We asked readers for stories of urban wandering, and they shared their favourite city walks – from Dublin to Detroit – that explore history, culture and nature Walking is the best way to see a city. I recently visited Portland, Oregon, and began by taking the bus to an inner city dormant volcano. Starting out with a beautiful view of the central hub of the city in the distance, the walk begins through a beautiful park before finding a set of lakes. From here you hit an incredibly long and straight road called SE Hawthorne Avenue, toward the Willamette river that chops the city in two. Walking the full length of this road shows the diversity of Portland culturally with the aromas wafting out from restaurants: South Korean, Mexican, Greek, French. Next are the many coffee and tea shops grinding their own beans to the sound of local music. This area of Portland buzzes with diversity: theatres, music houses, instrument shops, organic farmers markets, art shops and second hand thrift and furniture stores. It is a relaxed and mellow walking experience as you head toward the river. When you cross the river and beautiful bridge, you hit the high-rise hustle and bustle of downtown. Look up or you’ll miss the glitz of the modern world as you head toward the Pearl District where again, the chilled nature of the city takes over from the core business district of downtown. Continue reading...
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