My first time ever in the USA and pleased that Portland, Oregon is my first stop. It may not have touristy sights but it more than makes up for this in being just a cool Town even with the soaring temperatures – friendly people, great stores, high green awareness – a bit of no logo heaven too as chain-stores are few and far between.
In the SE of the town where I’m staying I’ve seen a couple of Starbucks but otherwise there are individual businesses and an independent vibe prevails. ‘Keep Portland Weird’ is a slogan I saw on the side of a record store and this sums up the spirit of the town that prides itself in being different from the brash image in other parts of the states.
I’m not really in a position to make a full compare and contrast analysis but I’d be surprised to find an equivalent atmosphere in other towns.
There’s great beer, strong coffee, specialist teas and some other reasons to love Portland were submitted to a local newspaper:
“Liberals, gays, cafes, bikes, vintage stores, hot curvy tattooed chicks, big city resources, small city community, neighbors with chickens, great music scene, best American tango community” + “It’s like Amsterdam but cleaner and with better bud “
