Wow! This was one of the most Portland events I've been to in a long time! The folks at Weird…read morePortland United have been producing the Weird Portland Gala for several years now, but Weird Fest has a fun, laid back vibe perfect for the entire family. In fact, Oaks Park is the perfect venue for this event in terms of parking, proximity to additional entertainment, food, etc. Weird Fest is an opportunity to dress up in your wackiest costumes, and mix and mingle with other artists, creatives and free spirits who love to Keep Portland Weird. Attendees will find lots of vendors selling everything from refrigerator magnets and magic wands, to elaborate costumes. The event offered lots of entertainment, including live bands, performances by The Unipiper, as well as appearances by Portland characters like Una the Mermaid, Broccoli Man, Elvis, and many more. We played a few rounds of Bingo, listened to some great music, and had a great time. I can't wait for this event next year!

Our family are huge fans of the TV show Grimm! During our recent trip to Portland, we made sure to…read morevisit a few of the show's iconic spots-- Nick and Juliet's house and Monroe's house. Monroe's place has been repainted since filming, so it looks a bit different now, but it was still so fun to see it in person and snap a photo of our little one in front of it. My husband even recognized the wooded park area where Nick ran through to get to Monroe's house. Such a cool experience for Grimm fans.

I love the show Grimm. all the actors are amazing. I miss the cast and the show. I was trying to f…read moreanother driver since Oregon is almost 2,500 miles from where I live on the east coast. I know I can't drive by myself there. but I hope I can find someone.

A hidden little gem…read more.. err...long, high GEM Definitely a local secret. The Skybridge connects OHSU University South Hospital and the VA Hospital. One of the best spots in PDX to get a brilliant view of the surrounding area and Mt. Hood as well. I definitely spilled the beans on this one...damn tourists! ;-) Hitch a ride on the Portland Aerial Tram for $5 to the top while enjoying the scenery and peaking into peoples backyards...lol, then take a walk across the bridge and enjoy all the beady of PDX! As of this review, there is no cost to walk across the VA Skybridge nor to enter OHSU or the VA Hospital. Just remember, not a whole lot to see on a cloudy day... You won't regret it!

The Skybridge between OHSU University South Hospital and the VA Hospital is a godsend for patient…read morecare. There are tunnels in the basement once used for patient transportation dating back to 1919, but one wrong turn and who knows where you could end up. I once ended up in the old psych ward after a wrong turn. The old whirlpool baths (with the arm restraints and canvas covers) would have worked quite nicely in an Alfred Hitchcock movie. I beat cleats to get back out of there - nightmarish enough to make the hairs on my arms stand up. Yikes. The "new" VA Hospital was built in 1988 followed by the Skybridge in 1993. The Skybridge is really very nicely done, but I don't have words to describe it, so I've attached a picture from the VA website to give you an idea. There are house phones at frequent intervals throughout the Skybridge (super handy if you walk over from the VA to the main campus and have to sign in to the OHSU Payroll Time system and not be counted as late to work). There are also benches throughout in case the walk is too long (660 feet). I really hope you wouldn't have to use them,, but if so there are first aid stations available up and down the length of the Skybridge. What's fun, if you will, is how much employees and visitors use it for recreation. Patients are wheeled across in wheelchairs or just cruise along getting exercise after surgery or prolonged bedrest. They want you up and out of bed as soon as possible to regain strength and to prevent DVTs, and of course it's far nicer to walk in a light-filled space with a dynamite view of Portland. I walked with my stepmom back and forth across the Skybridge while she was in the hospital for three months after her liver transplant. If you walk across when it's cloudy or foggy, it looks like the Emerald City from Wizard of Oz (and spectacular when it snows). Employees come and use it in bad weather to "mall walk" for exercise. I once thought it would be a great idea to sit on one of the benches and eat lunch and take in the view. I do not recommend this. The Skybridge is essentially a suspension bridge that sways back and forth during wind and any other movement and is probably one of the most secure places anywhere here in Earthquake Country. I myself did not fare well because the bridge is in almost constant movement; my stomach did not appreciate the constant movement whilst eating lunch, so I had to get the hell out of dodge before lunch and I parted ways. I never ate there again. OHSU and VAMC are so lucky to have a link like this for patient transportation and even recreation. It's faster to be sure and so much more cheerful and attractive. It makes all the difference in the world for everybody. Now all I have left to do is ride the aerial tram between the Old Campus and the newer South Waterfront and my OHSU experience will be pretty complete!

Environment: It was super busy but the area had high ceiling and had a bunch of seats for big and…read moresmall parties, too. Staff: friendly and attentive Food: 1. I got the spaghetti with meatballs and the meatballs were super tender and they give you 3 large big ones, too! The pasta was cooked nicely and the sauce was very good and mixed well! I guess one downside was that the meatball spices were a bit too heavy for me that I needed some water but other than that, it was good. 2. I was able to get a bite of my friend's tiramisu and it was really nice, soft, strong in flavor, and it was a nice slice that you can technically share with 3-4 people!

The people keep hyping up Monty's, so I was glad that I was asked out on a date here a few weeks…read moreago. Given how popular this place has remained, we were smart to arrive early and wait in line. Definitely bring an umbrella if you plan to do the same on a rainy day, we got soaked! Once the staff open up, folks are brought in and seated pretty quickly unless there is a wait. I really enjoyed the space, clearly converted from former warehouses or large workshops. The entry with the curtained off privacy is great for bad weather and also keeping guests seated focused on dining. We were thankful to sit at a window-side table, and, in the summer I imagine they open fully. The staff have good N/A and normal drink options for anyone, and we settled on a few of the N/A since we are trying to keep our intake down. After ordering calamari and our main meals, I was so surprised to see the size of the mains. The hostess confirmed that the vibe is more American-influenced Italian dining, which many families probably enjoy. Truthfully, a table for two would likely be comfortable with an entrée, main, and dessert to share.

There's no seating, but their pizza is in this reviewer's not-so-humble opinion among the very best…read morein a town that's known for excellent pizza. The sauce is subtle but *yummy*, the pure mozzarella is always nice, and the range of toppings is brilliant. PLUS they have local Mama Lil's peppers for a sweet/spicy addition. The cheesy garlic bread is a standout by itself. Definitely spend the $8 and if it's too much food, microwave it for breakfast! [I've been to each location other than Beaverton, and this review applies equally to them all -- consistency is a good thing when you 'za is so good!]

I ordered their chicken delizia pizza along with buffalo wings and I was super impressed!…read moreEverything was delicious and the staff was super friendly. Would definitely order from here again!

At the West end of the Tillikum Bridge is a art sculpture that looks like a large red balloon…read morebouquet. It makes me smile. This sculpture was the inspiration of artist Christian Moeller and it was named Aril. The idea that served as inspiration for this sculpture was the highly geometrical and abstract visual representations of molecular structures. Like a tree, the sculpture will consist of a trunk and branches made of cylindrical tubes holding one hundred colored spheres. Aril is tall at 40' tall. :-)

Aril is the sculpture near the western entrance to Tilikum Crossing, the new bridge across the…read moreWillamette River. Designed by LA-based artist Christian Moeller, the piece is 40 feet high and made of galvanized steel, powder-coated steel, and fiberglass. If you're there at the right time, the red orbs sparkle beautifully in the sun. I've heard people say this reminds them of an apple tree. I find it more evocative of a molecule, which would be fitting given its neighbor, the Collaborative Life Sciences Building.

Always hospitable, warm but casual ambiance, they even provide crayons for kids to draw. My fave is…read morethe Italian sausage pasta. A must have every visit.

It took me awhile, but I finally tried this Sellwood gem. The great vibe immediately captivated…read moreour attention. Tuaca Mule cocktail - balanced, just the right sweetness. Arancini - get 'em. Octopus - table enjoyed, great sauce for the soft warm bread. Caesar Salad - excellent, wow those homemade breadcrumbs! Strangely, they were out of anchovies. Bistecca - very good flavor, but wish it was more tender. Accouterments were a a proper compliment. A fair portion. Pesce - unlike the steak, it lacked in size. And not a fan of the Cannellini beans to round out the dish. Pasta on special (chicken) - pillowee soft, but a touch bland. Bundino - loved it! Service - efficient and polite, but they were moving so fast it kinda detracted from the experience. Meaning, they would drop a dish then almost sprint back to the kitchen or next table. High tempo, very uncalm. Props for working hard. Dining service is not a Portland thing, so not a negative. Parking can be a minor challenge.

What a sight to see! In a park where you feel like you are standing on top of Portland, This joyful…read moresculpture embodies its name. Truly. In this beautiful setting is an amazing addition. Located at Council Crest Park on SW Fairmont Boulevard, Pioneer Woman is a bronze sculpture and drinking fountain. It depicts a woman with her hair flying behind her, holding a baby in her outstretched arms. Its condition was deemed "treatment needed" by the Smithsonian Institution's "Save Outdoor Sculpture!" program in November 1993. I am unsure if anything has been done to improve the condition. I hope that they get the fountains working again.

Loved my experience at Gino's. Heard great things so I had to check it out. Made reservations just…read morein case it was busy, at 8pm on a Saturday,it was still busy so that worked out great. Love the dim light atmosphere, very romantic for some but also very family friendly. You can also sit outside. The bar was a plus, staff was very friendly always checking in us. Food takes a while to come out so try those appetizers they're delicious. Appetizer, we got the Clams best thing ever especially with that delicious broth. Main course, Cioppino "seafood stew",to die for,and Penne alla Vodka Definitely, a go to spot when family visits or just because.

When Gino's first opened, I lived right around the corner, and it became my neighborhood go-to…read morerestaurant. SO many years later (and me no longer living in Oregon), Gino's is still always on my go-to list when I'm in Portland. Sure, there are dozens of new places I could try, but you're not going to find a better meal than you will at Gino's. From the amazing pork chop, to a big beautiful bowl of mussels, to a perfect plate of pasta, you'll always find something to satisfy whatever you're craving. But here's the (not so secret) secret. It's called Grandma (nona) Jeans...and someone at your table should order it. Trust me. The moment it arrives, everyone at the table will be reaching over to grab a pepperoni slice, or trying to grab a rib (don't let them...if you order it, you get the ribs). You won't find a more perfect bowl of pasta anywhere. Mangia! You'll thank me later.

She is so beautiful! I remember when she was installed in just under two weeks. I could not even…read morebelieve what I was seeing when I turned that corner and there she was. I go to Akadi (delicious West African food) and parking is right there with a glorious view of the 'Attitude of Gratitude' mural featuring over 1,000 plants for her hair. She looks stunning day or night but I highly recommend dropping into this area since she looks even better in person and is one of my favorite murals in Portland.

Did you know you can review murals on Yelp?!…read more Maybe one of Portland's best recognized murals, "Attitude of Gratitude" is an incredible mixed media mural on the corner of SE Division and 9th. The is image of a woman in a pose of gratitude, with more than 1,000 plants for hair. There's an eclipse happening behind her, marijuana leaves on her waistband, the building owner's (SolTerra) logo is a pattern in her clothing, and the national bird of Cuba on her shoulder. She took 12 days for the artist, Fin DAC to complete. If you get the chance to stop by to see this and snap some pics, it's worth it! Lots of great shops, restaurants, breweries, and food carts in the area as well.