Walking Portland

From a massive urban forest to the tiniest brewpub, Portland offers a huge variety of entertainments within a surprisingly compact area. Organic coffeeshops line the streets at the foot of an extinct volcano, and independent bookstores nestle up against food-cart pods. Already famous for its great beer, the city has become a center for serious dining on a reasonable budget. And thanks to years of progressive urban planning, Portland's layout makes it a walker's nirvana.

In Walking Portland, two devoted locals - Ryan Ver Berkmoes and Becky Ohlsen - guide you through the Rose City's many charms, from idyllic waterfront fountains to the more obscure and out-of-the-way pockets of cool. On each walk, you'll discover hidden gardens, historic landmarks, award-winning restaurants, old-school taverns, oddball shops, and edgy warehouse galleries in some of the Northwest's most exciting neighborhoods. You'll cross bridges and graveyards, wander a Smithsonian-honored boulevard, see experiments in urban renewal (some inspiring, some dubious) and be regaled with stories of the city's colorful past. Drop a few quarters in a vintage arcade, take five in a classic diner or revel in the view from the West Hills - or opt for all of the above. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll full of shopping and snacks or a vigorous trek over tree-covered hillsides, grab this book, step outside and . . . walk Portland.