Touted as the world's largest independent bookseller, Powell's is the word-lover's El Dorado. Seriously, they have everything. I've also decided this is the best place in North America to pick up an intellectual for a drink-date.
2. The People
Soooo friendly! And I've decided also very educated. All the employees at our hotel list their favorite artist on their name tag. One of the women who works the front desk has listed William Hogarth -- now to name Hogarth as your favorite artist means you have had more art history than art hum and are very likely a print nerd. And then everyone wants to talk to you when they meet you. It's almost a little unnerving how nice everyone is... especially when you're a new yorker. So far, I've had more lengthy conversations with strangers in two days than I have in Manhattan in a year. I swear, we almost hug before we say good-bye.
3.The Hotel Monaco
Whimsical and comfy, boutique but not snobby, this has fast become one of my favorite hotels in the US (and I'm a frequent frequenter of Fairmonts, Four Seasons and Ritz Carltons). The decorators are not afraid of highly-saturated hues, particularly in the public spaces which invoke 19th century orientalism but with a sleek, modern finish that prevents it from feeling garish or ornate. The staff is typical Portland friendly and extremely knowledgeable. A small bureau in our room was faced with the portrait busts of the West's greatest philosophers -- basically, the Core's greatest hits list. Every day from 4-6, there is a complimentary wine tasting in the lobby area that features local Oregonian vintages. The hotel is also pet friendly.
4. Art
Portlanders love art and are proud of their artists. It's everywhere -- even the public drinking fountains are sculptural. Portland has an active gallery scene and a well-respected museum. In NYC, "art lovers" are hipsters who love to be seen, who sport skinny jeans/tights with rayban sunglasses and wear layered haircuts with oversized 5-year-old style bangs. In Portland, it seems everyone is an art lover -- hipster jeans or no.
5. James Lavadour
This is really a follow up to #4, but Lavadour is so amazing that he requires his own number. He is my favorite contemporary artist, hands down. I had the opportunity to hear him speak about his work at an artist's symposium back when I was working at the NMAI in 2007. Luminous and organic, his ephemeral landscape paintings depict no specific locations. The geological structures appear out of the veil of paint like ghosts.
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