Want to enjoy high end cuisine, outdoor activities, urban wineries, the finest craft beer, independent fashion designers, a city cycle ride or foodie walking tour, or even take a day trip to visit Oregon’s tallest peak, Mount Hood? You can, in Portland!
That’s the message from Travel Portland on the back of the announcement from Delta that the airline has resumed its direct seasonal flights from London Heathrow to the US city famous for its easy-going attitude, outdoors lifestyle and incredible food, fashion and music scenes.
The creative capital of the USA’s Pacific Northwest recently set up shop – literally – in London’s trendy Shoreditch, to showcase some of Portland’s most inspiring products as well as the people who design, create and celebrate them.
The #YouCanInPortland initiative featured a pop-up shop and a series of events, including talks with leading designers and entrepreneurs, all of whom were keen to celebrate the many attractions Oregon’s largest city has to offer.
That’s where Northern Ireland Travel News caught up with Larne-born Emma McIlroy, who, after moving to Portland, via London, thanks to her brand marketing job with Nike, now co-owns and runs her own ‘tomboy’ fashion brand for women, Wildfang. With a store in Portland and one in New York, Wildfang is set to launch soon in Los Angeles, and has already won fans in Debbie Harry and actresses Ellen Page and Evan Rachel Wood.
Northern Irish born-and-bred, but now a dedicated advocate of her adopted Portland home, where she’s lived for the past ten years, Emma is well placed to explain just why local travellers will fall in love with Portland as much as she has.
“Portland is a really unique place, I’ve spent the past decade of my life there and it’s really interesting to me for a number of reasons. It doesn’t have the ego of the other cities. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, so it’s a really relaxed vibe, which I love, and a relaxed pace of life.
“I also love having the mountains 90 minutes away and the coast 90 minutes away, so it’s a really outdoors lifestyle, but also a really relaxed city.
“Portland is also easy to get around, it’s smaller than many cities and it’s also great for all ages. My Mum and Dad love coming from Larne to visit me in Portland. So I think what’s cool is its appeal for all ages, because of how easy it is to get around and how it’s got a lot going on, but it’s also pretty small.
“Typically it also draws a lot a creatives, so the creative scene is really amazing. I also think that the Oregon wine scene is now going to overtake California and with farm-to-table restaurants, if you like good food, it’s a great place for you to be.”
The message is clear, no matter what it is you’d like to be, do, eat or drink – even if you’ve never tried it before – You Can, In Portland.
Delta’s non-stop flight from London Heathrow to Portland International Airport will operate four times a week until October 26, 2018 and you can find out more about the city at www.travelportland.com.
Top 5 things to do in Portland
Powell’s City of Books – the world’s largest independent used and new bookstore is in Portland. Filling an entire street block, it’s a city landmark where bookworms can happily spend hours, if not days, checking out its nine different rooms and more than one million books.
Portland Japanese Garden – one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan can be found in the scenic hills above Washington Park. A great place to relax, it covers more than five acres and features streams, amazing city views and a traditional Tea House.
Portland Art Museum – the oldest museum in the Northwest is situated in the heart of Downtown’s cultural district. Its permanent collections showcase everything from Native American Art to an outdoor sculpture court.
Portland Saturday Market – a feast for the senses, not just the stomach, this is America’s largest weekly open-air arts and crafts market. This is the place to go to pick up unique souvenirs and gifts, hear live music and sample the treats available from those famous city food trucks.
Washington Park – as well as finding the Japanese Garden here, the park is also home to the International Rose Test Garden, Oregon Zoo and the Portland Children’s Museum and also features a large playground, tennis courts and archery range.
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