Dana Speer

books

      portlandneighborhood’s guide to the perfect portland weekend

introduction

First of all, to know Portland is to know that it is not just a city. Portland is a culture. We may not always be on the same page, but let’s just say that together we’re strong on narrative. And ultimately the story is about America, the way it used to be—before every corner block in every city offered the same three restaurants, before driving out of one town and into another became an indistinguishable experience, before the illusion of choice became mistaken for free enterprise, fair trade, and a market worth your interaction.

But this book isn’t a political manifesto. It’s a celebration. It’s an exaltation of a special population bound together to rejoice in difference. In the process, Portland couldn’t help but be set apart. The purpose of this book is simply to share the ways in which the unique and special are manifested within Portland’s distinct and inimitable neighborhoods, their businesses, and their people.

Rather than simply list and review establishments, however, we thought you might find yourself better able to navigate the abundant options available in our fine burg of over four-score individually styled neighborhoods if we devised a pattern of approach. In other words, we’ve attempted to make Portland more mentally accessible, possible to wrap your mind around, by conceiving every chapter as representing a different hypothetical weekend, each with its own theme.

So, depending on your interests, you can access Portland tailor made. If you’re the active type forever with hiking boots on your feet and a bike between your legs, there’s a chapter just for you. If you’re the one who can never get enough of the ballpark and your favorite sport, from the stands of course, we’ve composed a weekend for you too. Those with families, those looking to commune with nature and wildlife, those seeking culture and class to the romantics just seeking a kiss, those wanting to drop a couple dimes on shopping to those who are having to pinch every penny—yes, there’s a chapter weekend for each of you. And of course, if you contain multitudes and more than one category applies to your types of interests, all the ideas are there to mix and match for your perfect Portland itinerary.

We welcome you to enjoy your time here. As both a location and a lifestyle, Portland’s a trip!

back cover description

Using themed weekend itineraries based on interest types to make the city more mentally accessible, PortlandNeighborhood’s Guide to the Perfect Portland Weekend is a backstage pass to what makes Portland a rock star!

articles

october ’09

portland family magazine

play at work

june ’09

portland family magazine

art and soul: portland children’s museum

april / may ’09

goodness magazine

super commuters: going the extra mile to cover the same distance

november ’08

portland family magazine

teenage depression: context and conversation

october ’08

portland family magazine

generational caregiving: realities and responsibilities

© Dana Speer 2026. All rights reserved in all media.