It's given us the Dandy Warhols, Modest Mouse and The Shins, pioneered cycle lanes and is a city saturated in coffee, organic food and bohemian ideals.

So we decided to create a reader's guide to this northwestern United States gem of a metropolis.

To start with here are some cracking blogs to give you a small taste of the vibe of the city.

Foodie blogs: If you like your information slightly more upscale, then check out www.portlandfoodanddrink.com but if you prefer your food advice to come from slightly less conventional quarters then www.foodandink.blogspot.com could be more up your street. If you like your food of the vegetarian persuasion then try http://ccole.info/aflyonthewall/

Photo blogs: portlandground.com gives a creative view of the city - you'll find it difficult to spend only five minutes on this site. Another good photo blog is portlandoregondailyphoto.blogspot which details the funky fashions on the city's streets. How addictive are these types of blogs? It's enough to make you dig out your wooden platform heels. Boys included.

Cycling blog: Weird considering how big cycling is in Portland, we couldn't find a great deal of cycling blogs - if anyone has any recommendations let us know - been.there@guardian.co.uk. In the meantime, check out bikeportland.org.

And now our favourite tips from readers. We always want more, so if there's a place you think needs mentioning, let us know: been.there@guardian.co.uk

Also, check out our new Portland profile by local Leslie Nicholson.
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VOODOO DOUGHNUT
posted by nittwittery

Portland is called 'bohemian' by some or just plain 'weird' by others - neither is terribly accurate or honest. Portland is as much a corporately-run, high traffic, New York borough-wannabe as it is home to the truly strange and offbeat - like Voodoo Doughnut.

A literal 'hole in the wall' - located off of 3rd Avenue in what is typically considered a gregarious garage of grunge, VD is the home of the most freshly-made, oddly named, uniquely indescribable fast food ever.

Try the bacon-maple bar - a generously rectangular confection of maple and a slice or two of crispy American-style bacon; the Dirty Ol' Bastard - fat, round and smashed with Oreo cookies; the Dirty Snowball - a chocolate doughnut with a pink glaze and mystery creme inside; the Voodoo Doll Doughnut - chocolate with an oozy blood red center. VD specializes in the bizarre and untried (the Nyquil-filled doughnut is currently on hold) and the unnameable: 'specialty' doughnuts are made to order and may closely resemble the body part of your choice.

Thinking of tying the knot in Portland? VD is also known for the weddings - held in front of the "Holy Doughnut under the Cruller Chandelier of Life". Cockfights and contests are also known to be held there.

Expensive it is not - always entertaining - as they say, the 'magic is in the hole.'

22 SW 3rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97204
www.voodoodoughnut.com
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STUMPTOWN
Posted by BarryB

Stumptown coffee bars are where the locals in the know drink the brown fuel.
There are a good few of them and Dandy Warhols manager Lee Cohen is the man who dragged me there. They don't tend to play jazz either.

www.stumptowncoffee.com/
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POWELLS BOOKSTORE
Posted by benhamilton

One of the world's great independent book shops. Acres of new and second hand books. Great place to come when it's raining, which it probably is. Pick up a map and browse all day.

1005 W Burnside
Portland, OR 97209 USA
(at the corner of 10th Ave and W. Burnside)
www.powells.com
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EDGEFIELD: HOTEL AND SO MUCH MORE
Posted by reneerose68

Everyone seems to know that Portland, Oregon is one of the hottest US cities at the moment. Driven out of California by high costs, Portland is full of arty communities, progressive politics, and one of the best public transport systems in the US. However, the McMenamin's hotels and B&Bs are really a huge attraction. Edgefield is a former poorhouse from the 1920s, completely renovated and full of art, murals and photographs celebrating its history. Each room is unique, there is live music (free) each night, and they have a winery, brewery, distillery, movie theater, and now a full spa with soaking pool outdoors. Edgefield is right out of town in Troutdale, surrounded by orchards and 15 minutes from the Columbia River Gorge with access to miles of hikes, waterfalls and woods to explore. Not to mention Hood River as a lovely little town, still feeling like the "old west". This place is simply magical. Oh, and there are several little bars, including a tiny one called "The Little Red Shed" with a fire and about three tables. Go!

www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=3&category=Location%20Homepage
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APIZZA SCHOLLS
Posted by sammypdx

This is a really great neighbourhood pizza place with the best dough and sauce in Portland. They only make a certain amount of dough every night and when it's gone they turn people away. These guys are serious about pizza - not only do they not deliver, they don't even allow you to call in and take out. Only warning, it can sometimes take up to an hour to get in... but, once you try this amazing pie, you forget all about the wait.

4741 SE Hawthorne. www.apizzascholls.com. 503-233-1286. 14-Hawthorne bus.
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For more top tips on Portland follow this link.