10. Extra Bling: It’s part of the Cascadia Limited Edition Medal Series. Complete the 8K, 10K, half or full marathon distance at the following three events in 2015: Rock ‘n’ Roll Portland, Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle and Rock ‘n’ Roll Oasis Vancouver and it’s all yours.
9. A new course. Rock n Roll Marathon Series delivers a new course this year that promises to maximize scenery and minimizing congestion and traffic issues.
8. Did someone say doughnuts? Voodoo Donuts has become synonymous with Portland. However, if you are looking for some amazing donuts and pastries that are true local favorites without the insane line check out Helen Bernhard Bakery, Coco Donuts, or Tonalli’s Donuts & Cream.
7. A Chinese Connection: The Lan Su Chinese Garden, in the middle of downtown Portland, shows its connection to its sister city in China. Portland’s official sister city in China is a city named Suzhou, near Shanghai. In 1999, 65 workmen came to Portland to build a 40,000-sq.-ft. Suzhou-style garden. They imported huge pieces of wood and enormous rocks from the homeland to make sure it turned out as authentic as their homeland. The garden is a tranquil break in the middle of the city. To complete the visit, there’s a teahouse where you can savor some traditional tea.
6. Natural Beauty: On a clear day you can see Mt. Hood, the 11,249-foot (3429m) volcano is approximately 50 miles (80km) east of the city. The snow-capped summit is crystal clear and will leave you in awe. Curious why Portland is nicknamed “The City of Roses”? Visit the International Rose Test Garden to get your answer.
5. Food Carts. Savor some of Portland’s most inventive chefs clustered in pods in downtown. Portland is second to none when it comes to food carts. Ranging from old vacation trailers to sheds where you’d store your lawnmower there is something for everyone. A few favorites: the garlicky porchetta sandwiches at Lardo, Belgian fries at Potato Champion, and Mexican at La Jarochita.
4. Liquid Bread. AKA BEER! There are close to 60 local craft breweries in the Portland area. Be sure to try Amnesia Brewery, The Commons Brewery, Cascade Brewing, Hopworks Urban Brewery, or Rogue Ales.
3. Post-race headliner: Portugal. The Man. The Portland band will perform its chart topping hit “Purple, Yellow, Red and Blue.”
2. Multi-tasker Medals: Your half marathon or 10k medal doubles as a bottle opener just in case you need to open a Rogue Ale. (see above)
1. Shopping Spree. Oregon has no general sales tax, you may want to bring an extra suitcase or buy one in Portland.