Wanderlust: PDX Redux

Ah, Portland -- I love you.

What was a promising (but still-new) infatuation on my last visit has blossomed into a full-blown love affair.

I just can't get enough of this wonderful city, and I adore the fact that Portland has so much to offer -- including gorgeous scenery, incredible food, way more than its fair share of great shops, and thriving art and music scenes -- and yet still seems utterly without pretense. It's a city that embraces its funk, that relishes creativity, that truly seems to value its citizens and its place in the global community, and that's populated by amazingly nice people. (Fair warning, Mom -- I'm that much closer to packing up the moving van. I just need to convince Nick and the kids.)

I saw so much great stuff during this visit that I can't possibly cram it all into one post. So I'm planning separate entries to tackle a couple of Portland's best hotels, several of its dining and drinking options, and as much art , shopping, and craft-fairing as I could pack into my whirlwind six-day stay.

To whet your appetite, though, here are a few snaps from my most recent PDX foray:

Portland's circa-1891 armory now houses a performing arts center -- and is one of the only platinum-certified LEED buildings in the nation.

A "green roof" in the Pearl District.

Bronze statues in Grant Park depict children's author Beverly Cleary's beloved Ramona, Ribsy, and Henry characters. Several of Cleary's novels are set in northeast Portland, where the author grew up, and you can get a walking map of the books' locales at the Hollywood branch library. (My fellow blogger Elaine, of the hilariously raunchy I Could Kill Her, and her adorable Baby G joined me for the walk. It's always a little surreal to meet someone you only "know" via their online persona, but Elaine is every bit as feisty and funny in the flesh as she is on her blog.)

The circa-1920s Hollywood Theater, currently undergoing a major restoration, hosts many of Portland's homegrown film festivals.

The view of Fremont Bridge from the award-winning Tanner Springs Park, designed by the renowned Atelier Dreiseitl.

Did you even know that Portland has a Chinatown? I had no idea.

I do -- it's true.

Stay tuned for lots more on Portland!