Tri-Met Line #75 is a great north south bus route in Portland. So how about a shout out for the bus line that goes right in front of our Portland Swimwear shop Popina. From Woodstock to Hawthorne through Hollywood all the way to Popina Swim. Some personal highlights of the 75 line starting in Hawthorne:

Popina Swim is an easy 20 minute bus drive from the Hawthorne business district, home of the Bagdad Theater and Dosha Salon. The Bagdad is an awesome historic restoration, owned by McMenamins Portland’s hero’s of preservation served with their home brew a movie and a slice of pizza. If you really want to treat yourself to escape your worries without getting out of town, try getting a massage at Dosha. Their massages are very reasonably priced, be sure to show up early (at least 45 minutes) to enjoy their second floor soaking pool and steam room, it is transporting. As you cruise North out of Hawthorn you will pass Laurelhurst Park which has a beautiful duck pond and lots of room for running your doggie.

Bagdad Theater

Next you will arrive at the Hollywood Transit Center, across the street is Trader Joe’s an awesome new supermarket, adjecent to the Hollywood Transit Center is 24 Hour Fitness, also pretty darn new. 24 Hour Fitness is a brutal process to sign up, sort of like your worst used car nightmare, but once you make it through the process the gym is very nice, the instructors for the classes are great. Huge downside is parking - but if your on the ol’ 75 you get front door service. If you crane your neck towards downtown as you cross Sandy Boulevard you may catch a glimpse of the Hollywood Theater. Where Bagdad shows popular second run movies, The Hollywood shows first run indie flicks, I have seen many movies at the Hollywood and have only been disappointed once by a very flat comedy, anyway, this historic theater was chopped up into three theaters I believe in the 1960’s which is very unfortunate, but the upside is more movie selection. The theater is owned by the not for profit Film Action Oregon which helps promote independent film and education in Oregon.

Then up the Alameda Ridge into the Beaumont Wilshire Neighborhood, if you get off right at the Fremont stop you can get a killer coffee at Ristretto Roasters for some micro brew coffee (they roast their own beans). The other must visit is Jim and Patty’s coffee for some great baking including their unreal calorie busting breakfast sandwiches, try the sausage and egg biscuit the first time you visit then try the bacon and egg the next, if you ever move past the breakfast sandwiches try the pastries then hit 24 hour fitness.

Back on the bus heading north you are almost at your destination Popina. On 42nd Avenue be sure to visit Delphina’s for great freshly baked breads, Roses Ice Cream for homemade ice cream and Rocket Pizza for some awesome pie, all within a block of Popina Swim.

Why not take the bus to Popina, take your time, and enjoy the ride!