A Swell Girl's Guide to Portland, Oregon

Portland has evolved into a cosmopolitan metropolis, but still retains its vintage Pacific Northwest charm.

---

Before returning to Portland, Margot Bigg's globetrotting adventures took her to New Delhi, where she worked as a journalist and guidebook author.

---

photo courtesy of Sip Juice Cart
Sip Juice Cart's organic offerings range from juices and smoothies to vegan milkshakes and "steamed juice elixirs."

By most people's definition, Margot Bigg lives an adventure-filled life. As a travel writer and journalist in pursuit of a good story, she's dipped her toes into some far-flung waters, including those of a Tokyo onsen and freshwater cenotes in Mexico's Yucatan peninsula. She's even lived in England, France, and India, penning guidebooks and writing magazine and newspaper articles for the international press, though today, she calls Portland, Oregon, home. Here, Margot shares some of her favorite things to see and do in the City of Roses.

Favorite spot for Indian food: The snack counter at India Sweets and Spices in Hillsboro. It’s lacto-veg, but a lot of the food they have is “accidentally” vegan. 

Favorite café: Anna Bananas or Jim and Patty’s. 

Favorite Portland neighborhood: Multnomah Village. It’s one of the few places left that retains the old Portland ambience. It’s friendly and authentic.

Favorite bar: I don’t really go to bars, but I do like the all-vegan menu at The Bye and Bye. 

Favorite music venue: Alhambra Theatre, formerly Mount Tabor Theatre. I’ve seen dozens of artists there, most recently Israel Vibration and, before that, Gaudi.

Favorite place to get pampered: re:surface skin. (Aly is an incredibly knowledgeable and gifted esthetician.)

Favorite yoga studio: Wherever Sivananda Yoga is being practiced! 

Favorite juice bar: Sip Juice Cart at People’s Food Co-op—I love the Incredible Hulk smoothie. 

Favorite “Only in Portland” spot: Well, we have the world’s smallest park! It’s in an island in the middle of a pedestrian crossing. I’m told a leprechaun lives there.

Favorite weekend getaway destination: San Francisco! But if planes aren’t involved, then it’s a tie between Canon Beach or Breitenbush Hot Springs.

Favorite place to commune with nature: Marshall Park in Southwest Portland.

Favorite community organization: Northeast Emergency Food Program. They help feed a lot of needy people in an environment that fosters dignity and respect.

Favorite place to be when you’re not in Portland: India

Favorite bookstore: Powell’s 

Favorite place to take visiting vegans: Blossoming Lotus

Favorite Bakery: Sweetpea. Absolutely amazing stuff—they even do croissants!