Portland

Portland, Oregon, is one of my favorite cities in the world. I first visited Portland when I was a child. My father had a summer cabin near Yakima, Washington. He was a college professor at SF State and had July and August off. We frequently drove through Portland to and from the Bay Area, where we lived in Berkeley.

Later, when I was in graduate school attending the University of Washington, we drove through Portland on the way to the Bay Area. Recently, we spent a day in Portland showing the city to my Korean brother-in-law and his niece, who were visiting us in Medford. We all fell in love with the city, which reminds me of Berkeley, San Francisco, and Seattle. This time we stayed in North Portland in the trendy Alberta neighborhood, which was the center of Black Portland for many years.

Portland is the most multicultural city in Oregon, which is still mostly white. It is the only city in Oregon with a substantial black population as well as an Asian American population. Although the city has become more expensive, it is still somewhat affordable compared to both the Bay Area and Seattle. We spent the night the previous year in Lake Oswego visiting a friend from high school. He is a musician and composer living in Portland.

This trip we toured the city and saw much of the city. We went to the Saturday market downtown and went through Old Town, Chinatown, and the Pearl District. We stopped at Powell’s’s Books, the biggest bookstore in the world. We drove to Washington Park and the Rose Garden and Japanese Garden but could not see either due to no parking as it was a Saturday. The previous year we went for a walk in Forest Park, the biggest urban park in the country. There are bears in the park, they say.

Portland is a foodie city. We had two great meals in the city. We had clam chowder and fish and chips in downtown, and we had decent Italian in Lake Oswego.

Our itinerary was as follows:

10:00 AM: Start in Portland

You can explore the city’s highlights including Washington Park12. This park is home to many of Portland’s premier attractions including a zoo, children’s museum, Japanese Garden, and the famous International Rose Test Garden1.

2:00 PM: Depart for Medford

The driving time from Portland to Medford is approximately 4 hours and 21 minutes345. The direct drive is 275

Background reading courtesy of Co-Pilot

Certainly! 🌲 Portland, Oregon is a vibrant city nestled in the Pacific Northwest, known for its unique blend of natural beauty, quirky culture, and thriving arts scene. Let’s explore some essential information about this captivating city:

Portland Chapter of The Links:
- The Portland Chapter of The Links has been serving the Portland, OR, and Southwest Washington areas since 1957. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life in the African American community through friendship, service, and collaboration. They focus on various facets, including services to youth, the arts, national and international trends, and health and human services. Additionally, they provide scholarships to high school seniors who demonstrate scholastic potential and leadership ability ¹. You can learn more about their impactful work on their official website.
Essential Links for Portland:
- If you’re looking for a comprehensive resource, check out el.com’s Essential Links for Portland, Oregon. It covers everything from weather updates to transportation options, entertainment, sports, local businesses, and fun things to do in the city. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, this resource can help you navigate Portland’s offerings ². You can find it here.
Portland Information Center:
- For a broader overview of Portland, explore the Portland Information Center. It provides insights into local life, travel tips, entertainment, and business-related information. Whether you’re curious about events, restaurants, or hidden gems, this center has you covered ³. Visit their site here.
City of Portland Official Website:
- If you’re interested in official city services and information, head over to the City of Portland’s official website. It’s a reliable source for topics like government services, community resources, and local news. Whether you need to pay utility bills, find public transportation options, or learn about city initiatives, this site has it all ⁴. Explore it here.

Remember, Portland is a city that celebrates individuality, sustainability, and creativity. Whether you’re into food carts, lush parks, or indie music, there’s something here for everyone. Have a great time exploring the Rose City! 🌹✨

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