The Travel Chica

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Bike + Map + Camera = A Photography Adventure in Portland

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Another thing I love about Hotel Monaco is that they have complimentary bikes for guests.

As you know, a bike is my preferred method of transportation now that I am living car free in the US.  Having access to a bike also helps save money while traveling.  That means I have more money to spend at the Portland breweries.

Although there are great things to see and do in downtown Portland, to experience the “real Portland,” you have to get out in the neighborhoods.

I packed my camera gear and a city bike map, picked out a cute bike, and set off early towards the Northeast.

My first stop was the Burnside Skate Park.

Just across the Willamette River and somewhat hidden under the Burnside Bridge is one of the most famous skate parks in the country.  It was too early to catch anyone in action, but I had to see it.

No, I do not skateboard.  I do not like pain and am not that coordinated.

What interests me is the story behind this place.

It was built by outcasts who simply wanted a place to skate, pleaded with the city for years, and finally decided to take action and build something for themselves (without the city’s permission or support).

As they gained the support of local businesses and received recognition for cleaning up the area which was previous filled with illegal drug and prostitution activity, the city finally came around.

Next up was a ride along Mississippi Avenue.

What I did not know is that I would be riding up a very long, steep hill to get there.  I stopped for a much-needed break and to admire this graffiti art.

Unfortunately, my wide angle lens broke when I got to Portland, so I was only able to capture half of the mural in this photo.

Although I just rode through, North Mississippi Avenue has a unique vibe, and I plan to spend more time here on my next trip checking out the Fresh Pot Coffeehouse, Amnesia Brewing, and the retail shops.

My ultimate destination this afternoon was Northeast Alberta.

This neighborhood is one of the oldest and most multicultural in Portland.  It is known for its art galleries and studios, cafés, trendy boutique shopping, and great restaurants.

I did some window shopping and then stopped at Random Order Café & Bakery for my first ever savory hand pie (delicious!).

And after eating something savory, you have to have something sweet, right?

Then I stumbled upon Cork.

This place is everything I want in a wine shop.  They specialize in value-priced wines from around the world.

Look how huge the under $20 section is!!

(And no, it is not filled with Gato Negro and Yellowtail.)

I bought a bottle of Oregon Pinot Noir to take home with the help of the knowledgeable staff.

It was time to head back to my hotel to say hello to my goldfish and  enjoy complimentary wine happy hour.

(Yep, Hotel Monaco really does have wine happy hour every day!!)

I checked my map and headed back towards downtown.

This was my favorite part of the day.  By getting off Alberta Street and into the residential area, I saw a different side of the neighborhood.

Big houses.  Not too old.  Not too new.  All with character.

Lots of trees.  Lots of flowers.  And other interesting things.

When I move to Portland, maybe I’ll live in this neighborhood 😉

A detour to the Lan Su Chinese Garden.

On the way back to the hotel, I made a last-minute decision to check out a nearby downtown tourist attraction, the Lan Su Chinese Garden.

I am so glad I did.  Beautiful, tranquil, and a great spot to photograph.

Check out the full gallery of photos from the garden.

After a day of biking around Northeast Portland, I was ready to kick back with a couple of glasses of Oregon wines chatting with other hotel guests.

Comments

  2. I’ve only had time to visit the outskirts of Portalnd in the past. I would love to go back and stay longer in the city…I have some friends who moved down to California from Portland, and I’ve asked them if it truly is anything like ‘Portlandia’ (they said it’s pretty on par). LOL. I love that show, it cracks it me up!
    Artist Desiree East recently posted..the heart of community: paint ventura 2012

  13. They’re empanadas are ROUND!

    And they call them “savory pies”.

    Are you making Portland an annual stop? I’m thinking that it might just be easier to move there and then visit other places.

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