By Aryne + Dulcinea, January 16, 2020
By Aryne + Dulcinea, January 16, 2020
Tucked away in the city’s south eastern corner is Portland’s Woodstock neighborhood. As one of the oldest established districts city-wide, Woodstock is surround by historic homes dating back to the 1880s. With ample access to shops and services, Woodstock is a great hub for its 10,000+ residents.
On any given morning, you’re likely to find a steady buzz moving through Portland’s Woodstock neighborhood. As one of Portland’s most walkable residential neighborhoods, locals frequent the heart of the district, which provides access to many amenities. On a grey, winter Saturday, families and individuals stroll the sidewalks seeking brunch, coffee and other delights. The breakfast options in Woodstock are plentiful, and easily walkable from the neighborhood center.
Disguised behind an unassuming façade is Bergerac, a local restaurant and brunch spot where fine South West France cuisine is crafted using locally-sourced ingredients. Another hidden gem is Toast. A local favorite that serves up delicious, unpretentious food at a reasonable price. If you’d prefer a lighter option, Papaccinos is spacious coffee shop with an authentically ‘Woodstock’ feel which provides standard café faire as well as a playful cereal bar. Other nearby coffee shops include Heart, Grand Central Bakery and First Cup Coffee.
There are many outdoor wonders to explore in the area surrounding Woodstock, including the Reed and Eastmoreland neighborhoods. If you’re prepared for the possibility of mud, the Crystal Springs-Reed Canyon hike is the ideal way to explore the area’s natural beauty. Walking west along Woodstock for half a mile will lead you to the stunning campus of Reed College. Here, you can walk the perimeter of the city’s largest natural lake, which rest in the secluded Reed Canyon, following the trail to its southwest exit near Botsford Drive entrance.
You can enjoy a mud-free version by by-passing the canyon and walking through the campus to this reach this point. Crossing 28th Avenue and heading south, you’ll reach the entrance to the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. This revered local attraction once operated as a rhododendron test garden. Visitors can enjoy winding paths of colorful foliage during blooming months and enjoy free admission from October 1st, through February 28th. The park also borders the Eastmoreland Golf Course and driving range.
Returning to Woodstock’s main commercial corridor, you can enjoy another caffeine hit from the charming Woodstock Chai cart. If you’re fortunate enough to be in Woodstock on a Sunday during the summer months, you’ll be able to enjoy stroll the community farmer’s market from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. For lunch, Otto’s Sausage Kitchen & Meat Market is a local institution that’s been perfecting their recipes since their inception in 1922. You can also grab a quick dish from the Fish & Chips Window at Portland Fish Market. Vegan and vegetarian options can be enjoyed at El Gallo Taqueria and Laughing Planet.
Residents of Portland’s Woodstock neighborhood take a great deal of pride in their neighborhood, which is evident by the robust offerings at the Woodstock Community Center. It’s worth taking a look at the calendar for events spanning athletics, plants sales, and potlucks. If you enjoy window shopping, you’ll find an eclectic mix of shops in the neighborhood center. These include Red Fox Vintage, Piccolina, LoneSomeVille Art Studio and Private Inn and the Garden Center at Woodstock Hardware. Additional entertainment can occasionally be found at the family-friendly Double Mountain Taproom, which has been known to host small concerts.
Woodstock is a wonderful place to be hungry, as the avenue is home to many locally-owned eateries. Some notable establishments include Nudi, Shoko Sushi and Bai Mint Thai Kitchen.
Woodstock doesn’t have a reputation as a late-night destination, but there are several places to cozy up for the night. For instance, Lutz Tavern is a dive bar and pool hall beloved for its down-to-earth ambiance and exceptional staff. You can also visit Proper Pint Taproom for a wide selection of craft beers.
Before leaving Woodstock, you should make a point to visit Cloud City Creamery. In a city full of artisan ice cream makers, Cloud City stands up against the competition. If you ask us, their Sea Salt Cookie Dough is reason enough to visit Portland’s Woodstock neighborhood.
What are your favorite Woodstock-based activities and attractions?