DOCKSIDE JOURNAL ENTRY / August 10, 2018
Well, There Are the Goats.
If someone asks what gives Portland its friendly yet quirky reputation, goats come to mind.
Source: Lonely Planet
Portland was the epicenter of the pygmy goat yoga craze a few years back, and there’s a beloved community of 14 goats that is a must-see stop for locals and tourists alike. The latest on Portland’s goat craze? Goatgrams. A service where two dwarf goats show up with a bouquet of flowers, and eat it right before your eyes.
Of course, there’s a lot more to Portland than goats. It’s a unique, growing, and sophisticated city that’s surrounded by natural beauty. Its citizens are dedicated to “keeping Portland weird,” while building a serious international business base. It has a history that began with the Wild West, but never abandoned that can-do attitude.
Here are a few things we love about Portland, which makes it perfect as an incentive destination:
The Food The restaurant scene is one of the best collaborative efforts in the country. Dotted by small restaurants – and food trucks – run by passionate chefs, Portland has emerged in recent years as one of the hottest food scenes in the country. Fine-dining isn’t really a thing here. People here like to enjoy quality farm-to-fork food after a long day of hiking, without having to go home to change.
And there are donuts. Yum!
The Beer Portland is, quite simply, the epicenter of craft beer. With more than 75 breweries in the city, Portland has been dubbed “Munich on the Willamette.”
Source: Drink Portland
Beer not your thing? Willamette Valley, Oregon’s premiere wine-growing region, is just a 30-minute drive. Or visit Distillery Row in Portland’s eastside.
The Outdoors From the tiniest park (a glorified pothole), to gorgeous urban gardens, to the splendor of Mount Hood and beyond, Portland is an outdoor-enthusiast’s dream come true. Residents are active bikers, hikers, kayakers, rafters, and skiers.
The Arts Portland has long attracted a creative crowd. Today it is home to a robust community of multicultural musicians, theater, dance, and visual artists.
The Shopping No sales tax? Enough said.
Whether you’re interested in luxury brands, local designer boutiques (Portland has borne several renowned fashion designers), or handcrafts, there’s plenty of shopping to discover around town.
And then there are those goats. Don’t be surprised if you see a resident walking a pet goat through the neighborhood. It’s one way the locals “keep Portland weird.”
Want to learn more? Let SHW craft an inspiring and unique incentive trip for your group. You can reach us at info@shworldwide.com, or through our online RFP tool.
