Portland, Oregon, "the city of roses," rests along the Willamette and Columbia rivers. It beats to its own bohemian rhythm, and has been referred to as the most environmentally friendly or "green" city in the United States. From buildings to food, almost everything is organic or sustainable.

Tri Met is the public transportation service that makes it easy and convenient to get around just about anywhere in Portland, even to the airport. For the wheelchair traveler, some of the doors to the Tri Met are clearly marked to be accessible by a button with the universal wheelchair symbol. All one has to do is press it and a the door automatically opens and a ramp comes out; read more on accessibility

There is an interesting variety of businesses in Portland. Upscale malls, like the Pioneer Place (above left &middle photo), holds the biggest names in fashion as well as fine jewelry by local artisans. In addition, one will find unique boutiques of all kinds along the streets, like a Russian Gallery. Stop by one of the food or beverage stands located all over the city (below middle photo). With so many kinds of cuisine to choose from and an affordable price, they are loved by locals. If you are really feeling adventurous then perhaps you would be open to getting a psychic reading or hit up one of the many strip clubs.

Besides coffee and tea, Portland is known for its large number of micro-breweries and micro-distilleries, like Rogue Ales (above left photo) and Jake's (above right photo). Rouge Ales offers distillery tours at 2pm Monday-Friday or by special request.

Portland Art Museum is the oldest museum on the West Coast and is internationally recognized for its permanent collection and ambitious special exhibitions, drawn from the Museum’s holdings and the world’s finest public and private collections. The museum is wheelchair accessible, equipped with ramps like the one shown in the above right photo and restrooms; read more on accessibility.

Park Street is located not too far from Pioneer Square and is a beautiful neighborhood with old trees that align the streets. Running right up the middle of Park Street is literally a park with statues and a rose garden. On either side of the street are local cafes, restaurants, pubs, museums, and historic buildings.

Pioneer Courthouse Square is a huge outdoor venue hosting over 300 events each year but on a day-to-day basis it is known as the "living room." Over 25,000 people pass through the square and many stop to hang out with friends and have coffee, play chess, or have a music jam session. Some take advantage of the traffic and try to make money while playing the violin.

Harbor View Park

The Nines Hotel (above and below photos) is a luxury hotel set right across from Pioneer Square. Within feet are stops for Portland Oregon's public transportation system, which is convenient for a wheelchair traveler with a light amount of luggage The staff is extremely courteous and all about customer service. While you stayed at the hotel, you were provided with a key that allowed you alone to access the elevator and your room. The handicapped room that was available did not have a roll-in shower but the bathroom itself was very large. The sink was not adequate to roll under for a wheelchair user, which made it difficult to use the sink. The hotel could provide a light-weight shower bench to go a long with the hand-held nozzle. A phone was even placed near the toilet (below photo) if there was an emergency or otherwise. If driving, the whereabouts of the parking garage or situation is unknown.

The Urban Farmer (below photos) is an artistic yet organically decorated restaurant inside The Nines Hotel. Everything one the menu is made from sustainable growing, which makes it healthier for you and yummy too. Everything on the menu looked good as well as when servers carried entrees to various tables. Being that the Urban Farmer is so tasty makes it a popular restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; reservations are recommended but there is a large waiting area. There is a fairly large bar but there is no area that has been adjusted for the height of someone in a manual wheelchair. However, this was a very popular nightlife location.