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One Saturday morning in Portland's Pearl District, I asked the first person I could find if a Starbucks was nearby. I needed my fix and thought the whole Portland's-near-Seattle thing meant that the "green goddess" was cool here. Bad idea. Portland takes its coffee seriously, and I was instantly labeled an amateur. The city's also serious about its support of independent local businesses, which is why the artsy Pearl District thrives. Whether you favor vintage or modern, you'll find it in the Pearl.
The offerings of Portland provide a crash course in coolness—downtown bustles with the energy of an alternative crowd, yet miles of green parks and the winding Willamette River temper the city scene. After one weekend of walkable shopping in the Pearl (see our map at left), exploring urban Forest Park or pristine Mount Hood, and taking in the city's eclectic dining and nightlife, you'll leave with a new attitude of hip. You'll also probably leave with a heap of stuff for your home. Fortunately, after my initial coffee gaffe, I was ushered to nearby Pearl Bakery on the corner of Ninth Avenue and Couch (pronounced "Cooch"). I suggest that you, too, start your day of retail therapy here, and indulge in a fresh almond croissant or petite brioche and coffee to go.
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