My wife and I are both retired and we enjoy traveling, particularly to the Oregon coast which is under two hours away. I've lived or/and worked around downtown Portland for most of my life. I have been part of many of the things that make Portland special including: the Children's Parade, Starlight Parade, Santacon, Plunderathon, Brides of March, Bad Hare Day, and Critical Mass. I really enjoy exploring the city and sharing it with visitors.
There is something interesting about ever city and town, you just need someone to figure out what that thing is. Fortunately, in Portland, Oregon I have found many interesting things to show you.
Would you like to see where the world's first long distance transmission of electric power took place? How about a visit to the world's smallest park? Do you know what makes the Oregon state flag unique? Have you seen the oldest vertical lift bridge in the USA? The last telescoping Bridge? Have you heard how the flip of a coin decided the name of the city? Do you know the story of how a man in a poster became the Mayor of the city? Have you heard how the citizens banded together to build a town square? Do you know why you don't see many pictures of the statue Portlandia?
Experience the cast iron architecture, the carved stone architecture and the rich details on many of the city's buildings. See the city through the eyes of someone who has loved the city for over fifty years and, wants to give you reasons to love it too.
Sign up for a tour and learn about Portland, Oregon.
Meet at the Directional sign by 6th Avenue at Pioneer Courthouse Square. I'm about six feet tall, carrying a black shoulder bag and a sign that says "Free Walking Tour" "Guru Walk"
Starting point is the directional sign on the sixth street side of the square. Look for a guy with a sign that says Free Walking Tour
Learn why a future mayor of Portland was involved in making a poster called: Expose Yourself to Art
The largest pool hall downtown, the only Off Track Betting parlor downtown, and one of the stopping points for many of the annual pub crawls that make Portland Weird
See the detailed stone carvings that decorate the ground floor of this unique building and learn why this building exemplifies the Richardsonian Romanesque Rivival style of the late 1800's
Learn some of the history about the city's oldest continually operating bar/restaurant and find out why they are known for their Spanish Coffee and turkey sandwiches
Learn the history of this landmark tourist attraction and view the iconic "Keep Portland Weird" sign
Learn about the Multnomah Hotel that originally occupied this building, some of the famous guests who have stayed here, and a daring stunt pulled off from the roof of the hotel
Learn the history behind, what was once the premier marketplace, and see an example of the cast iron architecture that has been preserved in the city.
Learn about Henry Weinhard's offer regarding the unveiling of the statue, see the cities oldest public artwork, and walk on the Belgium blocks that originally paved the city.
Learn how this iconic sign went from White Satin Sugar, to White Stag and finally to what it is today and learn about how it got it's red nose (which is only displayed from late November until Christmas)
Hear about the internment of Japanese citizens who were living in the USA during WWII. Also see the Portland Oregon Old Town sign and learn about the last functioning bridge of it's type in the world.
Learn why Portland took the previously unimaginable step of removing a highway and replacing it with a waterfront park
See the city's oldest commercial property, it was built before Oregon became a state. Hear about how it faired during the great flood of 1894. Learn about efforts under way to restore it to it's former glory
Take a selfish by the world's smallest park. If you're lucky you might see a leprechaun. You'll also have a chance to see/use one of the Portland Loos.
See the site of the world's first high tension, long distance transmission of electric power and learn why some people believe that neighboring Lownsdale Square was thought to be reserved for men only.
Learn why the second largest hammered copper statue never got as popular as her taller sister, the Statue of Liberty. Also, decide for yourself if the building she sits on deserves the title of "The ugliest building in the world"
After returning back to the starting point, learn the history of the square, see the famous Umbrella man, and find out about the weather machine in the square.
Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).