I’m going to forego the usual boring introduction (that no one reads anyway) and just get right to it. These are ten things (out of thousands) that make Portland great.
For one evening every June, Portlanders love to let their freak flag fly and parade down the city streets going full commando and then some! If you are offended by nudity, then…well, what the heck are you doing in Portland?!? FYI, nudity is optional during the ride; plenty of folks take the opportunity to dress how they like and can still take part.
A seemingly unlimited amount of tasty food carts
Portland has more food carts per capita than anywhere else in the country and maybe the world? Some of them are actually run by chefs. Whatever your culinary pleasure, you can surely find a food cart to suit your cravings.
This guy really has made a name for himself, entertaining tourists and locals alike. He’s Portland’s version of NYC’s Naked Cowboy, only he’s pretty much clothed with some sort of face mask on at all times.
The Smallest Park in the World
This is a registered, honest-to-gosh park that is kept up by generous volunteers. Over the course of a year, the Charlie-Brown-Christmas-looking shrub may get decorated with the appropriate holiday.
The Soaking Pool at Kennedy School
Ever-growing in popularity, this relaxing soaking pool is quite busy most of the time. It may be best to call Kennedy School ahead of time and find out if there is a waiting list. The soaking pool is complimentary for hotel guests and only $5 for non-guests.
Pose Under the Paul Bunyan Statue
A staple of the historic Kenton neighborhood, many people like to stand underneath Paul’s hulking frame and take a picture for posterity’s sake.
Have a beer in Detention at School
Back to Kennedy School! The hotel grounds offer several bars (yes, one of them is called the Detention bar), a few restaurants, and a movie theater! It’s a destination unto itself.
Experience the Glow of Dark Mini Golf
Here is mini-golf with an edge! Looking very ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’, only you won’t find Jack Skelllington breathing down your neck. Probably a good thing when you’re trying to score that hole in one.
Well….okay. To me, this is a kitschy tourist trap, but there is some history to be found here. Take the tour and take your chances!
Okay, okay, no Portland weird list would be complete without a stop at Voodoo Doughnut. As much of a staple as this famous tourist trap is, where else can you get a gingerbread-like tasty doughnut with a pretzel stick stabbed in its heart? (Psst, for much better doughnuts, try Pips Doughnuts!)
