The hidden gems at Portland International Airport
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PDX is full of great ways to spend a layover. You just have to know where to look. Photo: Courtesy of Port of Portland
There's no disputing our airport is one of the best in the world, but some of the things that make it great aren't so obvious.
Why it matters: While the soaring timber ceiling, living trees and award-winning design will catch your eye, the airport is full of hidden gems, too.
- Here are a few of our favorite ways to pass the time that don't involve too many drinks at an airport bar.
💠Meira's thought bubble: The Hollywood Theatre has its own 22-seat microcinema in Concourse C that plays a variety of films 10 minutes or less by Pacific Northwest creators.
- It's where I learned about Ranger, the canine alpinist who climbed Mount Hood more than 500 times, and the 100-year history of the Pendleton Round-Up while waiting for a delayed red-eye.
- Sure, there's no popcorn machine, but I was so thoroughly entertained I emerged to the sound of my flight's final boarding call.
💠Hadley's thought bubble: One of my favorite things about PDX is its commitment to showcasing local restaurants. I'm typically flying early, so a breakfast sandwich at Grassa and a coffee from Blue Star Donuts have become my go-to.
- But there's nothing quite like going to an airport lounge.
- My favorite is the recently opened Escape lounge in Concourse D. It's spacious and clean, has private areas to take a work call, and features decent food and drink options — including fresh fruit of the non-melon variety — that can be hard to come by when you're traveling.
💠Kale's thought bubble: Nothing helps me ease the stress of traveling like some relaxing music, and PDX just happens to have a rotating cast of professional musicians who serenade passengers as they make their way through the terminals.
- Plus: If you find one playing near a restaurant, you basically get a free concert to go with your meal.
- Music not soothing your travel-weary soul? Maybe you'll get lucky and encounter an airport llama.
The bottom line: Lots of us often find ourselves in airports with time to spare, and these little nuggets can help you spend a layover discovering the things that make our city and state special.