Long renowned as an artistic and logistical hub of the Pacific Northwest, Portland boasts a thriving population of nearly 570,000 people. The city was founded in 1851 as a small settlement and has since grown into one of the most progressively engaged centers in the United States. The relatively temperate climate may be rainy but it is perfect for growing innumerable lush plants — particularly roses. To that point, every year, Portland hosts The International Rose Test Garden, a most striking landscape feature.

Portland is also an impressive center for art and architecture. The Portland Art Museum, for instance, contains one of the United States’ most impressive contemporary art collections. You can also head down to the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art (PICA) for more exhibits and eccentric activities for the whole family. If you are a music and dance lover, you will definitely want to get tickets to hear the Portland Opera and Oregon Symphony. The Portland region has brewed (and continues to brew) an array of exotic musical acts and fringe film experiments. One of the region’s latest underground stars is Holcombe Waller (a.k.a. Mike Sagalowicz), a Palo Alto native and Yale University grad who has won rave reviews in local music circles.

Nature lovers can enjoy the seemingly boundless wilds of greater Portland. For more structured nature-exploring, check out the Portland Classical Chinese Garden. If you’re an extreme sports fan, visit Gabriel or Burnside Skate Park to see some amazing hard-hitting street action. Basketball fans might check out the Portland Trailblazers.

Whether you are a Portland native or an eco-tourister to the region, you can use this site to learn a little bit more about the city. Check back here for listings for lawyers, hotels, Portland restaurants, and other eccentric city attractions. The site’s links are regularly reviewed and updated to make sure that you have an efficient and easy investigation of Portland’s greatest delights.