Cherry Blossoms and the World’s Second Smallest Park, Portland

My flight from Kansas City to Portland (via Salt Lake City) arrived late. Having faith my flight would arrive, I booked both a car and hotel room prior to arrival. I left notes on the reservations explaining my midnight arrival, so both the car rental agency and the hotel would hold my reservation.

I’d never flown into Portland before, so I didn’t know where to go. Not seeing signs inside the airport, I went outside to see if a bus would take us to the car rental facility. Seeing none, I found an employee who directed me back inside the building, down an escalator, and along a long corridor that eventually led me to the right spot.

My car rental agency had closed, but many agencies work together. I waited just a few minutes, and an agent from another company had me fitted out in a car. The cars were just outside, and because they had no compact cars, I upgraded to a midsized Honda Civic. I showed the outside agent my driver’s license and rental agreement. She actually owned a Civic and provided a tutorial. The downside to this Civic was I had to connect my phone using a USB-C cord to the car, and it’s the one cord I forgot at home. It all worked out though, because I brought my power bank with me. I propped up the phone in the cup holder and kept the trip on track.

My hotel took about 15 minutes from the airport. Check-in happened in minutes. I was given a room key and a coupon for breakfast at the restaurant. The room felt safe, so I slept immediately.

This hotel, Portlander Inn, connected to everything—convenience store, gas station, à la carte food area, laundromat, and restaurant. The hallways felt a bit dated, but the room was clean and comfortable.

I awoke and headed through the labyrinth until I found the restaurant. On the voucher I had five choices, and with it being my birthday, I splurged on my caloric intake—biscuits and gravy. The open air restaurant sat next to a mini museum detailing autos. It gave me the opportunity to learn a little more about the area.

This also happened to be the first time I ate alone in a sit down restaurant/diner. For those considering solo travel, my experience was positive. No one cared about my lack of companion. In fact, several people dined alone. All this to say, I enjoyed eating then heading out and didn’t feel self-conscious at all.

Before I share my experiences, I’d like to compare my map-using experiences. On my phone I have both Google Maps and Apple Maps. Sometimes my phone connects with Google and other times Apple. For me, Apple Maps far exceeded Google Maps. I can’t tell you how many times I’d follow Google and be in the wrong lane and have to take an extra try getting where I wanted to go. Apple Maps always told me which lane I needed, and my anxiety levels always decreased.

My first stop took me to Naito Parkway where I eventually parked and went to see the cherry blossoms at the Japanese American Historical Plaza. The walking path bordered the Willamette River, and people filled the area. Many took photos of the beautiful cherry blossoms and the magnificent bridges. I too indulged in copious amounts of photo opportunities.

As I looked around, I saw a staircase that led to a walking path that crossed the river, so I headed up to see the area from above. The views filled my eyes with splendor, and the path filled my ears with loud train whistles passing through the bridge. I still hear a ringing in my ears!

I couldn’t take enough pictures, and none of them adequately presented the scenic overlook as I saw it. I decided to just take it all in and let my photos reflect what I saw.

Eventually I decided to head to my next destination, but I remembered…my nephew and I came to this very spot several years ago and searched for the World’s Second Smallest Park—Mill Ends Park. Boasting a mere 252 square inches (yes, you read that correctly), Mill Ends Park started as a joke.

Originally a hole waiting for a street light that never came, Don Fagan (writer) decided to plant flowers there. He then began sharing stories of the leprechauns who lived at Mill Ends Park. People embraced the tales, clamored for more, and started celebrating St. Patrick’s Day by the park. Leprechaun installations also arrived in the form of mini statues, and the park became official in 1976. I’m not sure how many travelers arrive in Portland hoping to experience Mill Ends Park, but I know I’ll visit any chance I can get.

As I shared this park with my students, I discovered a park in Japan overtook the record for World’s Smallest Park. So, while Mill Ends Park had been the smallest park when my nephew and I visited, it now stands as the second smallest park. Oh the tragedy!