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# Portland is amongst the greenest of cities
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/portland-is-amongst-the-greenest-of-cities/
- Published: 2007-12-08T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-25T01:28:19.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: local, Downtown, #archive-import

*By CAROLE ORLIN SPECIAL TO THE D A I LY PRESSW* hat city do you think sees itself as “greener” than Santa Monica? If you answered Portland, Ore., you would be correct! In all fairness, they were green long before being green was cool. I decided I would be remiss if I did not include Portland and the northern Oregon coast on my list of magnificent destinations in the Pacific Northwest.

A smooth two-hour plane ride from LAX landed us at PDX airport, just a 20-minute ride to downtown Portland.

We checked into the chic Hotel Monaco in the heart of downtown Portland. This landmark building is newly revived, attractive, dog friendly (they have their own four-legged Director of Pet Relations, named Art) and is within walking distance to the famous Pearl District. The décor is best described as Anglo-Chinois influenced. I have to give the designer credit as the effect is somehow whimsical, yet calming and restful. The rooms have all the important amenities, but what really stands out is the quality of service. People are coming to expect the 32”plasma TVs and the Internet access, etc. What makes a hotel stand out nowadays is the service — this hotel’s strongest attribute.

There is a definite urban vibe in Portland, yet the people were uncommonly friendly. On two occasions as I was trying to read my Portland map, strangers came up and asked if they could help me!

Both the Pearl District and Nob Hill are musts for visitors to Portland. The Pearl District covers more than 100 blocks of dining, shopping, galleries and boutiques. Best of all, we discovered a treasure called Powell’s, the world-renowned city block-long bookstore. What a way to spend a day if you’re a book lover like me! There is so much to do and see in downtown Portland that I cannot possibly cover it all in one article. However, on top of most everyone’s list is the Japanese Garden. These tranquil gardens sit on five and a half acres and feature five different styles of Japanese gardens right in the city. They also offer a spectacular view of Mount Hood. Saturday (and Sunday) Markets in Old Town are another major attraction, with the offerings of more than 300 artisans! This is open from March through Christmas. It’s fun, food, music and local handcrafted works. A great way to spend a weekend afternoon!

Of course, fine dining is an important part of the Portland experience. We dined at the lovely Red Star Restaurant, which just happens to be located next to the Hotel Monaco. We met the exceedingly talented and tattooed chef, Tom Dunklin, who created the sumptuous menu. It was so intriguing that I admit I had a difficult time choosing a dish. How do you decide between wood oven-baked oysters, fennel sabayon, caviar and citrus cracker or halibut sashimi, citrus “sponge” puffed rice, jalapeño, and bourbon vinaigrette? Being the trooper I am, I did decide and was not disappointed! A wonderful meal, atmosphere and creative menu made for a great evening.

If you want a break from the city, you have many choices. One is a drive on the historic Columbia River Highway to the Columbia Gorge. This is a very popular place to hike or picnic or just sightsee. There are five waterfalls cascading over the Gorge. Another option, the one we chose, was to head west/northwest to the coast and the beaches. We had time to only visit two: Cannon Beach and Manzanita Beach. To say Cannon beach is breathtaking does not even come close to describing its dramatic beauty. There are nine miles of beach with huge seastacks close to shore. The largest one is called Haystack Rock, which rises 235 feel above the shoreline. This is a haven for everyone from hikers and bikers to birdwatchers. But be aware, according to the locals, it gets very busy and crowded in the summer. I have been to beaches all over the world,but never to a beach that compares to this.Well, possibly Rio; but this one is much closer!

As you see, the Portland area is yet another example of the natural wonders we have so close to home; really, no need to roam!

Carole Orlin

IF YOU GO HOTEL MONACO PORTLAND 506 S.W. Washington (www.monaco-portland.com; 800-711-2971

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/120807-09_01.jpg)

KEEPING IT NATURAL: Portland, Oregon strives to be as environmentally friendly as possible. (Photo: Photo courtesy)

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 8, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/120807.pdf?ref=smdp.com)