Portland's beer culture dates back to the 1980s when the craft beer movement first began to gain momentum. What started as a handful of breweries has since become a defining element of the city's identity—earning it the nickname "Beervana." Today, Portland is home to roughly 80 (and counting!) craft breweries. A fun way to explore Portland's beer scene is by taking a bike tour that stops at a few local breweries. For those looking to sample a lot in a short amount of time, we recommend Loyal Legion, with 99 local brews on tap, or Apex, where you can taste some of the city's finest craft beers.

Val d’Orcia conjures up everything you picture when you think of Tuscany—rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and quiet hill towns. It’s a protected UNESCO site, partly because of the landscape, partly because of how little it’s changed over the centuries. Pienza is the standout—it was designed as the 'ideal city' during the Renaissance and still feels unusually well put together. The Abbey of Sant’Antimo is a peaceful stop, tucked into the countryside. And if you're into wine, this is Brunello country—some of the best reds in Italy. Even just driving through is half the experience.

Experience firsthand why Portland is known as the "City of Roses" by visiting its Rose Test Garden, the oldest official rose garden in the U.S. Established during World War I, the garden was originally created as a refuge for roses threatened by bombings and potential extinction. Not only did the roses survive, but they have continued to thrive and bloom in Portland. The garden is open to visitors from April through October, with the peak bloom occurring in June.

Best known for Michelangelo’s David, this gallery is a must for anyone interested in Italian art, from Renaissance sculpture to paintings and even some old musical instruments. Besides David, you’ll find works by Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Pontormo, and others.