"Top 4" shopping areas in Portland
Portland is a dynamic city, with fabulous boutique hotels, hip coffee shops, and a thriving urban scene. Yet it wasn’t until last weekend that I discovered just how great the shopping is!
Portland delivers a new type of shopping experience in distinctive neighborhoods buzzing with activity. These neighborhoods exude warmth and character, with friendly boutique owners, vintage furniture stores, microbreweries, yoga studios, and authentic restaurants. If you’re seeking an alternative to the typical shopping experience in malls, and want to discover the true heart and soul of Portland, then head to one of the “Top 4” best shopping destinations in Portland described below.
#1: NW 23rd Street on Nob Hill: Start at NW 23rd and NW Thurman
Nob Hill is one of my favorite destinations, due to the wide selection of shops along 23rd Street, nestled amongst a charming neighborhood with grand Victorian homes. Nob Hill is located on the west side of Portland, within a stone’s throw from the Pearl District and Downtown. Set aside an afternoon to explore 23rd Avenue. Some of my favorite shops include Sloan Boutique, Idom, Galore Department Store, Free People, Souchi, Brooklyn Industries and Prana. If you’re looking for the perfect gift or home accessory, stop by Manor Fine Wares. Some of the best picks for brunch include Besaws or Papa Haydn on 23rd, or friendly Melt on 21st with yummy cupcakes and waffles.
#2: North Mississippi Ave: Start at Mississippi & Fremont
Historic North Mississippi Avenue is located on the East Side of Portland, across the NW Fremont Bridge. This trendy shopping district is located on an attractive street, with shopping gems such as Pin Me Apparel, Jet, Zahara Boutique, and Manifesto Shoes. When you’re all shopped out, stop for a sweet treat at cute Ruby Jewel Scoops, or indulge yourself at the decadent Meadow Chocolate and Wine. North Mississippi is also a wonderful destination for dinner, including the atmospheric “Interurban Publican’s Table”, and Por Que No Mexican restaurant.
#3: SE Hawthorne Blvd: Start at Hawthorne & 38th
SE Hawthorne Blvd has a grittier, more urban feel than Nob Hill or North Mississippi Avenue, and includes iconic landmarks such as Powell’s Books on Hawthorne, and the Bagdad Theater. On a Saturday morning this busy street is bustling with people, enjoying the company of friends at pubs or cafes, or hoping to snap up a bargain at a vintage clothing shop. The Crossroads Trading Company (gently using clothing) is one of those rare finds, where it’s possible to find top name brands at a fraction of the original price, in great condition. Some other great retail options along Hawthorne Blvd include Sloan Boutique, Imelda’s or Mink
#4: NE Alberta: Between 15th and 28th
NE Alberta is perhaps the quietest of the four Portland shopping districts, also located on the East Side of Portland, within short driving distance of Mississippi Avenue. The shopping is more spread out, but there are some lovely shops including Garnish, Tumbleweed, Suite 6 Boutique, and Billy Goat Vintage. The exquisite range of hip clothing at Abrahams & Duffy also deserves a special mention. For refreshments, stop by the Random Order Coffee House & Bakery, with scrumptious handmade pies, muffins and pastries.
Plan a shopping weekend in Portland
Combine a shopping weekend in Portland with a stay at a boutique hotel; including the luxiourious Nines or De Luxe, or the trendy Ace Hotel for hipsters.
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