Portland’s economy is booming. According to one estimate, the Oregon city will see a 40 percent increase in hotel rooms by 2020, and new businesses are popping up faster than you can say “Where have all the lumberjacks gone?” Here are some spots worth visiting on your next trip north.
1. EAT
For French food fans, a stop at Bistro Agnes is a must. The restaurant, owned by celebrity chefs Greg Denton and Gabrielle Quiñonez, focuses on Parisian classics, including cassoulet, beef short rib bourguignon and mussels marinière.
2. STAY
Be among the first to stay at the Porter Hotel, opening next month. The 297-room four-star facility has an expansive library, an indoor pool, a meditation spa and a fitness center. Even if you can’t spend the night, swing by the rooftop restaurant, Xport Bar and Lounge. It’s too early to review the food, but the expansive outdoor dining deck with panoramic views of the skyline and mountains won’t disappoint.
3. PLAY
While not technically new, The Portland Japanese Garden has undergone a $33.5 million expansion. This now-12-acre exhibit is considered one of the most authentic examples of a traditional Japanese garden outside that island nation. The massive undertaking includes a hand-chiseled and stacked-stone wall, which serves as the gateway to the garden’s new Cultural Village. Inside you’ll find three architecturally stunning buildings by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, along with the new Umami Cafe, where visitors cap garden tours with a traditional tea service.
This article originally appeared in Marin Magazine’s print edition under the headline: “What’s New in Portland“.
Dawn Margolis Denberg has worked as a professional journalist for 20 years. Her work has appeared in top publications, including Wired, Shape and Parenting. She has also written several books for children including, The Men in Black Agent’s Manual The Official Godzilla Movie Fact Book. And, most recently, an episodic audio series for Tales Untold.
