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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

• Heathman Restaurant and Bar Food
• Portland Farmers Market Food
• Ben & Jerry's Food
• Artists Repertory Theatre Stage
• Winningstad Theatre Stage
• West End Theater Stage
• Oregon Children's Theatre Young Professionals Studio Theatre Stage
• Portland Actors Conservatory Stage
• The Firehouse Theatre Stage
• CLOSED Veganopolis Outdoors
• Pine Street Bistro Live Music
• Alessandro's CLOSED Live Music
• Alexander's CLOSED Live Music
• Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall Live Music
• ArtBar & Bistro Live Music

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