It’s doubtful that any independent donut shop could compete with Portland’s Voodoo Doughnut shops in terms of popularity. Furthermore, even most chains haven’t achieved the same sort of pop-culture recognition that Voodoo Doughnut has. Featured in shows like Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations, Man v. Food, and Attack of the Show, Voodoo Doughnut was also featured as a destination in The Amazing Race and even made an appearance on The Simpsons 20^th Anniversary Special In 3-D! On Ice! But just what is it that makes the Voodoo Doughnut shop so special? Before even getting to the menu, one answer might be the pride that Portlanders take in it. Mayor Tom Potter made the Portland Cream (a Bavarian-cream-filled donut with chocolate frosting and two eyes) the “Official City Doughnut” in 2008, and thanked the owners for providing jobs and pride to Portlanders. Another unique feature is the alternative service Voodoo Doughnut offers: legal weddings. If you’ve ever wanted to tie the knot with a donut party for reception, this is probably your best bet. Read the rest of this entry »

Aesthetic tastes have changed over the decades, but for more than 100 years, one thing has remained constant in Portland’s art world: the Portland Art Museum. Founded in 1982, it is the oldest museum on the West Coast and the 7^th oldest across America. Not content with just one record, the Museum also stands at 240,000 square feet as one of the 25 largest art museums in America.Beginning with an exhibition of casts of Greek and Roman sculptures, the museum added a painting by Childe Hassam in 1908 and hosted an exhibition of modern art by painters like Cezanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin, and others in 1913. This helped set a standard for the museum’s exhibitions: introducing modern artists in the prime of their work. One of the museum’s current exhibitions, “The Bible Illuminated: R. Crumb’s Book of Genesis” is centered around alternative comic artist R. Crumb’s re-imagining of the first book of the Bible. Read the rest of this entry »

There are plenty of reasons to get married in Portland, even if you’re not a local. As the “greenest city in America,” there’ll be plenty of fresh air for your guests. With a thriving music and culture scene, your guests will have a fine time enjoying themselves after the festivities are over. Perhaps the best recommendation for a wedding in Portland, however, is that Charlotte’s Weddings and More will be there to help you out. Read the rest of this entry »