During a weekend trip to Portland a friend and i discovered the Alberta Arts District. Within five mintues of walking down the gift shop, bar, restaurant and art studio lined street we had both vowed to moved to the area within two years to open our own shop and restaurant.

According to A dirt cheep guide to Portland Oregon, the Alberta Arts District can be described as such,

Add equal parts eyesores and slick business, mix thoroughly. By “eyesore” I mean boarded up buildings, empty parcels overgrown with weeds. By “slick business” I mean vegetarian restaurants, vintage clothing outlets and coffeeshops. Hot with the artists too (cheap rent), and lots of galleries.

One of my favorite shops on the street is called Office. Self described as “a specialty design store, art gallery, and event space all wrapped up in a gorgeous 1950’s office environment.”

Take a look at their 2006 schedule to see what kind of stuff they’ve got going on.

2006-gallery-schedule