The Wisdom Issue

Secrets of Our Wisest Portlanders. Plus: Is Portland a good place to retire? Are tattoo collections really that different from art galleries? And will we ever learn how to pump our own gas?

In this issue:

Arts & Culture

Old School

The Portland Art Gallery Where Age Is an Asset

Geezer Gallery (yes, it’s really called that), an exhibition space and arts center, is devoted to showing seniors’ work.

03/22/2024 By Matthew Trueherz

Golden Years

Can Third-Act Careers Work Out?

We asked artists, literary agents, career coaches, and gallerists about who succeeds in midlife creative careers.

03/20/2024 By Rachel Saslow Photography by Jason Hill

Till Death

What Separates Tattoo Connoisseurs from Art Collectors?

For many patrons of the extraordinarily tactile medium, tattoos aren't so different from paintings.

03/11/2024 By Matthew Trueherz Photography by Jason Hill

Eat & Drink

Sweet Eats

Sonya Sanford’s Middle Eastern–Inspired Cheesecake Recipe

The Portland chef's take swaps in labneh for cream cheese and makes magic with fresh strawberries.

06/05/2024 By Arianne Cohen Photography by Michael Novak

Ranked

The Best Costcos near Portland, Ranked

Which locations have the best goods, the calmest parking lots, and the most samples?

04/05/2024 By Portland Monthly Staff

Superfan

Will Ride for Tacos (Burritos and Quesadillas, Too!)

Armando Luna has biked weekly for carnitas burritos from Taco Gang since 2021.

03/26/2024 By Portland Monthly Staff Photography by Michael Raines

Musical Chairs

Why Does One Coffee Shop Open Right Next to One That Just Closed?

Stumptown, Barista, and Coava locations might have recently closed, but the people will have their caffeine.

03/05/2024 By Jordan Michelman Photography by Michael Novak

Taste Test

Best Breakfast You Can Buy: Our Morning Meal of Taste Test Champions

Start the day off right with these winning, Oregon-made products.

02/27/2024 By Portland Monthly Staff Photography by Michael Novak

Review

Yaowarat Is Portland Monthly’s Restaurant of the Year

At Yaowarat, four friends locate the heart of Bangkok’s Chinatown by way of Portland. Welcome to one of America’s newest originals.

01/24/2024 By Karen Brooks Photography by Thomas Teal

Health & Wellness

Subcultures

About the Thousands of Dentists Converging on Portland This Week

May the floss be with them.

04/03/2024 By Arianne Cohen

No Regerts

And the Most Commonly Removed Tattoos in Portland Are...

A professional tattoo remover explains the limits of erasing body art, from finger mustaches to microbladed eyebrows.

02/08/2024 By Matthew Trueherz

Home & Real Estate

Your Worst Nightmare, Solved

Can You Get Rid of Bedbugs on Your Own?

Before you bonfire your mattress, consider the options.

04/12/2024 By Winston Ross Illustrations by Jack Dylan

4 Portlanders, 1 Job

Portland Residential Contractors Tell All

These builders construct meaningful relationships with clients, coworkers, bandmates, and bowling buddies.

04/02/2024 By Brian Libby Illustrations by Sunny Eckerle

End Game

How Much Does Living in a Senior Community Cost in Portland?

Finding Atlantis might be easier than answering this apparently rhetorical question.

03/22/2024 By Matthew Trueherz

DIY

Yes, Portlanders Are Growing Tiny Forests Next to Their Homes

Goodbye, plant beds and street view. Hello, woodlands.

03/06/2024 By Heather Arndt Anderson Illustrations by klaus kremmerz

News & City Life

Q&A

Ripping the City with Maha Alharbi

The owner of Queen Mama’s Kitchen dishes on her Portland favorites.

04/23/2024 By Dalila Brent Illustrations by Betty Turbo

Golden Years

Secrets of Our Wisest Portlanders

We've got the scoop about everything from friendships that last to retirement planning to midlife career pivots.

03/22/2024 By Portland Monthly Staff

Golden Years

The 50-Year Portland Friendship

Some friendships predate light rail, the microbrew boom, or the Blazers' one championship. A longtime local reflects on youth and old age in Rose City.

03/19/2024 By Andrea Carlisle Photography by Jason Hill

Golden Years

Is Portland a Good Place to Retire To?

We asked real estate agents, policy wonks, doctors, and seniors the hard questions. Their answers are surprising.

03/18/2024 By Charles Butler

The Game of Portland

Hey, Can You Make It from Now through Spring Break?

Hawai'i—or maybe just your couch—is calling.

03/01/2024 Illustrations by Hawk Krall By Portland Monthly Staff

Oil Crisis

How Many Oregonians Does It Take to Fill a Tank?

The city’s thousands of gas station attendants are still puzzled by the new pump law, but not as puzzled as customers.

02/26/2024 By Matthew Trueherz Illustrations by Ryan Garcia

Tail Tales

Phyllis the Pit Bull Has Some Concerns

For decades, dogs like Phyllis had a bumpy path to adoption. The Oregon Humane Society is trying to change that.

12/12/2023 By Arianne Cohen

Style & Shopping

Birthday Etiquette

20 Classic Portland Gifts for Kids and Adults

Gift cards, cash, and high-fives are out of the question. Use our guide instead.

03/15/2024 By Portland Monthly Staff Photography by Michael Novak

Travel & Outdoors

Hasta Luego

This Gresham Company Offers Guided Outdoor Trips in Spanish

Loco por la Aventura aims to get more Portlanders who are Hispanic or Latino “vibing with nature.”

04/15/2024 By Ellee Thalheimer