Deston grew up traveling the world and never lost the bug. For more than 30 years, he has been based in Portland writing about the region he loves and a variety of destinations. As a native Portlander, he enjoys sharing his discoveries on the Rose City's newest eateries and hotels, as well as more active pursuits such as paddleboarding, skiing and golfing. Deston has been telling Pacific Northwest stories through features and blogs published in Bon Appétit, Alaska Airlines' Beyond, Travel+Leisure, CityPASS blog, The Oregonian, Seattle P.I., Boston Herald, Jetsetter, FORE, Fodor’s Travel Guides and Travel Portland. Deston also runs his own business communications firm, Nokes Communications, Inc.
If Portland‘s Old Town/Chinatown District were a person, it would stay out too late, sleep in past noon and not always feel like shaving before leaving the house. Portland’s Old Town/Chinatown has a slacker’s charm and an enduring grittiness that people either enjoy or avoid. I worked in Old Town for 18 years. It has my favorite pizza restaurant, a terrific...
Southwest Portland includes most of downtown Portland, the Rose Test Garden, Portland State University and Waterfront Park. It’s where former Mayor Bud Clark flashed a statue and is where people gather in Portland’s living room: Pioneer Courthouse Square. Downtown is where the Rose Festival Parade is held, and is where visitors find most of the fancy stores, museums, theatres and...
North and Northeast Portland neighborhoods are known for their lively street festivals, pub crawls and iconic Stumptown dining. The Alberta District has the Last Thursday street fair every summer. The Mississippi/Williams area has stylish shops and great nightlife. The Lloyd District has the Oregon Convention Center, Moda Center (where the Trail Blazers play) and the ice rink at Lloyd Center...
Upscale Northwest Portland (also known as the Alphabet District because a string of blocks are in alphabetical order) is a great place to stroll, shop, dine and hike. In addition to the shops and eateries on Northwest 23rd and 21st avenues, it also contains one of the largest urban forests in the country: Forest Park. The downside of the neighborhood...
In Southeast Portland, there are so many great choices for coffee, craft beers and memorable restaurants; it’s tough to narrow it down. For me, it depends upon how close it is, if they take reservations and what traffic battles I have to wage. So for you lucky folks who are already in the city, such as attending a conference at...
Within Portland city limits, you and your family can hike on a forest trail, paddle in a kayak under Portland’s famous bridges or pedal along a floating walkway. The rain? Our winter and early-spring showers are the dues we Portlanders pay to have the most gorgeous greens, most fragrant rose gardens and sunniest summer dispositions. But even when it’s wet,...
These Portland travel hacks will make your visit easy. PDX airport is spacious and modern, transportation is readily available, and getting about the city is relatively hassle-free. If you want, you can see the Zoo, the famed Rose Garden and enjoy a fine, fresh-fish meal downtown the same day. But before you arrive, here is a short list of travel hacks compiled to prepare...
Part of the fun of visiting different cities is avoiding cookie-cutter creations and staying in places that reflect the region’s character. Fortunately, Portland’s lodging scene includes a fun, funky and fancy selection — from quirky to classic, in a variety of price ranges. They feature impressive collections of local and national art, memorable cuisine, and proximity to theaters, museums and river...
Portland is one of the most appealing destinations in the country but if you’re short on time it’s possible to experience Portland’s best in 24 hours. Full stop. It’s a beautiful outdoors city that relishes fine food and drink, and enjoys a unique, casual charm. It wears its quirkiness like a badge of honor. Plus, because everything worth doing is nearby, folks can enjoy...
Portland rewards those who wait for clear skies. During the cool, cloudy, damp winter and early spring, most locals carry on without an umbrella — almost as a badge of honor. But once the sun emerges, few cities match the Rose City’s beauty. Located between snow-capped Mount Hood and the unspoiled Oregon Coast (both less than a two-hour’s drive), Portland...
The most exotic was the island of Shikoku, Japan. Away from the urban congestion and lights, it’s a place where visitors can slow down and experience traditional Japanese lodging and cuisine, savor its breathtaking valleys and coastline, and walk the same path that devoted Buddhist pilgrims have traveled for centuries. Shikoku is best known for its 88 Buddhist temples, which draw pilgrims from all over the world. The pilgrims are easy to spot: nearly all wearing conical grass hats, white kimono jackets, and carrying walking sticks.
The best tactic for finding a new angle or experience is to interview a local shop owner or craftsperson. I let them weave some stories that often launches me into a topic I hadn’t considered.
Anyone who wouldn’t complain about my driving, which narrows the list quite a bit.
To be appreciative. Locals are happy to show off their home turf, so it’s important to honor their time with gratitude and genuine interest in learning something. Always have a few fives on-hand to tip the housekeeper, bellman and taxis.