America, the land of unlimited opportunities, sometimes seems to be a bit strange to us. Have you ever heard that the name of a city was decided by a coin toss? Portland, Oregon almost was allowed to call itself Boston, but it lost and nowadays is known for beer and roses. In the City of Roses, as Portland is also called, there are more breweries for the population than anywhere else in the country. On top of that, the climate is perfect for rose breeding and that is why every private and public garden is proud of the number of different rose varieties. In Washington Park there is the International Rose Test Garden with 7,000 rose species and 500 subspecies. The Portland Rose Festival in June attracts more than 500,000 visitors with the Floral Parade. On the other hand, the largest beer fair in the United States takes place here, where the smaller breweries in particular stand out with their new creations, such as raspberry beer. Although not for everyone, rose beer is supposed to exist.
Does that seem a bit strange to you? Then you haven’t learned about the “Keep Portland Weird” movement yet. In the beginning it was supposed to bring people to shop in the smaller stores, but now the matter is pretty much political.
Of course you can do more in Portland and the surrounding area than just drink beer and giving away roses as presents. Portland combines a liberal, urban flair with one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in North America over which the mighty Mount Hood looks over. From here you can drive to one of the many national parks in the area or visit the Yakama Indian reservation, but highly recommended is the coastal tour. So, grab a rental car and it’s off to the Pacific Ocean!
Your first stop should be Astoria, a cozy place where time has seemed to stop. Here is a great place to eat fish and watch the ocean liners go by. The town is full of Victorian buildings, which is why it constantly ends up being a scene in Hollywood movies. Just a couple minutes drive further south you will find the town of Canon Beach, a place for those that love living and surfers. It is known for its miles of secluded beaches – just perfect for a leisurely stroll. Those who want to can also rent a beach buggy and curve around the dunes.
Just a little further south you will reach the picturesque coastal town of Newport. Here you have the sea, fish market and marine museum all in one. You can still admire a real old port, genuine antiques and go to small seafood restaurants that the locals specialize in. It is also worth visiting the Oregon Coast Aquarium where less than an inch of acrylic glass will separate you from sharks.
You can spend a night anywhere along the coastal tour, because there are hotels are hostels in all price categories. From Newport you don’t have to go far before reaching the most famous seaside resorts in Oregon, Brookings and Goldbeach, and you’re almost in California once here. Should you want to go back into the urban arms of Portland, then make a stop at the Silverside National Park where you can find a 165 feet high walkable waterfall. Once you’re in Portland again and you find everything is a bit strange and weird then just remember that Matt Groening, a son of the city and creator of the “Simpsons” was inspired here. Who’s surprised? It’s beer and roses!
