Powell Lives
When driving down SE Powell Blvd, it is easy to cast it off as an ugly, depressing and overly busy thoroughfare. That's because it is. Especially in comparison to other arteries cutting through Southeast Portland, such as Hawthorne and Belmont Streets. Not only do you fear for your life when crossing traffic on Powell, but there is nothing aesthetically pleasing about the boulevard. It is flat out ugly and unwelcoming. This is true, as it begins at the Ross Island Bridge and extends east in to Gresham. Whether it's run down motels and apartment complexes, cheap fast food joints and strip malls, or a psychiatric residential facility, the street just does not reach out and grab you in a warm, fuzzy way.
In looking around, yeah, I saw a dirty gas station, a Jack in the Box, and an uber busy intersection (Powell and Milwaukie). But in looking deeper, I realized we were also surrounded by a popular all-night coffee shop, a cool music venue (The Aladdin) attached to a bar/restaurant and, further down the street, a large park. What's more, earlier in the evening, the same group (celebrating Gretchen's retirement) were enjoying themselves at another establishment, Vino Vixens, also on Powell. Vino's is a wine bar with expansive lounge seating sectioned off to accommodate groups of about 10-15 people. It is mellow, ambient, and very comfortable with it's seating array of couches, stools, and cushioned wicker chairs. What's more, there is a room that offers free pool and foos ball.
4 comments:
I used to be really scared of this area until I moved there:) Now it is my neighborhood, and while it is quite rough around the edges, I think there is quite a bit of potential. I joke about my neighborhood being ghetto but I love it. I just wish there were a few more coffee shops and friendly neighborhood businesses. Thanks for highlighting a few of them. Another great spot is Sanborns restaurant on Milwaukie, for breakfast.
I, too, live in the neighborhood. And while it isn't my preferred hang, I do see some bright spots and have hope that it will get better.
Thanks for the heads up on Sanborns. I'll have to check it out.
You had me this close to being convinced...that is, until I spied an add in the Mercury for an event titled "Fun on Foster Festival & Foster Art Walk" featuring cartoons, a dart competition, dog wash/car wash, hopscotch, a jungle gym, and the inexplicable "fire engine clowns." Sounds like a human breeder meet and greet. I think I'll pass.
The second pic reminds me of the unassuming roadside landscape of the midwest which, in contrast to the neon, branded cityscape of nyc, I long for at various moments of the day.
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