Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/118686
rainy day fun No rainboots? Portland has indoor attractions, too. Powell's Books, one of the planet's largest bookstores, awaits you downtown with a bazillion books and free author readings almost every evening. Since Portland architecture features basements, and basements naturally breed bands, you'll have plenty of chances to see live music of all types. Portland also abounds in second-run movie theaters where tickets cost three or four bucks and you can eat pizza and drink beer while you watch the show. Those with purer tastes can visit Portland's other grotto, the Salt Grotto in the Pearl District. The west coast's irst artiicial salt cave is full of salt blocks from Poland and Pakistan, with a layer of Dead Sea salt covering the loor. The cave's salty air is said to have relaxing and healing powers. yoga & wellness If you enjoy beautiful singing voices leading you through compassionate vinyasa, Bhaktishop (www.thebhaktishop.com) is the place for you. Most classes start with a short call-and-response chant accompanied by harmonium. Second Sundays offer two hours of kirtan-by-donation, with proceeds going to a different charity each month. In northeast Portland, take a class at Exhale (www.exhalepdx.com), a charming neighborhood studio that prides itself on being green. Yoga Pearl (www.yogapearl.com) in the northwest's Pearl neighborhood attracts workshop where to eat where to stay The Cherokee Rose Inn (www.cherokeeroseinn. com) is Portland's irst vegan bed and breakfast, located in a perfect walking/biking/public transport neighborhood. The Georgia-born owner provides Southern hospitality in her antique-illed, centuryold Craftsman house in southeast Portland. She'll even make you a gluten-free or low-sodium breakfast on request. n Photo: Teresa Bergen Portland is famous for having many restaurants in every price range, and a plethora of food stands. With quality options around every corner, these are just a few highlights. Bob's Red Mill products, ubiquitous in natural food markets, have their home just south of Portland in Milwaukie. You can tour the mill, take a cooking class, choose from a jawdropping selection of bulk and packaged grains, and eat breakfast or lunch. Think whole-grain pancakes and thick sandwiches on freshly made bread, vegan or non. (www.bobsredmill.com) Portobello Vegan Trattoria (www.portobellopdx.com) offers vegan ine dining with ethically sourced ingredients in southeast Portland. They're known for their gnocchi with cashew cream sauce, and their chocolate mousse. Reservations are strongly recommended. Bollywood Theater (www.bollywoodtheaterpdx.com) is a fun place in Northeast Portland featuring Bollywood memorabilia and Indian street snacks. Share pav bhaji, papri chaat and other snacks not usually found at stateside Indian restaurants. Photo: Abigail lew is Even if you're not at all religious, visit the Grotto shrine to the Virgin Mary in Northeast Portland. Ride an old elevator up the face of a cliff to explore gardens, shrines and a maze high above the city. The meditation temple has loorto-ceiling windows for big views, including, on a clear day, the usually snow-capped, perfectly conical Mount Hood. But beware, its giant overstuffed chairs may spoil you for meditating on a humble zafu cushion. During the winter holidays, the Grotto features an over-the-top Christmas light extravaganza, petting zoo and dozens of entertaining choirs. Photo: larry Kirby 5 teachers of international renown and offers a variety of classes, from yin to ashtanga to Forrest yoga. An in-house wellness center offers acupuncture, naturopathy and ayurveda treatments. Afterwards, relax over dinner at Prasad, an on-site organic café open daily until 8pm. Photo: Teresa Bergen 4 Spend a day in a kayak on the broad Willamette River running through the city. Get instructions at Alder Creek (www.aldercreek.com) or enjoy a tour adventure with Portland Kayak Company (www.portlandkayak.com). Both companies happily rent equipment. Teresa Bergen lives in Portland and writes about health, itness and travel. She's also a personal trainer who teaches yoga and group itness. Top to Bottom: • Musician Jeremy Gordon introduces his daughter to Forest Park • Artist James Dunbar sells his paintings at the First Thursday Street Gallery • The main shrine at the Grotto • People enjoying a sunny day in Mt. Tabor Park • Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden in full bloom Portland.indd 31 April/May201331 3/26/13 1:57 PM