Dog's Life
City Spotlight: Portland
By Mark Stuertz
It’s no surprise in a vibrant city with creative culture that having a ball with your pal is a cinch. Portland, Oregon is a thriving metropolis of tail-wagging thrills. Not only does this Pacific Northwest hub have some 31 parks dedicated to dogs—second only to New York City—Portland has a rich portfolio of buddy-buddy amusements.
From coffee shops to contemporary art, Portland offers a diverse landscape for you and your dog to explore. The “Portland Dog Bowl” in the city’s North Park Blocks is a nose-level sculpture with a cast-bronze dog bowl burbling water off to one side that allows dogs a chance to get a drink before further exploring this dog-friendly city. The Bowl was designed by celebrated Weimaraner photographer William Wegman as a doggie version of the Benson Bubbler fountains, placed around town in 1912 by philanthropist Simon Benson.
Lucky Labrador Brewing Company
Oregon is known for tasty craft brews. Why not enjoy the suds with your pal at your feet? The brewery’s mascot is a Labrador Retriever, so you know it’s pooch-friendly. Read its doggie reverence on the beer labels––Black Lab Stout, Dog Day India Pale Ale, and Top Dog Extra Special Pale Ale––while unwinding together on the dog-friendly patio.
915 S.E. Hawthorne Boulevard, Portland, OR 97214, 503-236-3555
www.luckylab.com
Portland Saturday Market
Portland Saturday Market––the largest continuously operated outdoor arts and crafts market in the nation––not only features more than 240 artisans, live music, and oodles of food vendors, it has a slew of pet-related booths with everything from doggie bandanas to waterproof fleece-lined dog coats. Enjoy buddy-buddy shopping escapades each weekend March through Dec. 24.
108 W. Burnside, Portland, OR 97209, 503-222-6072
www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com
Chimney Dog Park
Romp, leap, fetch, roll-over. You and your pal can lap up the fun over the entire span of this 16-acre park. An off-leash spread with meadows, shade trees, trails, and poop bag dispensers awaits you and your little explorer.
9360 N. Columbia Boulevard, Portland, OR 97203, 503-823-7529
www.portlandpooch.com/dogparks/chimney.htm
Oak Knoll Winery
Who says the two of you can’t share refined pleasures? This pioneering winery, which played a pivotal role in shaping Oregon’s international wine reputation, welcomes doggie participation. You and your buddy are invited to explore this Willamette Valley vineyard and picnic on the grounds. Oak Knoll is just minutes from Portland.
29700 S.W. Burkhalter Road, Hillsboro, OR 97123, 530-648-8198
www.oakknollwinery.com
Iron Mutt Coffee Company
A short drive from downtown Portland, Iron Mutt merges the love of a good cup of joe with canine affection. You: lattes, mochas, espressos, and scones. Your pal: complimentary water and biscuits, a custom enclosed outdoor dog run, and special treats and spoils for purchase. The two of you: Iron Mutt’s brag wall of customer pets, hand-painted animal motif murals, and pet portraits.
530 S.W. 205th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006, 503-654-9746
www.ironmuttcoffee.com
Forest Park
Love getting lost together in beautiful vistas? Forest Park is the place. Encompassing more than 5,100 acres, this park is the largest urban forest in the United States. You and your pal can roam through its massive tree canopy and browse its portfolio of 62 mammalian species and 112 varieties of birds. Stroll together through more than 70 miles of trails intertwining its lush, natural beauty.
NW 29th Avenue & Upshur Street, Portland, OR 97210, 503-823-2223
www.forestparkconservancy.org
