Portland’s Chinatown, Old Town and Saturday Market

The splendor of a big city can be seen in its tall buildings, art museums, entertainment complexes and shopping destinations. The charm of a big city can be seen in its older, historic districts. A short stroll from the downtown business center is Portland’s Chinatown, Old Town and Saturday Market.

Start your visit of vintage Portland at an attraction loved by both tourists and locals. Portland Saturday Market sports a new look. Once located under the west end of the Burnside Bridge, the Market now extends to Tom McCall Waterfront Park and is open Saturdays and Sundays from March until late December. Arts, crafts and food are available for sale at the open-air market, which you can enter at First and Ankeny.

Enjoy the wide selection of vendors, including Circles of Steel, where you’ll find expertly crafted steel mosquitoes, dragon flies and lady bugs. The Spoiled Cat has an assortment of gourmet catnip toys. Drop by Doodlebug Duds and purchase handcrafted pet products. Metalart by Swan specializes in life-size stainless steel metal sculptures, including the winged heron and brown pelican.

The true beauty of the Market can be found in its proximity to the Willamette River. As you cross Naito Parkway, glance to your left and see the iconic "Made in Oregon" sign. After a bit more shopping, walk up a few steps and discover the scenic Willamette. Stop for a moment and watch the river traffic. On the east side of town, you’ll see the Rose Garden, home of the NBA Trail Blazers and the twin spire towers of the Oregon Convention Center.

Head to the food court and sample menu items from around the world. At Express Sandwich you can order a Philly Steak & Cheese sandwich loaded with thinly-sliced beef, bell peppers, onion and parmesan cheese sauce. It’s a drippy treat, so be sure to nab extra napkins. Beirut Café sells pocket sandwiches while Angelina’s Greek Cuizina features gyros and a Greek salad. [img_assist|nid=1087|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=250|height=217]

A short stroll from Saturday Market is Chinatown. Begin your journey at the Chinatown Gateway at NW Fourth and Burnside Streets. This colorful, opulent structure features a pair of lions and 78 dragons. Bring a camera and escape daily stress by visiting the Portland Classical Chinese Garden at Third and Everett. The beauty of China can be seen in the Courtyard of Tranquility and the Tower of Cosmic Reflections, which features a teahouse, operated by the Tao of Tea. Enjoy green teas, steamed dumplings, pickled bamboo shoots and music at the teahouse. On your way out, stop by the Chinese Garden gift shop filled with interesting souvenirs, hand-painted folk art and jewelry.

You’ll find a great mix of gift shops and restaurants in Chinatown. Dragon Art Gift Shop, at Third and Everett, offers clay incense burners, fortune cookie purses, clothing and Xiang embroidery. Across Everett Street is Great Era Oriental Imports, where you’ll find colorful chopsticks, wall scrolls, dragon fans and painted tea pots and cups.

If all this shopping reignites your hunger, visit the Golden Horse Seafood Restaurant. The six dollar lunch special includes the soup of the day, egg roll, BBQ pork and fried rice.

As you exit the Chinatown Gateway, you’re only a short walking distance to the historic Old Town district. At Ankeny Plaza, observe the charming Skidmore Fountain, the oldest piece of public art in Portland, which debuted in 1888. A few steps from the fountain, read about Captain Alexander P. Ankeny (1813-1891), who built many brick and cast iron buildings in the area, including the Ankeny Block.

On Second Avenue, The Monkey and the Rat is a splendid shop featuring "fine & friendly objects from faraway places." Shop for teakwood furniture, hemp dragons, traditional Thai cushions, silk textiles and Thai silver jewelry.

If you’re in need of a quick sugary boost, visit the funky Voodoo Doughnut. This Third Avenue favorite, located in a space roughly the size of a large closet, offers a rapidly changing menu. Some recent offerings have included the McMinnville Crème and the Voodoo Bubble doughnut. Voodoo also offers wedding ceremonies, performed by ordained ministers. After you get hitched, consider taking lessons in Swahili….yet another service by Voodoo that has attracted national attention.

For a modest donation, visit the Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center for an introduction to the early history and culture of the city’s Japanese American community. Located on NW Second, explore Executive Order 9066, issued by President Roosevelt following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The decision forced the internment of over 110 thousand people of Japanese descent. Several photos depict Portland’s assembly center. As you enter the museum, observe the replica of Japan Town in 1940.

Wrap up your perfect day at Old Town Pizza on Davis Street; just a short hop from Naito Parkway. Order the "House Special" pizza. If you only have time for a snack, try the scrumptious garlic knots. Made with pizza dough, these treats are sprinkled with garlic salt and served with either olive oil or marinara.

Easily reached by MAX light rail, Chinatown, Old Town and Saturday Market offer a splendid shopping and dining experience. It’s also a nifty way to learn about Portland’s early history.

What and Where:
Portland Classical Chinese Garden (NW 3rd and Everett; 503-228-8131)
Dragon Art Gift Shop (301 NW 3rd Ave; 503-223-3388)
Great Era Oriental Imports (239 NW 3RD Ave; 503-222-3636)
Golden Horse Seafood Restaurant (238 NW 4TH Ave; 503-228-1688)
The Monkey and the Rat (131 NW 2ND Ave; 503-224-3849)
Voodoo Doughnut (22 3rd Ave; 503-241-4704)
Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center (121 NW 2ND Ave; 503-224-1458)
Portland Saturday Market (www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com; 503-222-6072)
Old Town Pizza (226 NW Davis; 503-222-9999)