Portland, Oregon
There aren’t many places on the map that can provide a semi-big city feel with an indie twist, but Portland, Oregon pulls it off. It’s a city that embraces small business and the art community, a haven for quirky and distinctive personalities.
Looking for another reason to visit Portland, did you know there is no sales tax or food and beverage tax? Farm-to-table cuisine is a huge movement here, as are affordable food cart parks. Locals and visitors flock to the famous Voodoo Doughnut. Portland also has a big craft-brew scene, and lately, distilleries. Distillery Row has 11 distilleries making everything from absinthe to ouzo, brandy, spirits.
Portland prides itself on being green. In 2012, its eco-friendly streetcar is being extended to the hip east side. The city is also an exceptionally bike-friendly and the first U.S. city to implement car sharing.
To get a taste of Portland’s love for small, independent businesses make sure to check out Powells, the largest independently owned bookstore in the country.
