Featuring both the charm of a small town community and the urban vitality of a big city, Portland, Oregon, is a dynamic destination that offers an alluring mix of natural beauty, lively downtown entertainment and landmark historic attractions.  Effortlessly accessed by bike, an award-winning transit system or on foot, the city exudes a genuine, unaffected personality with its diverse neighborhoods, historic core and sustainable lifestyle.

Whether in the city’s downtown area, trendy Pearl district or Old Town/Chinatown quarter, Portland offers the best of the Pacific Northwest’s heritage. Oregon’s Urban Growth Boundary legislation, which forbids city sprawl, has encouraged the preservation and re-use of many historic areas in Portland.  One of the most stunning examples of re-purposed land is the city’s Pearl District.  What was once a decaying industrial warehouse area has been transformed into a chic urban neighborhood filled with a continually emerging collection of gourmet restaurants, cozy coffeehouses, eclectic boutiques and dynamic public art spaces.  The Old Town/Chinatown neighborhood is the original heart of Portland.  The area’s rich cultural heritage includes the Portland Classical Chinese Garden—an urban oasis of pavilions, plants and walkways surrounding an 8,000-square-foot pond, the Portland Saturday Market—the largest continuously operated open-air arts and crafts market in the nation, and one of the country’s largest collections of cast iron buildings. 

From summer hiking and mountain biking to winter snowboarding and downhill skiing on Mt. Hood, and kayaking and fishing on the nearby Columbia River, Portland’s moderate temperatures and dramatic terrain make it the quintessential outdoor city.  The metro area is home to 37,000 acres of open space, including the 5,156 acres within Forest Park.  The short, 200-foot city blocks combined with fountains, gardens and a scenic waterfront foster long casual strolls through the downtown area.  Walking tours showcasing the best of the city’s art and architecture are also available. 

"With smart city planning that has kept sprawl in check, Portland provides a winning combination of history, character and a healthier way of life," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  "Its reputation for great scenery, urban attractions and cultural vitality makes it an ideal travel destination and promises not to disappoint."

"We're honored that Portland has been named to the 'Dozen Distinctive' list," Governor Ted Kulongoski said. "The city's commitment to history and preservation-from Benson bubblers to historic hotels-makes it a special destination, as well as a distinctive point of entry for many Oregon visitors on their way to our scenic coastline or majestic mountaintops."

"It is a special honor to be recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a Distinctive Destination for 2008,” said Mayor Tom Potter.  "Portlanders value preservation across the board and are proud to have so much to show and share - our pristine natural environment, our vital central city with all its attractions and our diverse architectural heritage.  As any local will tell you, these attributes make Portland unique."

"We are so proud that our National Trust for Historic Preservation has chosen to recognize the rich history of Oregon," said Barbara Sidway, Trustee of the National Trust and owner of the Geiser Grand Hotel of historic Baker City, Oregon.  "We look forward to February 27, when Richard Moe will deliver a major policy statement on Sustainability and Preservation at the Armory in Portland." [Reception at 4:30, remarks at 5pm, this special event is free to the public; more information is available at www.nationaltrust.org/ssportland].