Just out., October 01, 2012, Page 36, Image 36

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in our swank hotels. If you are
into people watching, check out
Pioneer Square - Portland's "living
room," especially on a sunny day.
NORTHWEST
Between West Burnside and NW Upshur,
from NW 15th to NW 26th
Back in the day this was the "gay
neighborhood." Since then, we've
spread out across the city but
Northwest is still a favorite for
grabbing a coffee, cool shopping,
great food and enjoying the ambi-
ance of Nob Hill. It's our Green-
wich Village, some think.
PEARL DISTRICT
Between West Burnside and NW Overton,
from the NW Broadway to NW 15th
L
G
B
T
Q
Oregon
WHERE TO EAT, DRINK, STAY, & PLAY
PORTLAND
PABA
The Portland Area
Business Association
promotes the local
LGBT community
and their allies
in business. The
group offers regular
networking opportu-
nities and members
are involved in com-
munity events includ-
ing the annual Pride
Festival's PABA
Village. paba.com
36
Portland's LGBT community isn't
concentrated in one neighborhood
like in some cities. Since we are
an especially diverse group, living
in the Rose City, you can find us
in every nook and cranny of the
Metro area.
That said, here are eight neigh-
borhoods where our community
members are likely to be seen play-
ing, eating, drinking and living.
DOWNTOWN
SW Portland between Burnside and Lincoln
from the Willamette River to SW 12th.
This is the area that blows out-of-
towners away. Shopping, the arts,
restaurants, a view of the river
and Mt. Hood, and clean to boot.
This is where the professional
set suit up and make money and
most out-of-towners rest at night
GO PAGES Presented by Q Center
Speaking of NYC comparisons, the
Pearl District is our Soho. Not long
ago it was the epicenter of seedy
Portland. But that has given way
to multi-million dollar penthouse
lofts, hip restaurants, shops —
everything chic. Well-dressed
LGBTs can be seen here.
ALBERTA DISTRICT
In Northeast Portland, heading East on Alberta
from NE MLK Jr. Blvd
Like the Mississippi neighborhood,
Alberta District is hip, cool and
down to earth. Art is what most
people think of. Last Thursday is
the big deal on these streets where
the melting pot that is Portland
come together to eat, drink, and
look at cool art.
HAWTHORNE/BELMONT
In Southeast Portland between SE 12th and SE 60th
From SE Hawthorne Blvd to SE Belmont St
Before there were the new cool
neighborhoods, there was this
one. This was hippy central back
in the day and you can still feel
the vibe as you make your way up
and down the streets. When you
see Portland on TV, this is prob-
ably the area you see. It's Portland
personified, where the grunge look
incubated and, to be honest, still
lives.
IRVINGTON/HOLLYWOOD
NE Broadway, from Grand to Hollywood Blvd
OLD TOWN/CHINATOWN
and beyond
Between West Burnside and NW Lovejoy
Beautiful tree-lined streets with
lots of gay homeowners and rent-
ers in the area. Before Alberta and
Mississippi came into their own,
this was "gay central."
from the the Willamette River to NW Broadway
The home of our Chinatown and
where you can experience a little
bit of grit. Colorful people, some
great drinking holes, and some
good late night Chinese are the
backdrop as you pass through, on
your way from the Pearl to stroll
along the Willamette River. A few
gay bars and clubs make this one
of our neighorhoods.
MISSISSIPPI AVE.
In North Portland, North from Fremont St
Some people will tell you this is
the real Portland. Artsy, quirky,
independent and diverse. Some
of the best food here and more
people watching. One part hipster-
central and one-part true Portland
this is a new favorite for locals and
tourists alike.
Please send your
corrections, suggestions
and comments about the
GO PAGES to:
editor@justout.com
JustOut.com
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provides a safe space
to support and cel-
ebrate LGBTQ
diversity, visibility and
community building.
Q Center offers multi-
generational
programs and ser-
vices in four core
areas: Arts & Culture;
Education & Training;
Health & Wellness
and Advocacy.
pdxqcenter.org
October 2012