With its booming foodie culture, miles of bike lanes and breathtaking green environment in and around the city, it's no wonder that Portland is one of the most beloved cities in the US. Local, Meghan Sinnott, shares her favourite hotspots with you.
Portlanders are known as progressive, open-minded, environmentally conscious and just a tad peculiar. That certainly explains the city's slogan: "Keep Portland weird". This is a place where anything goes and people live and let live. That is exactly the reason why Meghan Sinnott fell in love with the city she has been calling home since 2001. By day she works as the global brand manager of Nutcase Helmets. At night she organises unique bike tours, such as the World Naked Bike Ride. For iFly, she took us on a tour of Portland's best neighbourhoods, her favourite food destinations and the impressive Cannon Beach.
Portland lies in the state of Oregon, on the US West Coast. The city has many hip and trendy neighbourhoods, each with their own unique features. Nature lovers don't have to travel far: from the cone-shaped volcano Mount Hood which can be seen from Portland on a clear day, to the roaring waterfalls of the nearby Columbia River Gorge, the city is literally surrounded by green. And it’s only an hour and a half drive to Oregon's rugged coastline.
For a stylish stay in Portland there’s no place like The Jupiter: modern, hip and just a bit… unusual.
In 2004 this former motel underwent a major overhaul, transforming it from just another motor lodge to a whimsical boutique hotel surrounded by bamboo. The rooms are minimalist chic and furnished with creative wall art, ranging from Spiderman to Marilyn Monroe.
The Jupiter is located on Portland's trendy east side, but a short stroll across the Burnside Bridge takes you right downtown. Or you can simply hop on one of the hotel's great bicycles! Next to the hotel you will find the Doug Fir Lounge, a favourite watering hole for locals where you can hang out until the early morning.
You can already see Mount Hood from the airplane and there is greenery as far as the eye can see. And then you land on Portland International Airport (PDX). A great start of your visit to Portland because this airport has been voted Best Airport of the United States for the fifth year in a row. With micro breweries and food carts this is by no means your average airport.
What makes it even more convenient is the MAX Light Rail that takes you from the airport to the city in no time. And Portland would not be Portland if you wouldn’t have the possibility to go by bike. In the special Bike Assembly Station you can put together your bike in minutes and bike down the special bike paths right into downtown. Easy!
