A local’s guide to Portland, Oregon: 10 top tips

Stock up on outdoor gear
Clothing giant Columbia was founded in Portland, and there’s no better place to load up with quality T-shirts, coats, walking boots and waterproofs – and perhaps a big suitcase or holdall to take it all home in – than the Columbia Factory Store in historic Sellwood. Not only are the two floors filled with items at rock-bottom prices – bundles of socks and pairs of ski gloves from $8 and hiking shoes from $15 – but spend over $100 and staff are apt to hand out another voucher for a further $20 – though this may only be valid from the following month, so time your visit(s) accordingly. Spend the money you’ve saved at Gino’s, a gorgeous Italian restaurant and bar round the corner on SE 13th St, where two can share vongole pasta or cioppino (fish stew) from $18.95. 1323 SE Tacoma Street.

Blurb printed in The Guardian, May 28, 2019