Tomorrow is May 1st, otherwise known as May Day, associated in my mind with flowers for my mother and marching in the streets for justice.  This year, however, I’m going to enjoy some comics!  Portland is so full of comic goodness that I never enjoy as much as I should.  But tomorrow is Free Comic Book Day, and an excellent time to jump into Portland comic book fun.

Places to consider visiting (and there might be pirates, signings, and more!)

Floating World Comics (my favorite, so listed first): 20 NW Fifth, 241-0227

Excalibur Books & Comics (silly and fun staff, last time I visited and their site is currently down) : 2444 SE Hawthorne, 231-7351

Future Dreams Books (neat book collection): 1847 E Burnside, 231-8311

Bridge City Comics (never been, but I’m sure it’s lovely): 3725 N Mississippi, 282-5484

Cosmic Monkey Comics (awesome collection of stuff): 5335 NE Sandy, 517-9050

Guapo Comics & Coffee (never been, but damn, I like that name): 6350 SE Foster, 771-3638

Things from Another World (their window displays make me laugh): Hollywood 284-4693, Beaverton 643-4222, and Milwaukie 652-2752

My absolute favorite is the Sunday Montavilla Market at 7600 SE Stark. However, I have to wait until June 21 for my first low-key, small market dose. This is my favorite market partly because it is on Sundays, but mostly because it feels like a neighborhood occasion with enough choice to be tantalizing. Neither the options nor the crowds are overwhelming, and there is much to delight in!

In the meantime, we have the closer Hollywood Farmers’ Market opening on Saturday, May 2 at NE Hancock between 44th and 45th Avenues. This market has many more options, but also has some serious crowds (and almost always an unexpected friend encounter). Great fun but also some what anxiety inducing for wimps like me!

There are many wonderful farmers and vendors at both markets, but I got to give special mention of the Village Crepery — they are the best! Definitely visit their website for the wonderful animated gifs — and the crepes are even better!

The restaurant itself is pretty low key, with an ever present television near the cash register. If it’s nice out, sit outside, and otherwise site further back from the door and you’ll have a lovely time. Also, the wait staff is very nice. If you are desperate for a beer or need the check rapidly, just go up and ask them for it. You will not be rushed, but they also aren’t going to come hover over you.

I definitely encourage you to come by on a warm day and enjoy the evening, a beer, good company, and yummy food!

Now I’m feeling pressure to dress as something besides a pirate for Hallowee. Perhaps a viking will do…

The first time I encountered a stinky trees was on NW Hoyt between 20th and 21st. At first, I was concerned it was me, and then that someone was using the super stinky fish fertilizer. But no, it was coming from the sky! Now I notice the smell in many places throughout Portland, and I suppose I should view it as merely a sign that Portland is in the midst of spring.