#AsuquoTravelsTheUSA: The Beautiful but Weird city in Oregon where More Portland is Happening Now!

The moment you enter into Portland, Oregon you’ll notice a very weird nature, eccentricities and unique vibe to the city. It may feel weird like a bad connotation but that’s not the case for Portland, think of the city more as another word for welcoming.

Portland is the largest city in the state of Oregon and sits on the Columbia and Willamette rivers, in the shadow of snow-capped Mount Hood. The city is known for its parks, bridges and bicycle paths (yea lots of bike paths…LOL), as well as for its eco-friendliness and its microbreweries and coffeehouses. Iconic Washington Park encompasses sites from the formal Japanese Garden to Oregon Zoo and its railway.

Portland’s unexpected attractions range from tax-free shopping in popular retail districts, indulging in the city’s globally acclaimed dining scene, sampling at the city’s 70 craft breweries and 20+ urban wineries, and experiencing world-class cinema, music and contemporary art through film, jazz and light festivals.

Here are some random bits that makes Portland beautifully unique and weird:

Bike Paradise
It is very rare to see a city have a planned road network with provision for Bicycle and Motorbikes. You can bet with a bicycle capital like Portland there would be more than just one type of fun cycling in the city.

Portland is frequently named as the most bike-friendly city in America. With innovative bike paths, programs, communities and clubs, and a ton of events that encourage the use of two wheels, there are so many places to go in the state of Oregon where you don’t even need a car.

Spectacular and well connected public rail system
Portland as got a mad as* rail system that is very connected and affordable. MAX Light Rail, or the Metropolitan Area Express, is a light rail system consisting of five separate lines (Blue, Green, Orange, Red, and Yellow lines) serving 97 stations in the Portland metropolitan area in Oregon.

The MAX Light Rail connects Portland City Centre with Beaverton, Clackamas, Gresham, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, North/Northeast Portland and the Portland International Airport.

>>> Learn more about TriMet fares

Unpredictable weather
When it comes to predicting the weather pattern in Portland, forget about it, because one minute it rains and the next its sunny.

O Boy! Yes it rains in Portland, but if you visit with the attitude that you want to enjoy the unpredictable weather rain or not, you are going to have a great vacation most of the year. Portland’s average annual rainfall is about 37″, which is about the same as many east coast cities.

Many native Oregonians pride themselves on never carrying an umbrella, but if you walk around downtown Portland in the rain you’ll see many business people using them. Everybody visiting any part of Oregon should always bring a water-resistant or repellent jacket with a hood, no matter what time of year. Resist just looking out a rainy window- go on out and enjoy! :o)

So when to visit? Use your imagination and anytime is good.

Intel’s campus

Home to the patent powerhouses
Portland is home to powerhouses like Intel Corp.,Nike Inc. and Adidas. And they all contribute heavily to the city’s production and employment figures. With their focus on innovation, are also helping Portland outpunch its weight class when it comes to procurement of utility patents, which cover an items function as opposed to its design.

Multnomah Falls
Oregon’s tallest waterfall attracts visitors of all types and ages. It’s magnificent and memorable as any in the country is located just a 30- minute drive outside of Portland. From the parking area off of I-84, a 5-minute walk is all that separates you from the exhilarating spray at the base of the falls.

At the base of Multnomah Falls, the Historic Multnomah Falls Lodge awaits to offer a place of relaxation, a fine meal, the perfect gift, hiking or visitor information.

The Multnomah Falls does not dry up in the late summer. Rainwater, an underground spring and snow melt feed the falls through all four seasons and ensure a spectacular sight any day of the year.

Tips:
– Pets are allowed at Multnomah Falls, but must be controlled and on a leash at all times.
– Multnomah Falls does NOT require a Northwest Forest Pass.
– Spray and mist cause a cooler micro-climate within the falls viewing area so be sure to bring a sweater in summer or coat in winter for added warmth.

An almost frozen Multnomah Falls is indeed a beyond beautiful sight to see.

Weed (marijuana) is legal
Oregon legalised recreational cannabis in 2016, and it is legal to smoke weed in Oregon now! Portland, Oregon’s largest city boasts over 200 recreational pot. You only need to be over the age of 21 to make a purchase at Oregon medical dispensaries.

The best advice I can give for tourists looking to partake in the cannabis culture is discretion. It’s best to keep your marijuana use out of public areas, but if you must smoke out in the open, a discreet vape pen is your best option.

Tax-free shopping
In Portland, you’ll find everything you expect from big-city shopping — except the sales tax.

Pick up everything in Portland (everything!) without sales tax. From handmade items to designer goods, you’ll find it all, tax-free.

Downtown Portland
Portland’s got a very compact, walkable downtown that offers easy access to great food, green spaces, cultural offerings and tax-free shopping. Browse the city’s most diverse mix of retail brands, see a show and grab a bite at a food cart or fine restaurant.

Downtown Portland is easily accessible via car, bike or public transportation, with a mix of on-street, private and public parking garages.

You can’t pump your own gas (petrol)
To keep its distinctive stature, Oregon remains one of only two states in the United States where you can’t pump your own gas. Some people hate it because it can mean waiting an additional few minutes, but when it’s cold and rainy out no one seems to mind.

To really experience Portland you just have to be there. So what are you waiting for? Book that flight and come see things for yourself.

Did you enjoy this article? If so drop a comment below and let me know what you think.

Next on my #AsuquoTravelsTheUSA tour is the City of Angels – Los Angeles.