Portland is United State's undisputed Capitol of Weird. From museums dedicated entirely to old ladies' hats to mysterious underground Shanghai tunnels, it's hard to go anywhere in Portland without stumbling across an offbeat travel gem... and lucky for you, we've got the best ones collected right here.
Even if strip clubs aren't your thing, you can at least appreciate the weirdness that is Pirate's Cove. Located at 74th Sandy St, this Portland Landmark has been a must-see spot for the last 80 years! Known as the most friendly strip club in the state, the Pirate's Cove is, in fact, shaped like a giant rum bottle. Yar!
Tip: If you dare to venture inside (the bar alone is worth it), know that it's cash only.
From strip clubs to Catholic shrines? You must be in Portland! The Grotto is one of the city's most visited churches, and for good reason. The 62-acre shrine is a beautiful refuge for any weary traveler. At the very heart of the peaceful shrine is a rock cliff with a life-sized marble replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà at the very center, known as Our Lady's Grotto.
Tip: Admission is $5, but trust us, take the elevator up to the meditation room. You won't find another view like it in Portland.
Owned and operated by the creators of Dark Horse Comics, Things from Another World is basically Disneyland for comic book lovers. Serving the nerdy since 1979, Things From Another World has one of the most extensive collections of comics, superhero paraphernalia, and rare collectibles imaginable, and it's all in one place.
Tip: If you can manage it, visit on a Wednesday - new comic book day - and it's basically a party.
Not only was Slappy Cakes named one of America's top ten destinations by the Food Network, it's also one of the most fun (and delicious) breakfast eateries in this famously weird (and foodie-obsessed) city. Slappy Cakes puts the customer to work, and the result is your own handmade breakfast masterpiece. Waiters deliver everything from pancake batter to the fixings, and you cook your breakfast on your table's very own built-in grill. It's a perfect spot for the culinary control freak!
Tips: Try the chicken-fried bacon. It'll probably knock a year off your lifespan, but man, it's worth it. During the week, you should be able to get a table nice and quick, but on the weekends, expect to wait about half an hour for a party of two.
To find your way into Circa33, you'll have to discover the secret bookshelves. The bar features an array of mouth-watering cocktails, all of which cover the best years in mixology history. The drinks recipes are from as far back as the 1900's, and the speakeasy's cozy atmosphere makes it a great place to stop and grab a drink after a long day of travel adventure.
Tips: This place has two excellent happy hours - the usual early evening affair, and a late-night version after 11PM. Come early and they've got fantastic dining options with some great seating in the hidden alley.
With collections that range anywhere from novelty, retro, vintage and international, The Hat Museum has one of the most intensive collections of head-gear accessories in the country. You don't even need to be a hat nerd to appreciate the fashionable collection. One of the most popular exhibits is the 1910 Craftsman-style collection of hats, which is home to vintage Nurse's caps, deerstalkers (the kind of hat Sherlock Holmes wears) and retro Stetsons.
Tip: Thanks to some funky ticket pricing, the Hat Museum is best seen with a group. It'll run you $75 for a group of 1-6, so the more people you can wrangle, the cheaper the overall cost.
Now that you're prepared, your trip is guaranteed to be as weird as possible... which lets be honest, isn't too hard when you're in Portland.