12 Things That Come To Everyone's Mind When They Think Of Portland

It might just possibly be our most known export, but in reality we are not that weird at all, right?

Our green reputation is more than just the trees. We are serious recyclers here, and what seems like second nature to us is actually quite different than much of the country.

We are surrounded by natural wonders everywhere we turn. From mountains to forests to volcanoes to waterfalls, a whole lot of beauty is packed into our landscape.

Portland is food cart famous. Meeting grounds of amazing food carts line our city's streets and we love every bite of them.

We have a strong farmers market scene in Portland, and we love to eat local. Seasonal eating is a way of restaurant culture in the Northwest and our cuisine shines because of it.

Everyone seems to know about Voodoo Donuts these days, as witnessed by the long, long lines in front of the downtown location. However, Portlanders know about the Eastside location, as well as the number of other amazing donut shops around town.

Our bridges are some of the most photographed spots in town, and the waterfront looks lovely in any weather. It is no wonder these images of Portland are left in people's minds -- it is stunning.

It is hard to think of Portland and not Mt. Hood. Our mountain in the distance, Mt. Hood's visibility is of daily interest and always a stately view from just about anywhere around town you can see it.

The dream of raising chickens and goats is well and alive in Portland. Farm animals are not an unusual sight and neither are lawns converted into gardens. Raising and growing food is commonplace and a point of pride for many Portlanders.

We are not called the City of Roses for nothing. Whether you visit the famed International Rose Test Garden, the Peninsula Park Rose Garden, or just walk through any random neighborhood, it is not difficult to see how we got this name. Roses are king and queen in Portland and they grow prolifically here.

Known as the largest independent bookstore in the world, it is hard to pass up this behemoth of the shop when in Portland. Just one visit, and you will be in love with the fact that you can get any book you want here.

Our reputation for rain is strong and everlasting. After the long hot summer we had this year, I for one, was thrilled when it started raining and so glad to retreat indoors for the foreseeable future.