As the calendar turned to November 1st we could feel an immediate shift in the air to the holiday season. Storefronts began displaying Christmas items, Christmas music began playing, and people’s minds shifted to Thanksgiving dinner. As we begin thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas, we begin thinking about Christmas shopping, and more specifically, Black Friday. This year, instead of going big and standing in line at large department stores, try doing as much shopping locally as you can and support small businesses!
We have put together a list of areas to shop this Christmas season so you can support small businesses, and have more shopping without the lines! This is part one of our series of shopping local, check back for part 2 of our other favorite neighborhoods to shop local and support small business!
NW 23rd
Northwest is also known as Nob Hill or the Alphabet District. With its century-old Victorian and Craftstman-style storefronts home to unique boutiques and restaurants, this is a great place to spend the day Christmas shopping. Some of our favorite local purveyors include Will Leather Goods Family House, Tender Loving Empire, Sloan Boutique, Prana, The Meadow, and so many more! NW is easy to walk, and with its abundance of coffee shops and restaurants, a perfect place to make a day of shopping with a quick lunch break! Try Papa Hayden, McMenamins, 23 Hoyt, or Escape from New York Pizza!
Pearl District
The Pearl District is walking distance from NW 23rd, so you could add this to your 23rd day of shopping. This is one of Portland’s most desirable neighborhoods with some of the best chefs and restaurants and shops and boutiques. The Pearl District was originally abandoned warehouses but is now a hustling and bustling district of shopping, food, and nightlife! The Pearl is home to the iconic Powell’s Books, which is a great local place to gift shop with the abundance of books and quirky gifts. Or, try Woonwinkle, Porch Light, Ecru Modern Stationer, and Made Here PDX.
Hawthorne
Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard is a street known for its daytime and nightlife options, and a place we love to support small businesses and shop local! Check out a smaller version of the large Powell’s in the Pearl District, Tender Loving Empire, Presents of Mind, Memento PDX, Sloan, and more! Don’t leave Hawthorne without grabbing a bite to eat! We especially recommend tacos at Por Que No.
Alberta
Alberta Street is located in Northeast Portland, on your way to Vancouver, Washington. It is known for its eclectic shops, restaurants, and local art galleries. Alberta is a place that upholds the saying “Keep Portland Weird”, and it is an excellent place to spend the morning or afternoon shopping and supporting local businesses. Our favorites include Amelia, Frock, Tumbleweed, Blendily, Grasshopper, and Red Sail. We suggest starting your morning of shopping with breakfast at Proud mary (get the avocado toast and thank us later).