Anyone who enjoys vibrant, vital cities will fall in love with Portland, Oregon. The city manages to excel at almost every measure of urban livability from streetcars, bike commuters, microbreweries, and unforgettable food. We recently traveled to the Portland area to visit  Glance Optics and met store owners Lisa & Bob Martinsson. They took the time to fill us in on the best of the Portland area.

Departure Restaurant and Lounge at The Nines 525 Southwest Morrison Street  Portland, OR

Do you have a favorite part of the city?
Downtown, but there are many neighborhoods/districts full of culture and diversity that add to the richness of the Portland metro area, such as the Pearl District, Mississippi, NW 23^rd, Sellwood, Alberta, the Hawthorne District and others.

What is your favorite store?
Bob’s favorite is Rich’s Cigar Shop, where the best tobaccos can be found.
Lisa’s favorite, any store with great shoes!

Rich’s Cigar Shop 706 Northwest 23rd Avenue Portland, OR

Lizard Lounge 1323 Northwest Irving Street  Portland, OR

What is your favorite place to dine?
Veritable Quandary for Oso Buco, Por Que’ No for great quick Mexican food, the lounge at the Portland City Grill for happy hour and the best view in town, le Bistro Montage for great creole food, Tucci’s (Lake Oswego) best proximity to Glance!

Veritable Quandary 1220 Southwest 1st Avenue  Portland, OR

The best hotel or place to stay?
The Heathman and The Nines

The Nines 525 Southwest Morrison Street  Portland, OR

What in particular is original in Portland to you?
Kennedy School, an old school converted by the McMenamin brothers to a funky place to stay complete with a theater, restaurant, cigar/whiskey bar, outdoor wading pool and chalkboards in every room!

Kenny School 5736 Northeast 33rd Avenue  Portland, OR 97211

Tell us a shop anecdote?
A philosophy, rather, “A healthy spirit comes from within, great eyewear lets it out to play!”

Thank you Lisa & Bob!
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