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City Cast Portland

The Weekly Wander

Are you looking for the next great gluten-free bakery? A dance night at an underground Art Deco speakeasy? A secluded nature trail where you can dodge the weekend crowds? The Weekly Wander hits your inbox every Sunday with neighborhood guides filled with hidden gems and unexpected ways to explore our city. Sign up now for the new weekly newsletter from City Cast Portland (and suddenly become the friend who makes all the cool plans for the group).

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Ben McBee

The Vedanta Society of Portland, founded 100 years ago, is based in Mt. Tabor, but the group also oversees the 

 — 289 acres of picturesque, forested land in the hills outside of Scappoose (about a 40-minute drive from downtown).

The Vedanta Society follows the philosophy of the Vedas, the oldest and most sacred foundational scriptures of Hinduism in India. (Its founder is 

) And everyone is welcome to visit and explore the network of trails in search of tranquility and the healing touch of nature. The path forms a loop with stunning viewpoints of the Columbia River and snowcapped Cascades. For decades, the group has nurtured the flora and fauna in the area, creating a paradise that invites exploration and introspection.

There are spots for meditation as well as shrines dedicated to many different religions, their elegant wooden architecture blending into the surrounding trees. There’s a soaring eagle structure to honor the Great Spirit, central to many Native American beliefs, and a torii gate stands defiantly in a swathe of clearcut, representing the boundary between the sacred and the secular of the Shinto faith.

There is no fee, but donations are encouraged to help maintain the site and supply paper maps. As is always the case, you are a guest, so be sure to follow the rules and respect the grounds.

Whether you are spiritual or not, this is a worthwhile trip for the beauty alone.

The Vedanta Society of Portland, founded 100 years ago, is based in Mt. Tabor, but the group also oversees the Vedanta Retreat — 289 acres of picturesque, forested land in the hills outside of Scappoose (about a 40-minute drive from downtown).

Side Quest: Inner Peace in Mt. Tabor

Side Quest: Inner Peace

The Weekly Wander newsletter is your neighborhood guide filled with hidden gems and unexpected ways to explore Portland, OR. Get it in your inbox every Sunday.

The Weekly Wander by City Cast Portland

For a neighborhood built on and around an extinct volcano, Mt. Tabor is remarkably peaceful. You won’t catch a whiff of fire and brimstone, and 

, but there’s one thing for certain — it is a place where people go to find themselves — and this coming Saturday, there’s a reason to go see it.

🎨 Why To Visit This Week: Art From The Heart

This coming weekend, expect a palpable air of creativity as the neighborhood welcomes the annual 

 (Sat., May 16 - Sun., May 17). It’s an opportunity for the public to meet and support 41 artists who live and work in the area. You’re invited into homes, studios, and other spaces where you can browse ceramics, fiber art, glass, jewelry, mixed-media, painting, photography, sculpture, and more.

The sunny May weather is glorious for a picnic on the lawn above 

 or a stroll up to Mt. Tabor Park’s summit viewpoint for a glimpse of the distant skyscrapers. This side of Mt. Tabor Park is a classic Portland spot to catch the sunset.

On the southern edge you’ll find a sizable 

🍻 Food & Drink: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

The Mt. Tabor menu is on the shorter side but still plenty memorable, whether you’re in search of a fresh brew or a bite to eat.

 This community center has it all, from rose lattes (courtesy of 

: Every ‘hood needs a pod, and this one has some heavy hitters like 

 Woman-owned, family-run, and kosher are three adjectives that are just the foam on the pint. Small-batch craft beer comes with 

 If you fantasize about playing tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons inside an actual tavern, dream no more… 

 James Beard Award-nominated chef Katy Millard prepares seasonal farm-to-table fare alongside a wine menu to make any oenophile weep happy tears. The next-door market offers pastries and sandwiches by day before turning into Katy Jane’s: An Oyster Bar in the evening.

📲 Did we miss some of your Mt. Tabor favorites? Send us a 

Mt. Tabor recs

📲 Your Mt. Tabor Recommendations

For a neighborhood built on and around an extinct volcano, Mt. Tabor is remarkably peaceful. You won’t catch a whiff of fire and brimstone, and miracles may be hard to come by, but there’s one thing for certain — it is a place where people go to find themselves — and this coming Saturday, there’s a reason to go see it.

The Weekly Wander by City Cast Portland

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Side Quest: Inner Peace

Your Guide to Mt. Tabor