This is our second time in the Portland area and our first time really trying to navigate from west Portland across the river to east Portland...what a mess. As I told my wife it is like someone threw a handful of cooked spaghetti in the air and where the noodles landed is how the roads where laid out. It is so confusing that on four occasions my GPS was second guessing itself. I really loathe driving in this city.
Benson Bubblers...in 1912 a Portland business man donated $10,000 to the city in order to install some brass bubblers for the drinking pleasure of the city dwellers. There are now 52 of the "quad" bubblers and 74 of the single bubblers for our drinking thirst.
Jakes Grill is a city favorite for seafood, masking as a "McCormick & Schmick's".
Our taste buds gravate more to the food truck industry in Portland. There are more than 500 food trucks of every type of food you could think of.
Mexican
Egyptian and New York food
Of course there is Chinese food too.
I'm thinking this is European but couldn't get past the "trash" part of the food.
The guy with the sleeping bag around him following Donna hit up as many people as he could for change. I told him the previous 10 beggars got all my money and he'd have to start earlier.
Both times we tried to get some donuts from Voodoo Donuts and were shut out by the crowds. I really wanted to taste the "bacon maple bar"...sounded unusual.
Another "Portland" only is Stumptown coffee...very popular.
I saw about four of these sculptures downtown and found out they are lit at night, not that I would be downtown at that time to see them.
Portland has a current campaign that is called, "keep Portland weird" and I believe it is working.
Walked into this old western store and said hi to Brad and that's all it took. Brad gave us a 20 minute rundown on Portland, bums and western wear.
Brad had explained to us that the Portland Outdoor Store is the oldest in the area, its been open for just over a 100 yrs. Three floors of tack, saddles, hats, western boots and clothes.
Donna found a couple of cowboys full of life...ha ha.
Henry Pittock was the "Hearst Of Portland" having started the local paper in the 1900's and didn't even start the mansion with this great view until he was 72 years old in 1914.
Salty's Waterfront Grill on the Columbia River is one of Portland's popular stops to have an iced tea or drink overlooking the river on a nice day.
Donna looked high and low for a round barn in the Portland area and closest she found was this 8 sided barn in Hillsboro.
What she found was a barn that is currently used for weddings and banquets but next door was the real surprise.
This older looking building with the name CPR Distillery looked interesting. When I walked over to look inside, because the door was open, I could see this huge copper looking contraption on a brick hearth.
This 150 year old french still was bought by the McMenamins years ago with the thought of using it some day.
Bart caught me taking picture and then started giving us a run down on distilling brandy, gin and vodka. I do have to say that a lot of it went over my head but he was so enthusiastic at describing the operation I couldn't walk away.
It's great to see a 150 year old still in a 150 year old barn building.
Bart explained how some barrels are a one time use item and others are good for 50 or more years, these are obviously new Kentucky barrels.
Next before we leave the Portland area, will be a visit to the coast.
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