel in August for The Bite of Oregon which showcases music from local acts and food from some of the city’s best restaurants and vintages from over 20 wineries across the state.

What are the touristy things to do?
Portland Saturday Market has been a city institution since 1974 and runs every Saturday and Sunday from March until December under the Burnside Bridge. This open air arts and crafts extravaganza is one of the largest of its kind and a must for any visitor to the city.
Fancy some culture? You’ll find it in spades at Portland Art Museum which houses…deep breath….. the Jubitz Center for Modern and Contemporary Art, the Gilkey Center for Graphic Arts, the Schnitzer Center for Northwest Art, the Northwest Film Center and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Center for Native American Art. A mind-blowing experience.
Sensory overload? Time to escape to the Portland Japanese Garden for peace and tranquility. This beautifully manicured five-and-a-half acre garden features an authentic Japanese Tea House, meandering streams and scenic walkways.

Anything else?
A visit to the uber-cool Hawthorne District is a must. The avant-garde Hawthorne Boulevard is across the Willamette River between 17th and 43rd Avenues. The street is lined with coffe houses, antique shops, cafes and trendy clothing outlets.
This is where you’ll find plenty of cheap and cheerful vegetarian and organic dining establishments and lots of possible bars and clubs to spend your nights.

What about eating?
Portland is known for its organic meats, artisan cheese and great seafood. Like many Pacific northwest cities Asian cuisine is also very popular here.
Jake’s Famous Crawfish (410 SW 12th Avenue) has been a landmark restaurant for over 100 years boasting an eyewatering array of fresh fish  like Columba River Sturgeon and Depot Bay Dungeness crab.
The aforementioned Hawthorne area is brimming with dining options including The Cup and Saucer Café which serves up vegetarian and organic fare and The Daily Grind, a natural foods store with an mouth-watering bakery.

What should I avoid?
The area around the Amtrak train station. If you are travelling to Portland by rail and arrive after dark it’s worth shelling out a few dollars for a taxi.

Where can I stay?
Like any major international city Portland offers a range of accommodation.
The Days Inn City Centre (1414 SW 6th Avenue) is exellent value in a top location.
For the uber-hip contingent Jupiter (800 E Burnside St) is a converted chain motel now boasting
minimalist décor.
Two recommended hostel options are Hi – Portland Hawthorne (3031 SE Hawthorne Boulevard) and HI – Portland Northwest (425 NW 18th Ave), both ideal for those on a budget.

How much to get tanked?
Like most Northwest destinations, microbreweries are very popular in Portland. Check out the local McMenamins chain www.mcmenamins.com.
MacTarnahans Brewing Company (2730 NW 31st Avenue) is one of the cities more esteemed establishments and offers BlackWatch Cream Porter and Mac’s Ale on tap.
The Horse Brass Pub (4534 SE Belmont Street) is a very popular spot with an extensive micro and Euro brew list and also has a smoke-friendly policy for all you nicotine slaves.
A 16oz draft averages about 4.20. Given the exchange rate, not too pricey!

What should I bring home?
Oregon wine country is one of the best regions of its kind in America. The area’s offerings (specifically Oregon Pinot Noirs) consistently receive top ratings from the vino cognoscenti. Get along to Great Wine Buys (1515 NE Broadway) and stock up before you leave!

Why should I go?
Portland is gaining a growing reputation as an indie rock mecca. The city was home to Elliott Smith and now counts The Shins, Modest Mouse, Viva Voce, Richmond Fontaine, Glass Candy and others amongst its residents.
Sample a range of local talent in the 50 plus bars and venues in the city. Your best bet is to pick up a copy of The Portland Mercury or Willamette Week for listings when you arrive.

Why should I not go?
If you’re a sun-worshipper you may need to re-think your trip. Autumn, winter and spring are all predominantly rainy. Even the summer months are overcast.

What’s my challenge?
Not to get lost or go broke in Powell’s City Of Books (1005 West Burnside). The shop is the biggest independent new and used bookstore in the world covering an entire block. Get a map from the front desk before you begin exploring!