Discover the Hidden Gems of Portland Oregon: Explore the West of Broadway Walking Tour

Are you ready to embark on a memorable journey through the vibrant streets of Portland? Join us on an exciting walking tour of the West of Broadway area as part of our Look Up America Series. Get ready to uncover Portland's best-kept secrets, immerse yourself in its fascinating history, and experience the unique charm of this captivating city.

Why Choose Walking Tours?

Walking tours are the perfect way to truly connect with a city and its culture. They allow you to go beyond the usual tourist hotspots and explore the hidden gems that you might otherwise miss. Portland, Oregon, known for its quirky neighborhoods and thriving arts scene, is undoubtedly a city that deserves to be explored on foot.

A Walking Tour of Portland, Oregon - West of Broadway (Look Up, America! Series)

by Pauline Frommer (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12077 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	43 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The West of Broadway walking tour is designed to take you through the heart of one of Portland's most diverse and enchanting neighborhoods. This neighborhood, located west of Broadway Street, is bursting with history, art, and an eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and restaurants. By walking through its vibrant streets, you'll get a true sense of the community spirit and rich heritage that defines Portland.

What to Expect on the Tour

As you venture through the West of Broadway, you'll encounter a tapestry of architectural wonders, picturesque streets, and beautiful parks. Each step will whisk you away to a different era, as you uncover the stories and legends that shaped this part of Portland.

First Stop: The Historic Pittock Mansion

Your journey begins at the iconic Pittock Mansion. Perched high in the West Hills, this stunning home offers panoramic views of the city and mountains. Step back in time as you explore this meticulously restored mansion and learn about the influential Pittock family who played a key role in Portland's development.

Exploring Washington Park

Walking down the hill from Pittock Mansion, you'll find yourself in the magical Washington Park. Spanning over 400 acres, this urban oasis is home to a variety of attractions. Stroll through the enchanting Japanese Garden, visit the Oregon Zoo, or marvel at the beauty of the International Rose Test Garden. There's something for everyone in this breathtaking park.

Discovering Powell's City of Books

No visit to Portland is complete without a visit to Powell's City of Books. Located on West Burnside Street, this independent bookstore is a paradise for book lovers. Lose yourself in the maze of shelves and explore thousands of new, used, and rare books. Whether you're searching for a specific title or simply want to soak in the ambiance, Powell's is a must-visit destination.

Unveiling Portland's Art Scene

As you continue your walking tour, you'll stumble upon numerous art galleries, public murals, and creative street art that permeates the West of Broadway neighborhood. Take your time to admire the vibrant colors and thought-provoking pieces that reflect the community's artistic spirit. From contemporary works to traditional masterpieces, there's art to suit every taste along this captivating route.

Sampling Local Cuisine

No walking tour is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. Along the West of Broadway, you'll find an abundance of delightful eateries and cafes serving up delicious dishes from diverse culinary traditions. From food carts specializing in international flavors to cozy cafes brewing artisan coffee, your taste buds are in for a treat as you explore this culinary mecca.

Immerse Yourself in Portland's West of Broadway

The West of Broadway walking tour is not just a tourist attraction; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the true essence of Portland. As you journey through its rich history, architectural marvels, artistic treasures, and mouth-watering culinary experiences, you'll walk away with a profound appreciation for this unique city.

So, put on your most comfortable walking shoes, grab your camera and join us on this unforgettable adventure. Discover the hidden gems of Portland Oregon's West of Broadway and let the Look Up America Series be your guide to exploring the heart and soul of this extraordinary city.

A Walking Tour of Portland, Oregon - West of Broadway (Look Up, America! Series)

by Pauline Frommer (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12077 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	43 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

There is no better way to see America than on foot. And there is no better way to appreciate what you are looking at than with a walking tour. Whether you are preparing for a road trip or just out to look at your own town in a new way, a downloadable walking tour is ready to explore when you are.

Each walking tour describes historical and architectural landmarks and provides pictures to help out when those pesky street addresses are missing. Every tour also includes a quick primer on identifying architectural styles seen on American streets.

On June 1, 1905 the gates swung open at Guild's Lake to officially kick off the Lewis and Clark Centennial American Pacific Exposition and Oriental Fair. There were exhibitions from 21 nations and 16 American states and admission was 50 cents for adults and a quarter for kids. The fair featured an amusement park, blimp rides and was the finish line for a much-anticipated transcontinental automobile race. During the fair's fourteen-week run more than 1.5 million visitors paid the entrance fee and another million fair-goers got in gratis.

Before the Lewis and Clark Exhibition Portland had grown from a village of some 800 settlers when it was incorporated in 1851 to becoming the major port in the Northwest by the end of the 19th century. The town could have been named Boston but a coin flip between pioneers Asa Lovejoy and Francis Pettygrove landed on the latter's hometown. Located at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers its deep water harbor helped Portland emerge from the shadow of its more established neighbor at Oregon City. But by 1900 Seattle, kickstarted by the gold rushes in the Klondike, was emerging as the Pacific Northwest port of choice since mariners didn't have to navigate the pesky sand bar at the mouth of the Columbia River.

The world's fair proved just the elixir the city needed. Not only was a profit realized, unusual for international expositions, but was a success as a showcase for the city as well. In the years following the Lewis and Clark Exposition the population of Portland more than doubled from 90,000 to 200,000 and the city never looked back. A building boom started that would last over 20 years, push the city core off the Willamette River and create much of the streetscape seen today.

Our walking tour of downtown Portland in the Southwest section of the city will discover small one- and two-building blocks and pedestrian-friendly streets and we will begin this exploration west of Broadway on a strip of greenspace that was provided for before Portland was officially a city and there was not town in sight...