In Praise of Portland

	In the Shadow of Mt. Hood
	Photo: Brent Bradley

Portland, Ore., is a city of contrasts.

In the shadow of snow-capped Mount Hood, its downtown civic center is stylish and urbane.

Bisected by the Willamette River and the 10 super structures that bridge it, the city limits also embrace miles of hiking trails and the largest forested urban park in the country.

As well-known as it is for its craft breweries -- there are 29, including six of the 25 largest in the country -- Portland is also a draw for wine connoisseurs and aficionados.

Restaurants, wine bars and European-style bistros shine with acclaimed selections from vineyards throughout the Columbia Gorge and nearby Yakima and Willamette Valleys.

Portland also hosts an exciting culinary scene that's literally all over the map. Here, you can find a wide range of authentic ethnic restaurants, trendy fusion venues reflecting the personalities of their chefs and patrons, as well as internationally praised fine dining.

There may be no greater contrasts, however, than Portland's assortment of small, accessible neighborhoods. ...