With its distinctive culture, beautiful surrounds and make-do mentality, Portland has much to offer the casual traveler. Featuring some of the most unique shops in the country from the very best in handmade design to international home decor, it also boasts arguably the largest bookstore in the world. As a food lovers paradise, diners can find haute cuisine alongside the ubiquitous food truck featuring every ethnic cuisine and dietary predilection known to man. Portland has ample public transportation and is one of the leaders in bicycle infrastructure. It is also home to world-class museums, numerous parks and perhaps the best coffee on the planet. All this and within half an hour you can be hiking beneath a waterfall alongside the stunning Columbia River Gorge.