It was a crisp wintry evening, and the tiny white lights the trees lining NW 23rd Avenue let us know that we were most definitely not in Kansas anymore! 

This notable strip of upscale restaurants & boutiques from Burnside to Thurman is the main attraction in Portland’s Nob Hill (after the famous San Francisco neighborhood) and Alphabet districts where affluent residents have the discretionary income to support the exceptional scene. 

Yet, two blocks east on NW 21st Ave, the flagship theater Cinema 21 can be counted on to run edgy films like documentaries on psilocybin mushrooms and their increasing use in psychotherapy. Also just down on Burnside is Providence Park, home of the Timbers, as well as the Artist’s Repertory Theater that offers well-curated plays. All that and Forest Park plus the icon, Elephant’s Delicatessen. 

In short, Portland’s Nob Hill is a district well worth checking out—and the chocolate shops are a special draw during the holidays.