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Portland Travel Articles
On Northwest 13th Avenue an old warehouse has been transformed into a temple of contemporary creativity, entered via the old loading dock. Inside, at Bluehour restaurant, the chef serves dishes such as rabbit loin wrapped in speck in a chic setting where tables covered in clean white cloths are flanked by a long bar that is the place to be seen. Next door, designer Babette displays her designs in a cool minimalist space while, just across the street, the Bullseye Gallery showcases the work of contemporary glass artists.
The transformation happening here [the Pearl District] is being repeated throughout this area of the city as designers, artists, entrepreneurs and restaurateurs set up shop in old factories and warehouses of this area of 100 or so blocks bordered to the north by the Willamette River. Unlike many former industrial areas, this one is within easy walking distance of much of the rest of Portland.
In fact, Portland is full of attractive residential areas. Overlooked by Mount Hood, it is a clean, green city that takes environmental stewardship seriously. The city’s Office of Sustainable Development promotes everything from recycling to eco-friendly building standards. Moreover, with plenty of lush parks, European-style buildings and city blocks that are much shorter than the U.S. norm, Portland is a pedestrian’s paradise. Most of the city center is accessible by foot or by a light rail system.
- Sarah Murray, June 2, 2007, from The Financial Times (London)
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