by Hannah Penfield

Created on: June 18, 2009   Last Updated: August 13, 2009

The Pearl District is probably the best place to people watch in Portland. All different kinds of people live, shop, and eat in the Pearl. If you stand at the corner of Couch and 11th for 30 seconds, you can see a dreadlocked college student on a bike, a hip mom decked out in American Apparel with a toddler in tow, and a businessman heading into a bar for post-work drinks. The diversity of people in the Pearl is fun to watch.

There are certain places that any visitor to, or resident of, Portland must always check out. The number one place is Powell's City of Books, located at 1005 West Burnside. You can see any number of people at this Portland landmark. All professions, ages, incomes, and styles are represented here. Across the street you will find Buffalo Exchange, an awesome resale shop. If you love fashion, you'll not only love the clothes, but the people shopping and working there. The women (and some men, too) at Buffalo display the edgiest up-and-coming styles in the city. While you're in that neck of the woods, make sure to stop by Mio Gelato on 11th Avenue for delicious gelato and delicious eavesdropping! You can overhear some juicy gossip among the area's jetset.

Couch Street has four great places to stop by. From Mio Gelato, P.F. Chang's is the first place you'll stop by. It may be a chain restaurant, but the glitzy and glamorous tend to dine here after dark. Keep your ears perked for great conversation and check out the patrons' pricey duds. The next stop is Whole Foods. Another chain, this location sees thirty-somethings standing in line with their organic fruit next to soccer moms with their kids. Witness the model-like waifs purchasing three cheese pizzas and chocolate cakes. This is a store ripe with contradictions.

Lululemon is your next stop. The women's athletic apparel store attracts ladies who have the bodies of Olympic athletes, the glow of pregnant women, and the beauty of supermodels. You must have strong self-esteem to enter this store without feeling incredibly inferior. On the bright side, you can check out the latest trends in athletic wear and get some motivation to continue a healthy diet and exercise program. Your last stop is the store Anthropologie. This fancy shop is the epitome of haute hippie clothes and home accessories. From intricate drawer pulls to long, flowy skirts, this store is always chic. Stop by for the grown-up bohemians perusing the shelves in their designer ensembles. You will see some of the most beautiful clothing you have ever seen - guaranteed.

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