There, resting in a quiet suburban industrial park, is a gentle giant unique to the Portland region and the world.
Saké One is a craft saké kura (brewery) situated just 40 minutes from Portland, and it happens to be the world’s one and only American-owned saké kura.
The best way to develop an appreciation for fine saké is by taking Saké One’s twenty-minute kura tour, which highlights the brewing process from start to finish. Naturally, the last step is enjoying a flight of saké in their tasting room — an experience that tends to turn naysayers into full-fledged fans.
In addition to producing the finest saké, the folks at Saké One are committed to sharing their knowledge and love for one of Oregon’s newest liquid natives.
Our friend and host, toji Dewey Weddington, was kind enough to walk us through the process and discuss the key steps in producing their Ginjo (premium) saké. Check out this virtual tour and see if it doesn’t make you thirst for the real stuff.
A couple of weeks ago, a pretty astonishing testament to social media went down here in Portland.
There had been occasional Twitter posts about sightings of Dave Chappelle in town — jogging, at a coffee shop, etc. It’s not unusual to see celebrities here in Portland, or to read unconfirmed reports of such sightings on services like Facebook or Twitter.
Thousands of people gathering in response to a social media rumor
But this was different. On the afternoon of Tuesday, July 15, I saw a post using our Twisitor Center’s hashtag (#inpdx) that claimed Dave Chappelle was going to do an impromptu stand-up set at Pioneer Courthouse Square, fondly referred to as “Portland’s Living Room,” at midnight that day. Then I started to see more “tweets” about it, from people claiming they had it on absolute authority that it was true, and from would-be debunkers saying there was no way. Local blogs and websites started tracking and aggregating the rumor.
Note: This is the first in a series of posts about Portland’s craft spirits movement.
Clear Creek Distillery's Pear-in-the-bottle Brandy (image courtesy of Clear Creek)
Let it never be said that I’m not willing to suffer for my art — when I started working on Travel Portland’s “Liquid Assets” media kit (dedicated to all the beverages we Portlanders create, drink and love), I made it my mission to become the staff expert on locally distilled spirits. Tough job, I know, but somebody has to do it! (And it’s sure as heck not going to be this guy. Not while I’m on duty.)
Anyway, through my thorough and dedicated research, I’ve tasted lots of good stuff, and discovered a few of the best places around town to meet the distillers, learn how they make their products, and — most importantly — sample and procure said products. (more…)
Fall is my favorite season in Portland: The days are warm and dry, the trees surrounding the city show off their vibrant hues, and the arts and culture calendar gets into full swing.
A MEWV Sustainables design at Portland Fashion Week 2008.
One event worth planning for is the seventh annual Portland Fashion Week, October 7-11, 2009. This uniquely Portland event has been called the most sustainable fashion week in the United States, if not the world, by Italian glossy mag Book Moda.
Portland Fashion Week’s sustainable commitment includes an eco-friendly runway, LEED-certified hotels for guests, use of eco-safe styling products and other earth-friendly iniatives.
Past designers at the show include Project Runway winner Leanne Marshall, Icebreaker, Nike Considered, Lizzie Parker, Collier, Idom and more.
Tickets start at $20 and include admission to the PFW Plaza shopping pre-party and the runway show. VIP seating and after-party admission are also available. Designers for this year’s show will soon be announced on the Portland Fashion Week website.
Favor to ask: If you’re planning to go to the Pendleton Round-Up, held the first full week of September, please raise a glass for me to the memory of George Fletcher, Jackson Sundown and Jonathan E. Lee Spain.
If you aren’t able to go (or sadly, like me, have never gone), console yourself with Last Go Round, Ken Kesey and Ken Babbs’ merry account of these mythical figures from the 1911 Round-Up.
Portland’s summer temps don’t usually climb into the 90s, but on one of those very rare, very hot days, I happened to be walking along Northeast Alberta Street in Portland’s Alberta Arts District. And there it was … summer nirvana: a sign proclaiming to all who might enter that this shop was “Always Cellar Temperature.” Which made sense, because the shop was Cork, a wine store that carries wine and — as I discovered — lots more. (more…)
We at Travel Portland (and folks from all over Oregon, for that matter) are hitting the road to the National Tour Association Convention 2009 in Reno, Nevada — and we want you to join us. Between now and November, we’ll be introducing you to some of the faces and places of Oregon.
On the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 11, we’ll kick this blog into high gear — no pun intended — posting every few hours from our OC&W Coachways motorcoach and at various locations throughout Oregon as we travel to Reno, picking up the players for Team Oregon along the way.
So, for the next few months and beyond, anything goes. We’ll be updating you regularly with video and sharing stories, pictures and video featuring the best experiences Oregon has to offer.
McMenamins Kennedy School has been one of my favorite Portland spots since it opened back in 1997. From its collection of cozy bars (including Honors and Detention, for the smarty-pants and troublemakers, respectively) to the movie theater, courtyard restaurant, and great location near the Alberta Arts District, this former elementary school offers plenty of entertainment options.
But it wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I was able to take McMenamins up on their challenge to “Fall Asleep in Class.” My friend was hosting a birthday party in one of the Kennedy School’s event spaces, and I decided it was about time I spent the night. (more…)
Before coming to Portland, I lived in the French Alps. There’s no shortage of outdoor activities there, so I became an avid hiker, skier, mountain biker and yodeler (I’m making this one up.)
My new city offers just as many opportunities to indulge in my hobbies, and I take great advantage of the trails of Mt. Hood, the Columbia Gorge, Mt. St. Helens and our lush forests, etc. But the true gems of the area are our rivers, calm or wild, and the unlimited fun they provide. So sometimes I give my legs a break and start moving my arms. (more…)
Stand-Up Paddling in the Columbia River Gorge (photo courtesy of Big Winds)
When I went out to Hood River a couple of weeks ago to try stand-up paddling on the Columbia, I have to say, I was a little wary. That’s a big river out there! What if I fell in? What if I couldn’t keep up with the current? I’m used to the ocean – isn’t it harder to float on fresh water?!
But on this sunny day I was happy to discover how easy stand-up paddling is. Almost TOO easy. Paddling one of these huge surfboards is all about balance. Despite the fact that this sport was developed by pro surfers, “SUP-ing” is actually a really peaceful activity. Once you get going, gliding along the water feels like a breeze. It’s the perfect thing to do with a group of friends – paddle out, chat, and take in the beauty of the Gorge.
Big Winds in Hood River is a one-stop shop for everything water sports. They have rentals and offer lessons in stand-up paddling, kite boarding and windsurfing. Even better – all summer long, they have a stand-up rental shop at the waterfront*, so you can just walk up, rent a board and paddle out. And if you get hooked, Big Winds has regular classes and clinics every week…
*Just call first to make sure they’re open on the day you’re visiting.
Portland’s summer temps don’t usually climb into the 90s, but on one of those very rare, very hot days, I happened to be walking along Northeast Alberta Street in Portland’s 
