Downtown Portland Oregon is similar to downtown Boston Massachusetts. Both are vibrant cities with great public transportation, greenways and parks, shopping, eateries, culture, history, and a blend of new and old architecture. Portland does have Boston beat in the fact that it rarely snows which is nice. I’m a hardy New Englander but I’m growing weary of the frigid cold snowy winters.
It’s a glorious Spring morning on a Saturday in mid April as I drive to check out downtown Portland. It’s been 13 years since I’ve explored downtown so I’m looking forward to it. I find parking at the Fox Towers garage on SW Taylor Street near Pioneer Courthouse Square. It’s $8.50 for the day which is decent considering I’m downtown. I take a picture of the parking spot/level and take another picture when I walk out to the street. Since there is always a few entrances I find this to be the safest way to find my car.
I always think of the Seinfeld episode when they come out of the mall and can’t find their car in the garage. I’ve done that before and it was not fun. I make note of where I am and using my iPhone GPS I walk the few blocks to Pioneer Courthouse Square.
It has character. It reminds me of an amphitheater with its semi-circle of red color brick and steps which people sit on. As I look closely there are hundred’s of names on the bricks. I strike up a conversation with a friendly woman who tells me the bricks were sold to raise money for the construction and the names of donors are inscribed on the bricks. What a nifty fundraising idea.
As I’m looking, I almost collide with another person as we are both intently reading the names. Enough of that, I take a close up picture and I’m on my way. As I walk I see the famous Mile Post Sign and snap a few pictures. I remember this sign!
I continue on, walking with no particular direction admiring the architecture. I see a bright red double-decker bus with rounded bumpers which reminds me of the double-decker buses in London England. It seems as though I’ve been walking for hours taking in the sights.
Downtown Portland has a great set up with small city blocks which gives it an intimate feel. The city planners did a great job. After many hours of walking my feet and my stomach are telling me it’s time to rest and feed my weary body. I find Paris in the heart of Portland. I must take a picture and send it to my sister who lives in Paris France.
I sit at the bar and order braised short ribs and a raspberry lemon drop martini. Delicious on both counts. My mind and body are content. What a great way to spend a day in the city. As I walk back to the car I have a sense of contentment. I see the bronze sculptures of a doe and her fawn and it brings a smile to
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