Sellwood

Historic Sellwood is a vibrant and thriving section of southeast Portland that has a real community feeling. Originally incorporated as an independent city complete with saloons, blacksmith shops, hotels and a hospital, this area was annexed to the city of Portland in 1893. In today’s Sellwood-Moreland, it isn’t hard to imagine how things might have been at the turn of the century. Walking along the quiet tree-lined streets you will see many nicely restored Victorian homes along with cottages, and gorgeous craftsman bungalows. This family-friendly neighborhood has many parks, a great community center, a unique outdoor pool, and the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. This is a walking neighborhood with retail centers located along Tacoma, Bybee, SE 13th, and SE 17th. New Seasons, Columbia Sportswear Outlet, and many coffee shops, boutiques, and neighborhood restaurants line these charming corridors.

Antiques are the name of the game in this neighborhood, with everything from high-end to rustic – with a dash of kitsch thrown in for good measure. Dozens of dealers operate from Victorian homes, rescued storefronts and even the occasional antique mall. Stars Antiques brings together dozens of independent dealers in three separate Sellwood locations. Restaurants and cafés dot the landscape between shops, making it the perfect place for a leisurely Sunday afternoon tour or a romantic evening out.

For a taste of Sellwood-Moreland: Try dinner at Assaggio (Italian for “taste” or “sample”). Assaggio’s menu changes regularly, featuring the food and wine of Italy’s many regions. Sellwood-Moreland is also home to Caprial’s Bistro, where diners enjoy the masterful creations of celebrity chefs Caprial and John Pence.
Sellwood also sports Portland’s only amusement park, Oaks Park, is located along the Willamette River and adjacent to the Sellwood Riverfront Park. Many companies hold summer parties in the park under the shade of big oak trees while families enjoy the rides and old-fashion skating rink. Oaks Park is the oldest continuously operated amusement park in the United States; for over 100 years it has brought joy to the lives of Portland residents.

Sellwood is bordered by the Willamette River, Brooklyn, and Eastmoreland neighborhoods in Southeast Portland. There are so many reasons to love this historic neighborhood. You will find it just over the Sellwood bridge from SW Portland, and accessible from 99-E/McLoughlin. Spend a day exploring here and you won’t be disappointed.