At first glance, while Wordstock’s name is a play on the famous musical festival of yore, Portland’s annual literary weekend, coming up Oct. 10-11, doesn’t seem to have a lot in common with that seminal event. But, as The Oregonian’s overview of the lineup reveals, a few writerly rock stars will be on hand:
In addition to familiar names like Alexie, Dawkins and Ellroy, an array of lesser-known authors will be reading and lecturing at Wordstock. The perfect way to get to know them is by checking out the official Wordstock blog.
Similarity to its namesake aside, Wordstock is a favorite Portland event that brings established authors, aspiring writers and readers together for a long weekend of interaction and entertainment.
Grapes ready for harvesting in Sokol Blosser's vineyard.
Wine harvest is the most exciting time to be in the Willamette Valley. That’s when the action happens, and you can just feel the energy out there. It’s also one of the most beautiful times, as the grapes are still plump on the vine. I was lucky enough to visit on two occasions last week — prompted by the openings of new additions to the food and wine scene.
The Allison Inn, a luxury hotel and spa, just opened for business this month, and it is gorgeous! Eventually the vines on the property will produce wine for the hotel. It’s also going for gold LEED certification (I was happy to park in the “hybrid only” parking spot out front).
Speaking of “green” wine country — the vineyard workers are harvesting grapes as we speak at Sokol Blosser. That’s what I was told when I toured the winery on Thursday. Get out there and check out of the valley’s most sustainable wineries — the view is amazing. (more…)
Here’s the final version of our new video, which we’ll use to promote Portland to convention delegates, meeting planners and tour operators.
This being the age of YouTube, we’re also hoping the piece grows legs of its own and introduces our fair destination to travelers around the globe.
And this being Portland, the hardest part of the project was culling 70 hours of film down to less than four minutes. (A scratch behind the ears goes to our friends at Sockeye Creative, which produced the piece.)
Tell us what you think — and if we missed any of your favorite spots.
Saturday Market has moved to Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Image courtesy of Portland Saturday Market.
Whenever I travel, I’m always looking for that unique something to take back home — whether it’s for me, a loved one or a friend, it can be difficult to find something that’s just right. Well, it’s not so hard to do in Portland, thanks to Portland Saturday Market.
Every Saturday and Sunday now through Dec. 24 (that’s right!), you can see what the buzz is about. At Saturday Market, you’ll find handmade items like bath products, jewelry, clothing, photography, games and toys (for people and pets) and much more. Oh, and it’s a great place to stop and get a bite to eat. On top of that, add a helping of local entertainment — jugglers, stilt walkers, dance groups, marimba bands — and you never know who you’ll see.
And now there’s an even better reason to visit Portland Saturday Market — it’s moved! (more…)
What’s a favorite family outing among Portlanders in autumn? Going to the Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island! In October, the Pumpkin Patch has the largest supply of pumpkins in Oregon. This is a great place to find that perfect Charlie Brown pumpkin. And there are lots of things to do while you’re there, including free hayrides, a petting zoo, $2 rides on the cow train and a haystack pyramid.
There’s a covered picnic area, so pack a lunch or grab a snack at the patio cafe. The MAiZE is a 5-acre cornfield maze and this year’s design is a tribute to our local NBA team, the Portland Trail Blazers. There’s a separate Haunted Field of Screams maze for those who want to get stalked in the corn … (Might not be suitable for children ages 6 and under and easily scared adults like me.) (more…)
I’ve posted before about a record-shopping trek across Portland, but we have such a variety and quantity of absolutely awesome vinyl shops here that there’s no way I could begin to cover the breadth and depth of the record shopping scene.
I stumbled across a great blog entry this morning that recounts a visitor’s experience with some of the very best record stores here in Stumptown — some of these are spots I hit on my trek, still others were out of the way for me. All are excellent.
Record collecting may still be fairly retro-niche, but it’s coming back in a big way, judging by the number of fine shops here (and in other cities) and the passion that people express for the activity.
Cafe Velo at Portland Farmers Market (photo credit: Sarah Gilbert)
One of my favorite things about the Wednesday farmers market is fresh-brewed Stumptown Coffee from Café Velo. The coffee, which is brewed to order using porcelain filter cups and hand-stirring, is superb — it’s the best way I’ve found to savor Stumptown’s varietals. The price for a 16-ounce cup is a bit steep at $2.50, but the coffee is so good, it’s worth it. Plus that money goes to a creative entrepreneur.
Speaking of creative, the number-one coolest thing about Café Velo is that it’s not just a coffee stand — it’s a bike. The owner rides his 800-pound Dutch cargo bike to the market twice a week (he’s also at the Portland State farmers market on Saturdays), then folds out the counters and sets up burners to heat giant kettles of water. It’s innovative and fun … and a great wake-up call.
Another note on bicycling — September marks Portland’s annual Bike Commute Challenge, so this month there are even more cyclists on the streets than usual. If you’re driving (or riding) around town this month, please keep an eye out and travel safely!
As part of this year's Oregon Bounty campaign, you can win a one-week "cuisinternship" with Le Pigeon chef Gabe Rucker.
This year’s edition of Oregon Bounty — the statewide celebration of food, wine, beer and spirits that runs through Nov. 30 — serves up some terrific travel experiences in Portland and beyond, plus a few cool surprises:
a brand-new website that includes a searchable database of culinary events and destinations;
cuisinternships for seven lucky foodies who’ll win week-long apprenticeships with an Oregon chef, craft brewer, distiller, cheesemaker/chocolatier, rancher, fisherman or vintner; and
whimsical maps designed by Portland artist Justin “Scrappers” Morrison, who runs Grass Hut gallery with my pal Bwana Spoons.
Kick off fall in style with Labor Day weekend in Portland.
Start with the much-loved juried art festival, Art in the Pearl, featuring more than 100 artists selling ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, photographs and other designs in the North Park Blocks. There’s food, music and an educational pavilion, too.
The streets surrounding Art in the Pearl will be bustling as well, as retailers mark down prices for the annual Sidewalk Sale, the Pearl District’s biggest shopping event of the year. More than 50 shops are taking part, including Lizard Lounge, French Quarter and Lucy, with discounts up to 80%.
After you’ve shopped to your heart’s content, take in the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art’s annual Time-Based Art Festival (Sept. 3-13). This 10-day event combines performance, visual and film artistic works curated by Cathy Edwards. (more…)
At first glance, while Wordstock’s name is a play on the famous musical festival of yore, Portland’s annual literary weekend, coming up Oct. 10-11, doesn’t seem to have a lot in common with that seminal event. But, as The Oregonian’s overview of the lineup reveals, a few writerly rock stars will be on hand:
What’s a favorite family outing among Portlanders in autumn? Going to the 
I stumbled across a great blog entry this morning that recounts a visitor’s experience with some of the very best record stores here in Stumptown — 
