Zinesters Guide to Portland 5th Edition

Billed as a "low/no budget guide to visiting and living in Portland, Oregon, the Zinester's Guide to Portland breaks down the PDX grid by neighborhood with descriptions of good restaurants, thrift stores, bars, bridges, places to loiter, etc. (lots of etc.). The newly overhauled and illustrated fifth edition gets shoulder-deep into the history and local lore, providing a well-rounded argument as to why (fill in the blank) deserves your time. It also demystifies the TriMet public transportation system, bike events and culture, outdoorsy stuff, the public libraries—basically anything you need to know as the new kid in town. (Of which there seems to be tons; theZinester's Guide has been on Powell's Books' top 20 since 2006.) To the wrong eyes the book's title might imply a guide to Portland zine culture, but as editor Shawn Granton says in the introduction, the Zinester's Guideis not just for zinesters, that "It's always been about sharing the interesting and unique things that make Stumptown great, and also helping people get by that aren't swimming in scads of money." For those of us that can't so much as dogpaddle most days, this is "community" at its mightiest.

"Longtime residents and visitors alike will love The Zinester's Guide to Portland. The once 16-page pamphlet is now a 128-page book on its fourth edition, loaded with gems on how to have a cheap and amusing time in the Rose City (a.k.a. Bridge City or Stumptown). After a brief history of the city's founding (it involves two men in canoe), you'll find helpful transportation advice and a breakdown of the city's offerings by location. Its exhaustive listings boast everything from arboretums to sex shops, vegan doughnuts to free museum passes, and dollar Pabst to the Mudeye Puppet Company. My favorite entry was for The Vern/Hanigan's, which directs visitors to 'look for the TAVERN sign with the 'T' and the 'A' burnt out.' The subtle charm and nuances will leave you wishing there were guides like this for every city." Utne Reader, Elizabeth Ryan

Shawn Granton (Ten Foot Rule) and Nate Beaty (Brainfag Comics) edited a really comprehensive guide of things to do in Portland, OR. Features tons of information on various neighborhoods, bridges, eateries, hangouts, bars, places that sell zines, and how to navigate through Portland. A crucial resource for those visiting the city or those that have lived here for years. Also includes great line drawings by Nathan Beaty, Chris Larson, Tim Root, Dylan Williams, Chris Cilla, Carolyn Main, Malady, Khris Soden, and more!