You can’t visit Portland without visiting two amazing districts, Portland’s Cultural District & Pearl District. Portland’s Cultural District is filled with incredible architecture and a unique blend of people. The District boasts a cultural experience that incorporates a little bit of everything. Par
ks, museums, 
statues and events give us insight into what makes this District great. Portland’s Pearl District is a combination of old and new architecture. Businesses utilizing old warehouses fill this area with incredible restaurants and boutiques. The sites and sounds are endless in this awesome areas of downtown Portland.
Sites and Sounds
The Oregon Historical Society has “High Hopes, The Journey of John F. Kennedy” currently on display. The building itself is absolutely gorgeous. The architectural design is amazing and seems to reach to the sky. The building depicts history in story form due to the variety of art directly on the building itself. Just across the way stands a statue of Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. “A Quest for Beauty” 
is on display at the Portland Art Museum. Setting the stage are street musicians playing a variety of cultural music. Most of all, you notice the diversity of cultures walking around this area. It truly feels like a melting pot within this district. If you get hungry, food trucks are abundant and definitely worth a look.
The S
hemanski Fountain
Finally, you can’t leave the area without stopping at The Shemanski Fountain, standing center stage within a park. Designed in 1925, it is also known as “Rebecca at the Well” because of the biblical personage Rebecca. Named for a local businessman, Joseph Shemanski who donated it as a way to say thank you for everything that the City gave to him as an immigrant. This bronze sculpture boasts two drinking platforms, 3 basins. One is for people and one is for dogs. Downtown Portland is a dog friendly area and the breeds of dogs are as diverse as the people you will see.
To learn more of the history of this piece go to https://foursquare.com/v/shemanski-fountain/4dc587a5d4c0ad9c0f8a7dec
The Pearl District
An eclectic mix of old and new architecture creates a unique ambiance when walking through this historic area of Portland. Old, abandoned warehouses are now home to some exciting businesses. You walk upstairs to reach one-of-a-kind restaurants that line the streets. Elevated above the street, it is a great place to grab an outdoor seat, try out a cool restaurant. 
In addition to the restaurants, you find unique boutiques that offer a variety of goods and services for sale. The Pearl District is up and coming, moving from old and abandoned to alive and thriving. In contrast you have industrial feel with a modern look. The vibe is inviting and as a result, it is a great place to grab a drink, eat some fantastic food and catch up with friends. Just a few corners down, you will find a historic hotel with a long and colorful history.
The Crystal Hotel
The Crystal Hotel is an historical icon. Under new management, the McMcnamins’ brothers, it is coming alive again. First of all, this 
hotel has a swimming pool in the basement! This historic hotel opened in 1911 and has been home to a diverse group of businesses. In 1940 it became a jazz nightclub popular to Portland’s “so-called underworld”. It has a rich history and as we walked the narrow hallways, it was a bit eerie. If these walls could talk, imagine the stories they could tell. Yet, you can’t help but walk the halls to see the pictures that line the walls. Located in the heart of downtown, this hotel is definitely a place you want to stay. In the midst of the Pearl District, within walking distance of the Cultural District you won’t miss any of the action.
Downtown Ambiance
Finally, walk the streets and you will find something for everyone. We love going to Powell’s Book Store and seeing what we can find. Each floor has a name and one could get lost if you aren’t careful. If you love shopping you will find a nice mix of boutiques, antique shops and brand name stores. Artisans are abundant in the downtown area with a nice mix of businesses. Ready to take a break, food and drink are abundant. I know you’ll find something new to try. As with every downtown area, you will find street people and some can be intimidating. There are still some areas that have not seen the updating, but don’t let that stop you from the experience. Be smart, alert and you will discover beauty in the ordinary!
Links
Lastly, if you want to find out more about some of the places that I’ve shared in this post, here you go!
The Oregon Historical Society – http://www.ohs.org/museum/exhibits/high-hopes-the-journey-of-john-f-kennedy.cfm
The Crystal Hotel – https://www.mcmenamins.com/crystal-hotel
Portland Art Museum – https://portlandartmuseum.org/