Museum patrons and theatergoers know from the odd shop nestled in between arts institutions off the South Park blocks such as the Portland Art Museum, the Portland Center for the Performing Arts (think the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall and the Newmark Theatre) and the Oregon Historical Society. Some of these specialty shops, though, merit a standing ovation of their own.

Newly renamed, Burnside East—the business district between Sandy Blvd. and S.E. Stark St. between 39th and 12th avenues— has both a working class feel and enough boutiques geared to people with good taste to make a trek there worthwhile.

Think there’s nothing in this Pearl District-bordering neighborhood besides Chinese lanterns and Foo Dogs? Spend a couple of hours in the OTCT shops and you’ll score everything from chartreuse leather to cowboyobilia to architect-cool eyeglasses.

Think there’s nothing in this Pearl District-bordering neighborhood besides Chinese lanterns and Foo Dogs? Spend a couple of hours in the OTCT shops and you’ll score everything from chartreuse leather to cowboyobilia to architect-cool eyeglasses.