Even as a bomb cyclone drenches much of Oregon this week, don't expect to find many residents taking refuge under umbrellas.

Why it matters: The umbrella is a divisive symbol in the Pacific Northwest — seen as either a sign that you're an outsider not aware of local cultural norms, or a silly relic of a tired debate on how best to shield yourself from the rain.

Driving the news: The majority of the 372 readers who responded to Axios Portland's survey this week (85%) said they own an umbrella — yet only 4% reported using one exclusively when it's wet out.

• Instead, 64% opt for a rain jacket, while 26% prefer to use both.

What you're saying: The light, misty drizzle Portland is known for makes umbrellas "obsolete" for some. "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing," Buckman resident Stewart Yaguda said.

• Most respondents agreed that rain jacket technology is far better than a drippy stick you have to carry around with you, and, in some cases, forget by the door on your way out or accidentally poke the eye of a passerby.
• Reader Dani Tamiesie of Wilkes believes "umbrellas are often unnecessary, extra baggage and are an annoyance when walking down a busy sidewalk" and can be seen as a sign of carelessness for others.
• Meanwhile, Mount Tabor resident Maria Walczak said any beanie, hoodie or weather-resistant jacket — even wool — can adequately handle a little water.

Between the lines: There are some circumstances where even the most staunch umbrella haters acknowledge the benefit of carrying one.

• For example, many readers reported using an umbrella when attending an outdoor youth sporting event, walking their dog or depending "on how fabulous my hair is," as one reader put it.

The other side: Dozens of self-described native Portlanders chimed in to say even they find the smugness directed at those who choose to use an umbrella out of turn.

• "It's like some people enjoy and are proud of being wetter than they could otherwise be," August Gunderson noted.

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Not everyone wants to host a grand feast for Thanksgiving — some folks prefer a takeout meal, while others would rather skip the fuss of hosting entirely.

Driving the news: For those of us who want to avoid the dishes, the cleanup and the guests who maybe linger a bit too long, several of Portland's best restaurants are ready to step in.

Brix Tavern

Brix Tavern offers up a traditional prix fixe menu with turkey, prime rib, a vegetable Wellington, and no shortage of sides at its three locations.

• $49.95 for adults; $17.95 for kids ages 4-12; younger kids eat free.

Screen Door

Portland's iconic chicken and waffles joint is hosting its first Thanksgiving meal this year at its NW location, with all the traditional fare available a la carte, plus roasted salmon and a pork shank braised in red wine. And, of course, the fried chicken that made them famous.

• $28-$42 for main courses.

Blackberry Hall at Edgefield

Worried you won't be satisfied by a prix fixe menu? Head out to Edgefield for a Thanksgiving buffet featuring everything you'd expect for the holiday, plus the option to wander the grounds of the historic hotel to work up an appetite for seconds.

• $55 for adults; $33 for kids ages 5-12; younger kids eat free.

More options

🔙 Incoming state Rep. Christine Drazan will return to her old seat as House minority leader in the Oregon Legislature come January. She'll return to Salem two years after losing her bid for governor to Tina Kotek. (OPB)

🏚️ The Gordon's Fireplace building is going to auction in a foreclosure sale next month, with a starting bid of $225,000. The graffiti-blanketed 25,655 square-foot space poses a "unique development opportunity" for a mixed-use commercial project. (Portland Business Journal)

🍷 If you ever wanted to soak in a tub of red wine, now is your time to shine (or stain). A new wine spa recently opened on NE Broadway. (Willamette Week)

🎤 Post Malone and Jelly Roll will headline Providence Park next summer. Timbers members get first dibs for tickets Monday. (KOIN)

Record numbers of people are expected to take to the skies, roads and rails this Thanksgiving across the country — and Portland is expecting big crowds, too.

Driving the news: Roughly 80 million Americans are expected to travel over the holiday weekend this year, according to AAA projections, with some 350,000 travelers flying in and out of the Portland International Airport.

• Nationwide, that's an increase of 1.7 million over last year's figures.

By the numbers: PDX expects to see a 3.5% bump in travelers over last year.

• The busiest days at the airport — with around 57,000 passengers each day — are likely to be the day before Thanksgiving, Nov. 26, and the Sunday after, Dec. 1.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that Portland International Airport is expecting big crowds (not record crowds).

Tell a traveler

More than 11% of homeowners in Portland are under 35 years old, a tick higher than the roughly 10.7% nationally, according to the latest census data.

Why it matters: U.S. homebuyers are now the oldest on record, with the median age of first-timers reaching 38, per a recent report from the National Association of Realtors.

• That's up from 35 last year and marks a new high in NAR data from 1981.

The big picture: Steep housing prices and elevated mortgage rates push homeownership out of reach for many, with younger folks increasingly banking on family money for costly down payments.