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Pump it up in Portland, Oregon! Rain or shine, Portland is a city best enjoyed on two wheels. Editor Sandy Soria took a spin around the Alberta Arts District and nearby North Mississippi Avenue and found indie design shops and Wi-Fi friendly coffeehouses. Best time to visit? The last Thursday of each month, when Alberta Street hosts a rollicking 15-block art fair.
Community Cycling Center
You might score a great vintage tricycle at this nonprofit store, where neighborhood kids help repair donated bikes in exchange for wheels of their own.
1700 NE. Alberta St., 503/288-8864;
www.communitycyclingcenter.org
Frock
Slip on a psychedelic 1960s caftan or rainbow cowboy hat, then strut your stuff on the in-house runway at this cool vintage shop.
2940 NE. Alberta St., 503/595-0379
www.frockboutique.com
Tumbleweed and Grasshopper
Hometown designer Kara Larson makes "urban prairie" frocks for grown-up gals and tots.
1804 NE. Alberta St., 503/335-3100
www.tumbleweedboutique.com
Hail Mary
Mosaic glass crucifixes encrusted with everyday "icons" stud a wall of artist Mary Tapogna's tiny shop/studio, where she also creates jewel-like light fixtures, vases, and expressive portraits.
2928 NE. Killingsworth, 503/281-6096
www.marytapogna.com
Art of Massage
Worn out from a day of pedal-pushing or shopping? Licensed therapist Michael "Wally" Walsh unravels the knots with Swedish, myofasical, and deep-tissue massage.
1829 NE. Alberta St., Ste.1, 503/888-8994
IMP
A display of sassy aprons caught Sandy's eye at this magical little shop, which also stocks luscious bed linens, tableware, pj's, jewelry, and journals.
1422 NE. Alberta St., 503/282-7467
Fold Creperie
David and Krista Arias have created a place that captures the neighborhood's indie spirit: A cafe/gallery/small press that serves yummy crepes from an old Streamline trailer out back. Open weekends, last Thursdays, and for special events, such as film screenings and poetry readings.
2921 NE. Alberta St., 503/750-1415
www.rovingecho.org
Pistils Nursery
A trio of pampered bantam hens roams among potted plants and quirky outdoor sculpture at this urban oasis, while owner Megan Twilegar and manager Michele Koeppe offer green tips.
3811 N. Mississippi Ave., 503/288-4889
www.pistilnursery.com
OTHER NOTABLE STOPS
The Rebuilding Center stocks used house parts and furniture made from architectural odds and ends in a funky building made of (what else?) salvage. One of the early pioneers of this neighborhood's renewal, this nonprofit still supports its growth.
3625 N. Mississippi Ave., 503/331-1877
www.rebuildingcenter.org
At McMenamins Kennedy School, a renovated 1915 elementary school, guests sleep in classrooms, drink microbrew in the cafeteria, and watch movies in the assembly hall.
5736 NE. 33rd Ave., 503/249-3983
www.mcmenamins.com
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