Quaint. Charming. A bit off-center and quintessentially Portland. Call it what you will, southwest Portland’s Multnomah Village is filled with character – as well as dozens of unique shops, galleries, restaurants, a wine bar and a brewpub, professional services, and the rambling Multnomah Art Center.

Only about a five minute drive from downtown Portland, Multnomah celebrated 100 years as a business district in 2009. Many of the original buildings are still intact and the compact pedestrian-friendly “downtown” retains the ambience and spirit of that earlier period. But the vibe is decidedly modern Portland that attracts a diverse and ever-growing fan base that has discovered why a decade or so ago the area was sometimes referred to as “Portland’s Best Kept Secret.”

Annual events include the Multnomah Days Parade and ensuing street fair on the 3rd Saturday in August, an afternoon Halloween in the Village and the Holiday Gala on the First Friday and Saturday of December. Parking is available on the street as well as at the Multnomah Art Center. TriMet buses 44 and 45 serve the community, and the area is easily accessed by bicycle. So get over here and see what all the fuss is about.