by Alina Rosenkranz |
Portland is unique, different — if not straight-up weird, and North Portland is no different. Find out where in Portland you can buy a human skull, eat and shop simultaneously or buy a turtle doughnut inspired by a playground.
Pattie’s Home Plate Cafe
One of North Portland's strangest places can be found right in the center of St. John's, which might not surprise you. Pattie’s Home Plate Cafe offers both the typical diner options and a unique shopping experience. Half of the place is filled with everything you can think of. From postcards and perfume to old games and mugs, everything is slightly dusty. As it turns out, the food is surprisingly good and they are known for their milkshakes, at least among insiders. It’s worth checking it out for the unique experience of eating between dolls. Warning: You might not be able to stop laughing.
8501 N. Lombard St.
Portland, OR 97255
Paxton Gate
If you are easy to scare you might want to avoid this place. At Paxton Gate, you can explore the world of taxidermy and more. They sell everything from suckers with scorpions in them, framed and mounted insects, to human skulls priced at $1,750. Despite all the unusual products they sell, Paxton Gate is a store with a friendly and open atmosphere and helpful staff. This place couldn’t be more typically Portland. Taxidermy — a weird hobby for a weird city.
4204 N. Mississippi Ave.
Portland, OR 97217
Honestly, Harper’s Playground itself is not weird at all. It is an inclusive playground in Arbor Lodge Park. In 2009 Cody Goldberg decided to build a playground for kids with all abilities. His daughter Harper was diagnosed with Emanuel Syndrome, which causes most who have it to be unable to talk or walk. Due to many donations, including money the UP women’s soccer team raised, Harper’s Playground was able to open in 2012. Voodoo Doughnuts even dedicated a turtle shaped doughnut to it, which they sold in August 2015. Voodoo supported the playground by donating the profits of the turtle doughnut sales, priced at $3 apiece. Portland is different and this unique project shows how a successful business supports its community, Portland style.
Arbor Lodge Park Path
Portland, OR 97217
Alina Rosenkranz is a reporter for The Beacon. She can be reached at rosenkra17@up.edu.
