Come and get it!

Those of us who live in Portland know why it's awesome here. I'm don't need to get into all that. The thing is, we kind of want to keep it a secret so we're not overrun with douches who want to turn us into the next LA or Vegas or something equally cringe-worthy. Like Sacramento.

So while I feel proud that Frommer's has named Portland one of the Top Travel Destinations for 2007 (amongst Krakow, Poland; Tokyo, Zurich, and the original Portland in Maine), I don't really want the hordes to descend upon us in white socks and sandles, matching khaki shorts and - god forbid - umbrellas when it's rainy. Do I sound like a snob? Sorry. I shouldn't, especially because the magazine I edit targets visitors to the city, and I want them to feel as welcome as the longtime natives and converted residents. But let's just hope only a certain kind of tourist is attracted to our fair City of Roses. They don't all have to be hipsters - in fact, that might be even worse - but I certainly don't want them to be Parrot Heads or conservatives.

Oh yeah, and couldn't Frommer's have been a little more original with their description of Portland? Yes, we love Mt. Hood, the Columbia River and all the outdoor activities; we take advantage of the waterfront for pickup soccer and bike riding; and we're proud of our innovative restaurant scene. But there are cooler areas than the "Pearl River warehouse/loft neighborhood," and the Willamette Valley pinot noir scene is kind of old news. I do like the Kennedy School, though. If you really want to know what's cool in PDX, may I suggest you download a copy of PDX Magazine? Of course I may!