Chris L

Elliott Bay is second only to Powell’s Books in Portland as my favorite bookstore on the planet. Seattle is also one of my favorite cities, and Elliott Bay’s prime location on the water in Pioneer Square, near Pike’s Market and downtown, means this can be just one stop in a full day of enjoyment. A great selection of new and used books, a very helpful staff, and a wonderful (and distinctive) cafe… if I lived in Seattle I would probably live in Elliott Bay…

Just as I was about to embark upon my college voyage my parents took me to Portland just to see Powell’s… long an avid reader and aspiring writer, Powell’s blew my mind. I had no idea such places existed and had only dreamed of the diverse kind of people that hung out and worked there. It’s not just the quantity (though there is that) or the hipsters (though they are there), but the vibe of local arts integrated with the big picture. It’s a mecca, a holy place where those who love the intoxication of words come to drink, get drunk, and tell stories. There’s no other place like it. If you love books, reading, authors, writing… you have to make it here at least once. But plan on spending plenty of time there.

This is one of my favorite cities in the country… a vibrant arts scene (art, music, writers), the greatest bookstore in the world (Powells), plenty of coffee shops, more good restaurants than you can ever take in, great scenery all around. People complain about the rain, but they’re crazy. Portland is the place to be!