The Pearl District

In the last 10 years, the Pearl District, a former industrial section of Northwest Portland, has metamorphosed into a thriving community of artists’ lofts, urban parks, galleries and restaurants. Embracing the brick-and-steel landscape left behind by heavy industry, locals have transformed old warehouses into clever retail spaces and opened such hip dining establishments as Ristorante Fratelli, Manzana Rotisserie Grill, Bluehour and Pho Van.

One of the most intriguing Pearl District transformations is evident at Aequis Spa. The nondescript warehouse stairs that lead to Aequis’ second-story location could cause visitors to wonder if they are in the right place. But like Dorothy stepping into a Technicolored Oz, they’ll be amazed at what lies beyond the spa’s front door. Candles, incense and dark velvet draperies create an other-worldly sanctuary where skilled practitioners specialize in Eastern-inspired Ayurvedic spa treatments.

Pampered travelers will also find exotic, old-world ambience at Nirvana Apothecary & Day Spa, where spa treatments can be accompanied – at the customer’s request – by belly dancers, a tarot card reading or a gourmet lunch. After a day of shopping the Pearl’s boutiques, there’s no better way to unwind than to sink into a Moroccan-style throne for a relaxing Nirvana pedicure.

Such additions to the Pearl have not gone unnoticed. In 2001, Travel + Leisure magazine noted that “Trendy restaurants, clothing shops, and art galleries are popping up along the streets of the Pearl, the next place to see and be seen in Portland.”

Perhaps the best time to be seen in the Pearl is on the first Thursday of each month. During the aptly named 1st Thursday Gallery Tours, the Pearl’s art galleries stay open late to showcase new exhibitions amidst a street-party atmosphere.

And what better way to cap an evening of gallery hopping than with dinner in the Pearl. The same artistry evident in Portland’s galleries is also finding its way onto diners’ plates. Manzana, one of the Pearl’s newest dining additions, is making a name for itself with its rotisserie chicken and fresh salmon. Bluehour, whose name refers to the twilight time during which French lovers would tryst, has a chic, seductive atmosphere. Nearby, Piazza Italia is a happy, casual Italian deli.

Visitors to the Pearl can even pick up a few new culinary skills to take back home. In Good Taste, a cooking school fronted by a gourmet retail shop and café, offers lessons that cover everything from perfect pasta to cookie decorating for kids.

The Pearl’s most famous icon, however, is undoubtedly Powell’s City of Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore. Powell’s encompasses an entire city block and rises three stories to house its selection of one million new, used and out-of-print titles. The store’s full calendar of author readings and other events – as well as the Rare Book Room – are great reasons to visit.

Reaching Powell’s – as well as any other Pearl District establishment – is a breeze on the new Portland Streetcar, which links downtown Portland’s hotel core with the neighborhood.