Portland’s Overlook neighborhood is aptly named, peeking out at the Willamette River from the bluffs of the Northern Peninsula. The area was partially settled in the 1800s as part of the former city of Albina. Significant development began in the early 1900s, when the streetcar lines and roads began expanding toward St. Johns. Since this time, Portland’s Overlook neighborhood has been subject to major transformations, serving as the home of the city’s first airport and undergoing extensive redevelopment to accommodate the creation of the I-5 freeway.
MORNING
Central to this this area is the thriving Interstate Avenue, which features the city’s northern-bound MAX line. The train is a great connecting point to the neighborhood’s many features. To start of your day, we recommend stopping by The Eisenhower Bagelhouse. Here, you’ll find a gourmet selection of boiled bagels, which are hand-pulled on-site for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy the bagel in-house, put take your beverages to-go. Moving westward along N Going Street will bring you to a chain of impressive lookouts, including Mocks Crest and Overlook Park. Looking out across the Willamette River, you’ll enjoy great views of the city’s industrial and urban West side.
AFTERNOON
Resting at the bottom the bluffs is Swan Island, a shipyard and primarily industrial area with a surprisingly charming beach area. It might seem out of the way, but on weekends, when McCarthy Park is free from the commuter traffic, the area is surprisingly serene and grants unobstructed views of the river winding through the Fremont bridge.
You can enjoy a bite to eat on Swan Island, as locally-owned Tilt offers intimidating sandwiches during lunch hours. Heading back to the central area of Portland’s Overlook neighborhood, you may also enjoy stopping by the renowned Fire on the Mountain for mouth-watering wings. (Even vegans will be satisfied with their inventive wing menu.)
Another standout in Portland’s Overlook neighborhood is the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center, a community arts center located founded by Portland’s first African-American elected official, Commissioner Charles Jordan. Converted from a 1910 fire station, the structure now offers a wide range of activities in its theater, art gallery, and dance studio.
EVENING
The evening is one of the best times to check out one of Overlook’s most charming features – it’s collection of vintage neon signs! Driving, biking or walking along Interstate, you’ll enjoy mid-century-style signs like the one pictured above at the Palms Motel. Located near the motel is famed institution, The Alibi, where locals and celebrities enjoy a vibrant karaoke scene and tiki aesthetic. Other favorite hangouts in Portland’s Overlook neighborhood include Spitz, The Old Gold, Garagiste Wine Bar and Up North Surf Club.
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Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped over 200 clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.