The Pearl District, a former industrial section of northwest Portland, is now a thriving community boasting a successful mixture of art, shopping and residential living.

Best personified as “the artist,” the Portland Pearl District supports galleries, as well as chefs, brewmeisters and designers who work their magic in studios, restaurants, brewpubs and showrooms. Embracing the brick-and-steel landscape left by heavy industry, locals have transformed old warehouses into clever retail spaces, cavernous studios, eclectic galleries and upscale lofts. Original cobblestone pavers, imported at the turn of the century aboard sailing vessels, which used the stones as ballast, still line some Pearl District streets.

National retailers include Patagonia, REI, Diesel, Sur La Table and Whole Foods Market are just a few of the Pearl residents. Shop “the Pearl” and you’ll also discover one-of-a-kind, locally owned retailers. Explore the Hanna Andersson flagship store; handmade paper and hand-printers at work at Oblation Paper & Press; and handmade soaps and “bath balls” at Urbane Zen just to name a few. Powell’s City of Books is one of the oldest Pearl District entities. Recognized as the largest independent bookstore in the world, Powell’s spans a full city block and rises three stories to house its selection of 1 million new, used and out-of-print titles.

The Pearl District hosts events such as First Thursday, a monthly gallery walk and Art in the Pearl, an annual arts and crafts festival held over Labor Day weekend. The Portland Institute for Contemporary Art (PICA) now resides here in a remodeled warehouse, adding to the Pearl District’s important art scene. And getting around is now even easier with the new Portland Streetcar linking the Pearl District with Nob Hill and downtown.

For a sensory sampling of the Pearl District try: the trés chic Bluehour; award-winning Pearl Bakery; the city’s best jazz at Jimmy Mak’s; or fine Chinese cuisine at Sungari Pearl. BridgePort Brewing Company, Oregon’s oldest microbrewery, also calls the Pearl District home. Hop vines adorn BridgePort’s brick building – originally a rope factory – and in warmer months, the former loading dock provides outdoor seating for an eclectic clientele.