As we look ahead to another new year (don’t let the door hit ya, 2021), we find ourselves mentally afloat, cocktail in hand, in a pool-sized Venn diagram of looming worry + cautious optimism. We all know things could be better at the moment, but we’re choosing to focus on the positives — except for, you know, COVID tests.

Let’s eat our feelings

Despite the difficulties of the pandemic, several eateries have plans to open in Portland in 2022. Pasture PDX, a whole animal butcher shop, restaurant, and sundry will debut soon + source from small, local farms that use regenerative practices and humane husbandry. Bing Mi Dumpling & Noodle Bar is the latest brand to expand from food cart to brick-and-mortar. And finally, “Top Chef” star Gregory Gourdet’s long-awaited first restaurant, Kann, is set to start serving Haitian cuisine in late spring.

Let’s get together

When it comes to all the great events that dot the calendar, no one’s crossing their fingers (and toes) harder than us that they can happen. The upcoming Portland Winter Light Festival is a dazzling + social-distancing-friendly display. We also can’t wait to welcome the extraterrestrials back at the UFO Festival, or stop and smell the roses.

Let’s learn something new

Supporting local museums and cultural sites will be even more rewarding with the reinstatement of the Portland Attractions Marketing Alliance’s reciprocal membership program. With a membership at any of the dozen participating PNW institutions, like the Oregon Historical Society or Architectural Heritage Center, members and three guests can gain free entry at a fellow organization, depending on the month.

Let’s enjoy the journey

Though construction may be a drag, the improvements from the Central City in Motion and Rose Lane Project will bring new pedestrian crossings, bikeways + bus lanes to Portland, increasing the speed and reliability of transit. More details on nine projects breaking ground in 2022 can be found here.