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pearl district
The Pearl District, a former industrial
section of northwest Portland, houses a thriving community of arts and
commerce. Best personified as "the artist," the Pearl District supports
galleries, as well as chefs, brewmeisters and designers who work their
magic in studios, restaurants, brewpubs and showrooms. Embracing the
brick-and-steel landscape left by heavy industry, locals have transformed
old warehouses into clever retail spaces, cavernous studios, eclectic
galleries and upscale lofts. Original cobblestone pavers, imported at the
turn of the century aboard sailing vessels, which used the stones as
ballast, still line many Pearl District streets.
Travel + Leisure magazine (January 2001) notes, "Trendy restaurants,
clothing shops, and art galleries are popping up along the streets in the
Pearl District, the next place to see and be seen in Portland, a city
reaching new levels of cool." Indeed, new discoveries are found with each
visit to this ever-evolving neighborhood. The fine European linen at
French Quarter, trendsetting threads at Odessa, and handmade paper at
Oblation Paper & Press are just a sampling of the Pearl District's
offerings. Powell's City of Books is one of the oldest Pearl District
entities. Recognized as the largest independent bookstore in the world,
Powell's spans a full city block and rises three stories to house its
selection of 1 million new, used and out-of-print titles. The store's full
calendar of literary events, its Rare Book Room, and the West's only
three-door elevator - built specially for Powell's - are just a few
reasons to visit.
The Pearl District hosts events such as First Thursday, a monthly gallery
walk (see "Works in Progress" section), and Art in the Pearl, an annual
arts and crafts festival held over Labor Day weekend. The Portland
Institute for Contemporary Art (PICA) now resides here in a remodeled
warehouse, adding to the Pearl District's important art scene (see "Exit
Stage Left" section). And getting around is now even easier with the new
Portland Streetcar linking the Pearl District with Nob Hill and downtown
(see "Bodies in Motion" section).
For a taste of the Pearl District: Try trés chic Bluehour for dinner and
nightlife; homemade soup at Little Wing Cafe; or a great margarita at Cafe
Azul. BridgePort Brewing Company, Oregon's oldest microbrewery, also calls
the Pearl District home. Hop vines adorn BridgePort's brick building - a
former rope factory - and in warmer months, the loading dock provides
outdoor seating for an eclectic clientele. BridgePort has become one of
Portland's most popular brewpubs and hosts an annual classical music
series - Chamber Music on Tap - that combines great music with beer, pizza
and audience-artist banter.
Schools Elementary School:
Chapman Middle School:
West Sylvan MS High School:
Lincoln HS.
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