Every city has a fringe, but Portland maintains an unusually visible odd streak. From a fiercely independent music scene to clowns riding tall bikes and marching bands on stilts, Portland prides itself on its quirky nature. Here are a few of the annual festivals that give the Rose City its unique atmosphere.

Many cities pride themselves on a certain regional meal. Philadelphia has cheese steaks; New York has pizza; Seattle has Pan-Pacific fusion. We have brunch.

Not far from Portland is a healthy town and one that Jack Kerouac hailed from. That town is called Eugene! On my Pacific Northwest road trip, we were told to stop in Eugene on our way home. Good thing we listened as there was much to grub on and I'm going to share all the info with you now!

Oregon’s Dundee Hills in the central Willamette Valley is ground zero for the states famous pinot noir. With over thirty wineries and vineyards located across 2,000 acres, the area offers well-known producers like Erath and Argyle, cult wineries like Cameron and lots more offering stellar wines and all of this comes with phenomenal vineyard views.

Work dogs in pickup truck beds are an everyday sight in downtown Joseph, a ranching community in northeastern Oregon. But on January 13th, Main Street gets overrun with a whole different breed. That’s when over 100 sled dogs come to town for opening day of the Eagle Cap Extreme.

Portland has recently gained a trendy reputation, yet it remains a small city with a quirky mentality. Portlanders love good food, but ask a local and you won't hear tales of fancy steaks. More likely, they'll direct you to a nearby street corner, where the smell of grilled peppers drifts out of an Airstream trailer. Plop down at a picnic table and keep an open mind. Some of Portland's best food is street food: cheap, accessible, and diverse. From tacos to waffles, this unique cart culture will have you eating like a Queen on a peasant's budget.