Fall in Portland
Something that is certainly special about Portland is the community's incredible support of local businesses. For a look into some of the best neighborhood gems along the way we partnered with photographers, and local Portland tokyobike riders, Nicole Mason and Benjamin Holtrop.
Join us as we explore Portland through the eyes and words of our talented friends!
Gladys Bikes
The first stop along the way was of course, Gladys bikes, where we first came to test ride a tokyobike! Gladys is a bike shop with a warm and welcoming environment like no other. They are our go to spot for tune-ups and bike advice. If you're not a tokyobike rider already you will be after a trip to Gladys. They even have a saddle library where you can check out saddles to find the perfect fit! It's a very unique shop, and especially welcoming to someone new to cycling.
Viola Wine Cellars
After you take your test ride at Gladys Bikes, stop in to Viola Wine Cellars to pick up a bottle of local wine to celebrate your new purchase! Viola specializes in all natural wines, made from grapes sourced locally from the Columbia Gorge AVA. Their main focus is Italian inspired wine, and they work mostly with organic fruit and very low sulfite additions. Also, their red and white wine vinegar is some of the best we've found!
Barista
Barista is one of my favorite coffee shops in Portland. They have multiple locations around the city, and each of them have a similar feel but their own personality. The Alberta location has vintage patterned wallpaper, taxidermy animals, and other antiques decorating its interior. There’s outdoor and indoor seating and roll-up garage doors, making it an awesome spot to sip coffee at all year round.
Ampersand Gallery and Fine Books
This is one of my favorite shops to visit - there’s so much inspiration to be found from the walls exhibiting artwork to the variety of photography books, poetry, and other works. I’m so inspired by print - the way people display their work - down to the details of what materials, text, size of book they decided to create to show it. Whenever friends are in town I take them here!
The Ace Hotel / Clyde Common
The Ace Hotel is a common meet-up spot for myself, friends and other artists. It provides such a friendly, welcoming and creative atmosphere—the lobby has a black and white photo booth, book shelves, magazines, and windows that allow natural light to flood in to a communal couch / coffee table setup. Clyde Common, just next door has also been a favorite to gather with friends and eat delicious meals together.
Pepe Le Moko
This spot is a secret! (kind of). Just around the corner from the Ace and Clyde Common, it’s a fun little late-night basement bar, serving cocktails and small plates.
From the street, it looks like a tiny little restaurant, but you’ll be taken down to the real scene as soon as you step in!
About Nicole
From a small town, Nicole left home when she was 17 and has not stopped traveling since. Her photographic journey started in 2013, roaming from East to West and finally landing in Portland, Oregon where she currentlly resides. She aims to create work with a nostalgic, timeless feel, often reflecting a cinematic style.
@neekmason
www.nicolemason.co
@benjaminholtrop
www.benjaminholtrop.co/