Portland: A City Filled With Character, Quirk And Great Vegan Cuisine

Portland is a place like no other. And whether you grew up here, recently moved to the area or you’re just an occasional visitor, you know that Portland has its own special traditions and history that make it so unique.

A few things to know:

• Portland has the world's smallest park: Mill Ends Park. It's only two feet wide and was one described by1940s journalist Dick Fagan as “the only leprechaun colony west of Ireland.” Today, it's a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, especially on St. Patrick’s Day.
• The city has an extensive network of underground tunnels that were once used for shipping and transportation but now serve as a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the city's colorful history and see remnants of its past.
• Portland is home to one of the world's largest independent bookstore, Powell's City of Books. The store covers an entire city block and has over one million books, making it a must-visit destination for book lovers.
• Portland is often referred to as the "City of Roses" due to its ideal climate for growing roses. The city hosts an annual Rose Festival in June, which includes a parade, fireworks and a variety of other events to celebrate the beautiful flowers.
• The city is home to several unique and quirky museums, including the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum, which features oddities and curiosities, and the Portland Art Museum, which houses over 42,000 works of art from around the world. Visitors can also explore the world of science at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry or learn about the history of video games at the Portland Retro Gaming Expo.
• Portland is home to one of the largest urban forests in the United States. Forest Park spans over 5,200 acres and has more than 80 miles of hiking trails, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
• The city has a vibrant street art scene, with murals and graffiti adorning buildings and walls throughout the city. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour to discover some of the city's most impressive pieces.
• Portland is also known for its craft beer scene, with more than 70 breweries within the city limits. Visitors can take a beer tour or explore the city's many bars and pubs to sample the local brews.
• The city is home to several iconic bridges, including the Hawthorne Bridge, which is the oldest vertical-lift bridge in operation in the United States. Visitors can take a bike or pedestrian tour to see the city's impressive bridges up close.
• Portland is a great city for vegans and vegetarians, with a wide variety of plant-based restaurants and food trucks. In fact, the city has more vegan restaurants per capita than any other city in the United States. Visitors can try everything from vegan doughnuts to plant-based sushi while in Portland.
• The International Rose Test Garden in Portland is the oldest official continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States, and it's home to more than 10,000 rose bushes of over 610 varieties.
• Portland has been recognized as one of the best cities in the United States for cycling. The city has more than 350 miles of bike lanes and trails, and visitors can rent a bike to explore the city on two wheels.
• The iconic television show "Portlandia" was filmed in Portland and lovingly pokes fun at the city's quirky and unique culture. Fans of the show can take a self-guided tour of some of the show's most memorable filming locations.
• Portland is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with easy access to both the coast and the mountains. Visitors can take a short drive to the Oregon coast to explore stunning beaches and quaint coastal towns, or head to Mount Hood to ski or snowboard in the winter and hike in the summer.

What's your favorite thing about Portland? Let us know below in the comments!

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