Local Alternatives to Retail Giants

As the weather turns colder and wetter and the days shorter and darker, it’s time for Portlanders to cozy up at coffee shops with a hot beverage loaded with caffeine. Therefore, it’s also appropriate to spotlight Portland's coffee culture, specifically our local micro roasters who are small businesses producing small batch, crafted coffees and sharing them in their own coffee houses as well as cafes more...

A question, Portland pie lovers: Where do you buy your pie? Of course, you can always buy yours from a corporate supermarket or national diner franchise, but keep in mind that purchasing pie from your local baker makes their slice of the local prosperity pie just a little bit larger. Every time you order a piece from your local bakery or cafe, you're keeping your favorite bakers in business, and, in turn, more...

Portland’s Occupy movement and like-minded activists around the nation have highlighted, using various methods, the benefits of transitioning from big banking to small during the last 12 months. And while some 6 million Americans have switched "their banking business from corporate-level, for-profit banking institutions to not-for-profit credit unions that strive to promote economic growth in our more...

If you've ever taken a long road trip, you've probably stopped at a Subway at least once. That's because they're everywhere. (Presently, there are more Subways scattered across the globe than there are McDonald's.) But, you're not on the road. You're home, in a city known for its food. So why would you choose a meatball sub from one of Portland's 33 Subways when you could ask your more...

As the seasons change, we must remember our four-legged friends have needs too. Yes, our furry companions who live only to love and be loved might need to prepare for the heat with a haircut or the drizzle with a raincoat. And to ensure those needs are met locally, we have six indie options for you to stock up on all your pets’ needs—and probably a few treats too—without having to step into the big more...

The allure of one-stop shopping is undeniable. Abundant locations and cheap prices may explain the success of big box home and garden stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s. But cheap and easy can be misleading as big box stores do little to support the local economy or maintain the independent retail landscape that makes Portland unique. With spring giving way to summer, as well as yard and household projects more...

Food is a necessity for all living creatures. But unlike our wild counterparts, wehumans have developed complex appetites that are often based on exorbitant wants rather than pure need. We've easily created the tools necessary to satisfy our cravings. But often our modern means are not always the most economically sensible or environmentally friendly. So, in honor of Earth Day 2012 on April 22, Neighborhood more...

Before the rise of the craft beer industry, the pint by which the world measured a good stout was a cascading draft of Ireland's black stuff, Guinness. But that was then. With Portland now considered one of the, if not the, beeriest of cities, there are plenty of local alternatives to the old beer-so-thick-you-need-a-knife-and-fork-to-drink-it. Here are five Portland stouts we think are worth the quaff. Bryan more...