City Cast Portland executive producer John Notarianni conducted the interview for this segment.
Portland neighborhoods can sometimes feel like quaint small towns. The Central Eastside has a different vibe.
“I've always loved that industrial, close-in part of Portland, like where the Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers practices under the Morrison Bridge,” says Taylor Valdes, the owner of The Venderia, which offers unique vending machines in Portland bars. “There's just like so much energy there with the tracks and the highway and the river.”
Here are Valdes’ recommendations for where to visit on the Central Eastside:
Here’s a spot to consider if you’re still looking for holiday gifts.
“My favorite store in Portland is Cargo Inc.,” says Valdes. “They have things from everywhere, and they work with a bunch of local artists from Portland who hail from all parts of the world.”
Bonus: you can find Valdes’ piñatas. “I feel like every time I go there I'm just so inspired by the colors, all the paper ephemera, the jewelry,” she says. “It's just like my little oasis.”
The family-owned business has been around for almost 80 years. It once supplied visiting carnivals with helium balloons, plush toys, rubber ducks, and the like. Now the offerings are for anyone with an occasion.
It’s still a go-to spot for helium balloons.
“The Lippman Company is a balloon paradise and also a crêpe paper streamer paradise,” says Valdes. “The people that work there are very kooky and very knowledgeable about all things party.”
Tip: They’re closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly.
More from the Taylor Electric building. (@portlandstreetalliance)
The neighborhood is Portland’s best for street art. And the old Taylor Electric building offers a canvas.
It’s an “amazing place to see graffiti,” says Taylor Valdes. “And it shares my name, so I love that. The walls are just turned into like an outdoor rotating art gallery of graffiti.”
What did we miss? Do you have favorite spots on the Central Eastside?
