Portland, I Love You

This morning I went on a Best of Portland tour with Portland Walking Tours and had a fantastic time! I can't speak highly enough about it; as a 13-year resident (back after a long break), I learned a ton about the best city on earth.

Did you know that Portland was the first major city in the US to remove a freeway to make room for green space?

Did you know that Portland businesses are required to put 2% of their budgets towards public art?

Did you know that the downtown Hilton is the greenest Hilton in the world, and it actually composts leftover food that can't be donated?

I know that you knew that Portland is the most bike-friendly city in America, but did you also know there are actual designated skateboard routes downtown?

Did you know that Portland was named because of a penny toss, and if the other guy had won, we would have been named Boston?

Did you know Oregon law protects nudity as free speech? That's so Portland!

Did you know that Chapman Park used to be for women only and still only has female ginkgo trees and a women's public restroom?

Did you know that Portland has more breweries than any other city in the world? Yeah, you knew that.

I learned all of that and so much more. Additional interesting facts and interesting green facts here. I love my city. I was bursting with pride and gratitude the whole morning. I still am.