A weekend getaway to the fashionable Pearl District of Portland

The Pearl District is located in the Eastside section of NW downtown Portland and it is fast becoming known as the mini-Manhattan of the West Coast, but without the crowds and easier to get around. Its vibrant 100 block foot print is jammed packed with a vast assortment of art galleries, entertainment, dining, and shopping. The Pearl with its cobblestone streets and historic warehouse storefronts is the perfect weekend getaway even if it’s just a short drive from the suburbs.

Portland offers three hotels to choose from that are just blocks away from the Pearl and provide easy access to the Portland Streetcar Line which runs North and South through the Pearl. They are the elegant Governor Hotel, the old world charm of the Mark Spencer and the Hotel deLuxe with the allure of old Hollywood. Make sure you pick up the Pearl District Walking Guide from your Concierge.

The Pearl District is a great place to visit even without a specific plan of what to see or where to go, but if you want to focus on just one area then you might want to start at the gateway to the Pearl at the world famous Powell’s Bookstore, and then cross the street to the Brewery Blocks. This historic section covers five renovated blocks of the old Blitz-Weinhard Brewery that was originally built in the 1850’s. Some favorites shopping destinations are Anthropologie, Lucy and Sur La Table. As you walk around the Brewery Blocks you can’t miss smelling the great food at PF Chang’s China Bistro, but you might want to hit Henry’s 12th Street Tavern, well known for having the best Happy Hour food and prices anywhere in the Pearl. If you are looking for an upscale experience then you won’t be disappointed by Ten 01.

If you want to take in the art scene then you will be in paradise with over two dozen unique galleries to choose from, but don’t miss the Elizabeth Leach and Lawrence galleries.

If you are looking for some night-time entertainment then grab a concert and a local micro brew at McMenamins’ Crystal Ballroom or relax in the intimate jazz and blues club at Jimmy Mak’s. You can even squeeze in some culture with play by Portland Center Stage at the Gerding Theatre in the beautifully refurbished historic Portland Armory.

For those that want to venture further North for more great dining experiences then a must is Oba with its unique flair of Latin American and Caribbean Cuisine, and a visit to the Pearl would not be complete without enjoying a Sunday Brunch at Fenouil. This French restaurant is a local favorite that features a stylish ambiance that matches their scrumptious menu. Not listing a great seafood restaurant would be a crime for this Northwest city, and there is really only one and that is Bay 13. They are also known for outstanding Sushi served with their own specialty sauces. Make sure you get your reservations in early for all three of these hotspots.

There is one last stop that is a perfect place to pick up some exceptional treats to take back home to the kids or to your favorite co-workers and they’re open on Sundays. The treats are some yummy gourmet cupcakes at Cupcake Jones. They are baked fresh daily with their own specialty flavors and come in a cute mini-size or in a jumbo size with a decadent filling. Don’t worry about getting them home safely as either size will fit perfectly into their custom made plastic boxes as you head home, if they make it home.

You can count on leaving the Pearl feeling refreshed and revived with the sense that for a brief moment in time you went abroad without needing a passport or to learn the language.

By Linda Rae
A loft dweller in the Pearl