Neighborhood:
Downtown Like a cross between a copper candelabra and a four-way candy dish, they stand every couple of blocks downtown and tend to puzzle newcomers. (read more) Can I drink it? Hell yes! Those are Benson Bubblers, pushing up fresh drinking water for the masses since 1917. The iconic fountains—52 in all, plus 74 one-bowl variations—are a reminder of what makes Portland’s downtown lovable. While it’s still the center of political and financial power, it remains a livable place where you can find quiet street corners (sometimes a little too quiet for a major city) and, yes, a free sip of water. To get the lay of the land, gaze down from the 30th floor of the U.S. Bancorp Tower (lovingly dubbed “Big Pink”) during happy hour at Portland City Grill (111 SW 5th Ave., 450-0030, portlandcitygrill.com). Downtown’s heart beats at Pioneer Courthouse Square (Southwest 6th Avenue and Morrison Street). Culture-heads and foodies should make for the South Park Blocks, home to the Portland Art Museum (1219 SW Park Ave., 226-2811, portlandartmuseum.org) and the Portland Farmers Market (Southwest Park Avenue between Harrison and Montgomery Streets, portlandfarmersmarket.org) every Saturday from March 21 to Dec. 19. And for the terminally lazy, the MAX Green Line opens this fall, connecting Portland State University and Old Town’s Union Station. —James Pitkin
Upcoming Events
Friday November 27
Boutique Fantasque
Who can say no to charming ballet backed by a live orchestra? In a year of brutal budget cuts, the city’s pre-professional Portland Ballet has scored big by collaborating with the Portland State University Symphony. The two youthful groups will pair up Thanksgiving weekend for performances of the Rossini-scored Ballet Russes-in-a-toy shop classic
Boutique Fantasque. It’s classic, magical winter fare, complete with enchanted dolls and toy bayonets—and a good way to stave off a post-turkey day coma, come to think of it.
Call 1-800-745-3000 for tickets or visit ticketmaster.com. KELLY CLARKE.
Newmark Theatre, Portland Center for the Performing Arts, 1111 SW Broadway., 248-4335. 2:30 and 7:30 pm Friday-Saturday, Nov. 27-28. $18-$47.
