Introducing Compound Formula, our new feature created for seeing a city in one fell swoop. Recently, we traveled to the Pacific Northwest to visit family in Salem, walk the damp rocky beaches of the Oregon Coast, and hike the miles of the Silver Creek Falls trail. We also gave ourselves one day in Portland. One day you say? It can be done. In fact, lay a map over this diagram and you’ll see that the longest distance between these stops is six miles—perfectly feasible. But we suggest you start early. Here’s the formula.
Morning: Fill up on a smoked trout Pytt I Panna (Swedish Hash) or a traditional Aebleskiver (Danish Pancake) with lingonberry jam at modern nordic eatery Broder in Hosford-Abernathy. Then, head north to Burnside and Buckman to gander around at the chocolate wonders of Alma Chocolate, goods at Una and Sword & Fern, and, if open (Wed-Sun), the Nationale gallery. After, make your way up the east bank of the Willamette River to visit the curated collections of homewares and accessories at Beam & Anchor and Lowell. Follow with a quick walk about Mississippi Avenue to Pistil’s Nursery, Backtalk (which carries many local designers’ wares), and Worn Path. Finish the morning by heading southwest on the Fremont Bridge to step into yesteryear at Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. (Tip: They carry Falcon Enamelware sans the UK shipping/sales tax).
Afternoon: Travel south to the Pearl District to visit Tanner Goods, also home to the Woodlands shop and after, head down SW 13th Ave. to the must-visit Blue Star Donuts for a Passionfruit Cocoa Nib or a Blueberry, Bourbon and Basil treat. Once filled with sugar, skip down Washington to Frances May, then over to Bridge & Burn’s new brick-and-mortar store, Alder & Co and Canoe after. Finally, settle in for a small midday bite and a two buck mug of pilsner at Tasty N Alder.
Evening: Give yourself time—hours that is— to burrow the 3,500 section/nine color-coded rooms of Powell’s City of Books including the Rare Book Room and, if feeling boffiny, Building No. 2 which houses all things science and math. Brain overloaded, end the day with a proper supper and a Cat’s Pajamas nightcap (scotch, lemon, allspice dram, egg whites) at Clyde Common.
And there you have it. The compound formula to Portland. Special thanks to Hannah Sullivan for being our brilliant local guide.
