It seems I was the only person in the world who had never been to Powell’s City of Books in Portland, Oregon. Fixed that.

Rummaged around Powell’s downtown store – as big as a city block — for more than hour. Got a bit lost in the maze of sections and floors that once held a parking garage. From cars to books, what a great transition.

Powell’s is a treasure for book lovers, the largest independent new and used book store in the world. Or says Powell’s, and I haven’t seen anyone disputing that claim. A staff of 220 people processes 100,000 used books a month.  New and used books sit side by side on the shelves. You can buy and sell with Powell’s online.

With all those books moving to and fro, you can imagine that Powell’s is a great meeting place. I saw lots of folks who looked to be looking for more than books.

Eating, drinking and sleeping well

My trip to Portland was too short, as touring was sandwiched around meetings of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW). But I managed to eat and drink well:

Mediterranean appetizers at Bluehour

Peruvian specialties at Andina

Smoked goose breast at Higgins

Delectable cod at Simpatica

Happy hour (with ceasar salad for $2, fish and chips for $5) at Portland City Grill

I slept peacefully at Hotel Monaco, the city’s dog-friendliest lodgings.

Hotel Monaco, at 506 SW Washington St., was a one block walk from Portland's free downtown light rail train from the Amtrak Station. When a tail-wagging dog met me at the hotel check-in desk, I knew I had come to the right place.

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