Tim – The Oregon Explorer – Page 8 – Pacific Northwest Travel Tips, Hidden Spots and Attractions

Haunted Shanghai Tunnel & Beer Tasting at Old Town Brewing Ever wondered what lies beneath Portland's streets? The Shanghai Tunnels hide a dark history of kidnapping and forced labor. In this post, we'll explore these eerie underground passages and cap off the adventure with a refreshing beer tasting at Old Town Brewing. You'll discover the secrets of Old Town Chinatown's past, experience a thrilling tour of the tunnels, and learn about the Oregon Historical Society's efforts to preserve this unique piece of history. Join us for a spine-chilling journey through Portland's basement network, followed by a well-deserved craft beer in a historic setting. Great Pizza and Beer along with a scary tour.. Portland is amazing! November 2024 Uncover the Haunted History of Portland's Shanghai Tunnels I've explored Portland's Shanghai Tunnels, uncovering secrets beneath Old Town and Chinatown with the Oregon Explorer's Guide. These underground passages have a dark history, from kidnappings to ghostly encounters. As I wandered near the Willamette River, I learned about the legends that still haunt these tunnels. Join me as we delve into the hidden world beneath Portland's streets. Reveal the Hidden Secrets Beneath Portland's Streets As I descended into Portland's Shanghai Tunnels, I felt like an Oregon Explorer uncovering the city's most haunted secrets. These underground passageways, once used for nefarious purposes, now offer a unique blend of history and mystery. I learned that the tunnels connect to Old Town Brewing, where you can enjoy a ghost tour followed by a beer tasting. This experience combines the thrill of exploring Oregon's dark past with the pleasure of sampling local brews: ActivityDescriptionShanghai Tunnel TourExplore underground passages, learn about Portland's dark historyGhost StoriesHear tales of paranormal encounters in the tunnelsBeer TastingSample craft beers at Old Town Brewing after the tour Here's another Oregon lampstand, once you start spotting them they're everywhere! November 2024 Learn About the Dark Past and Legends of the Tunnels As I explored the Shanghai Tunnels, I discovered their dark history linked to the nearby ship traffic on the Columbia River. These underground passages, with their steep stairs, once enabled the practice of "shanghaiing" - kidnapping sailors and selling them to ship captains. While not as easily accessible as the Columbia River Gorge, these tunnels offer a chilling glimpse into Portland's past. I learned that legends of ghostly sailors still haunt these corridors, making for an eerie yet fascinating experience. Hear Stories of Kidnappings and Ghostly Encounters Underground As I ventured deeper into the Shanghai Tunnels, I felt transported to a different era, reminiscent of the eerie tales from USA Today about Lizzie Borden's house. Unlike San Francisco's Alcatraz or Seattle's Underground, Portland's tunnels have a unique connection to the Columbia River's maritime history. I heard chilling stories of sailors being drugged and kidnapped, only to wake up on ships bound for distant lands. The guide's tales of spectral encounters and unexplained phenomena sent shivers down my spine, making me wonder if the ghosts of those unfortunate souls still linger in these dark passages. Experience a Spine-Chilling Tour of the Shanghai Tunnels I joined a guided ghost tour of Portland's Shanghai Tunnels, navigating hidden passages beneath the city. As we explored the labyrinth, our guide shared tales of paranormal activity. The experience was unlike anything I'd seen in the United States, even more thrilling than the elevator ride at Multnomah Falls. After the tour, we headed to Old Town Brewing for a well-deserved drink. Join a Guided Underground Ghost Tour in Portland I joined a ghost tour of Portland's Shanghai Tunnels, feeling like I was on a real-life "Ghost Adventures" episode. The guide shared legends that could rival any Travel Channel show, making me glad I hadn't brought wine to calm my nerves. As we explored the tunnels, I understood why Cosmopolitan magazine had named this one of America's most haunted spots. The tour offered a perfect blend of history and spooky tales, making it a must-do for any Portland visitor: Tour HighlightsExperienceHistorical FactsLearn about Portland's dark pastGhost StoriesHear chilling tales of paranormal activityUnderground ExplorationNavigate hidden tunnels beneath the city The tour guide was great! Navigate the Labyrinth of Hidden Passages Below the City As I navigated the labyrinth of hidden passages beneath Portland, I felt like I was in a different world, far from the Willamette Valley's serene landscapes. The low ceilings and narrow corridors reminded me of New Orleans' haunted tours, but with a uniquely Portland twist. Thrillist wasn't kidding when they called this one of America's most thrilling underground experiences. I made sure to bring cash for gratuity, as our guide's expertise made the tour unforgettable. Prepare for Possible Encounters With Paranormal Activity As I prepared for possible paranormal encounters in the Shanghai Tunnels, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. These historic tunnels, once used during Prohibition, now serve as a chilling reminder of Portland's underground past. I made sure to bring a small flashlight and kept my phone handy for photos, though I was warned that some spirits might interfere with electronics. The tour guide advised us to stay alert for unexplained cold spots, whispers, or even ghostly touches - all common occurrences in these haunted passageways beneath the city. After the spine-tingling tour, I looked forward to calming my nerves with a cold brew at the nearby pub, reflecting on the eerie history we'd just experienced: Prepare for sudden temperature drops Listen for unexplained sounds or whispers Be ready for potential electronic interference Stay aware of any unusual sensations or touches Keep an open mind to possible paranormal experiences Beautiful Stained glass in the pizza shop, a theme that continues throughout the building. November 2024 Enjoy Craft Beer at Old Town Brewing After Your Tour After my eerie walking tour of Portland's Shanghai Tunnels, I headed to Old Town Brewing for a well-deserved beer. This historic pub offers a perfect blend of local brews inspired by Portland's rich past. I relaxed in the cozy atmosphere, sampling seasonal beers and brewery favorites. It was the ideal way to unwind and reflect on the spooky adventure I'd just experienced. Savor Local Brews Inspired by Portland's Rich History I savored the unique brews at Old Town Brewing, each sip telling a story of Portland's rich history. The "Shanghai Stout" caught my eye, its dark color reminiscent of the opium dens that once thrived in the tunnels below. As I tapped my feet on the wooden floor, I couldn't help but think about the footwear of those who walked these streets centuries ago. The beer's complex flavors seemed to echo the layers of history beneath our feet, making for a truly immersive experience. Bounty Hunter or Wanted poster found in the hidden tunnels, near a spooky cell. November 2024 Relax in the Historic Atmosphere of Old Town Brewing As I settled into Old Town Brewing, I felt the weight of history around me. The exposed brick walls and vintage photos transported me back in time, a stark contrast to the eerie tunnels I'd just explored. Sipping my craft beer, I couldn't help but appreciate how this place seamlessly blended Portland's past with its present, creating a cozy haven for both history buffs and beer enthusiasts alike. Try Seasonal Beers and Brewery Favorites on Tap After our spooky tunnel tour, I couldn't wait to try Old Town Brewing's seasonal beers and favorites on tap. The bartender recommended their "Haunted Hops IPA," a perfect nod to our ghostly adventure. I also sampled their year-round "Shanghai'd Porter," its rich flavors reminding me of the dark tales we'd just heard. As I sipped, I chatted with fellow tour-goers about our favorite moments from the tunnels: Most chilling ghost story Creepiest tunnel section Unexplained experiences Favorite historical facts Best beer to pair with ghost stories Combine a Haunted Tour With a Beer Tasting Adventure I discovered an awesome way to experience Portland's spooky side and taste great beer. Here's how to plan a night combining the Shanghai Tunnel tour with Old Town Brewing's tasting room. I'll share tips for booking your adventure and making group reservations. Get ready for a unique blend of history, haunts, and hops! There may or may not be a ghost here, scroll to the next similar photo that was taken a split second after this one... Plan an Unforgettable Night Out With Ghosts and Craft Beer I planned an unforgettable night out in Portland by combining a haunted Shanghai Tunnel tour with a craft beer tasting at Old Town Brewing. First, I booked a spooky evening tour of the tunnels, learning about their dark history and listening for ghostly whispers. Afterward, I walked to Old Town Brewing, where I sampled their unique brews inspired by Portland's past. This combo gave me a perfect mix of thrills and relaxation, making for a truly memorable Portland experience. Tips for Booking Your Haunted Tour and Tasting Experience When I booked my haunted tour and beer tasting experience, I found a few helpful tips. I made sure to reserve my Shanghai Tunnel tour in advance, as they often fill up quickly. I also checked Old Town Brewing's hours to plan my post-tour tasting. I brought cash for the tour and a credit card for the brewery, just to be safe. Wearing comfortable shoes was a must for navigating the tunnels and walking to the brewery afterward. Make Reservations for Groups and Special Events at the Brewery I found that making reservations for groups at Old Town Brewing was a breeze. For our post-tunnel tour celebration, I called ahead and secured a cozy corner for our ghost-hunting crew. The brewery staff was super accommodating, even setting up a special tasting flight for us. They also mentioned they host unique events like "Spirits and Spirits" nights, combining ghost stories with beer tastings. It's definitely worth checking their calendar when planning your spooky adventure. Not sure if this flour is used to make "ghost tracks" in the tunnels, or pizza... hopefully not pizza... Visit Other Haunted Sites Near Old Town Brewing After exploring the Shanghai Tunnels and enjoying Old Town Brewing, I discovered more haunted spots nearby. I mapped out a spooky pub crawl through Portland's oldest bars, uncovering legends of historic buildings along the way. Join me as I share my favorite eerie locations in Old Town, perfect for extending your ghostly adventure. Tour Spooky Locations in Portland's Historic Old Town After my Shanghai Tunnel tour and Old Town Brewing visit, I couldn't resist exploring more spooky spots in Portland's Historic Old Town. I strolled down cobblestone streets, passing by the White Eagle Saloon, known for its resident ghost. I also checked out the Merchant Hotel, where people have reported seeing apparitions in Victorian-era clothing. These eerie locations added an extra layer of excitement to my ghostly adventure in Portland. Map Out a Haunted Pub Crawl Through the City's Oldest Bars I mapped out a haunted pub crawl through Portland's oldest bars, starting at Old Town Brewing. Next, I visited the Barrel Room, known for its ghostly piano player, then headed to Dan & Louis Oyster Bar, where staff have reported mysterious footsteps. My final stop was Kelly's Olympian, Portland's third-oldest bar, rumored to be haunted by a former owner. This spooky route let me experience Portland's haunted history while enjoying some great local brews. Spooky bar with Spooky alcohol, filled with ghosts they said - aka SPIRITS Uncover Legends of Nearby Historic Buildings and Pubs I uncovered fascinating legends about historic buildings near Old Town Brewing. The Blagen Block, once a sailor's boarding house, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a murdered woman. I also learned about the haunted history of Erickson's Saloon, where patrons have reported seeing spectral figures at the bar. These stories added depth to my understanding of Portland's paranormal landscape and made my exploration of the area even more intriguing. Learn About Old Town Brewing's Historical Roots I delved into Old Town Brewing's fascinating history, uncovering its ties to the Shanghai Tunnels. I met the talented brewers behind their unique craft beers and learned the stories behind each beer's name. Join me as I explore the brewery's rich heritage and its connection to Portland's mysterious past. Wow, a stunning piece with a great story. November 2024 Find Out the Brewery's Connection to the Shanghai Tunnels I discovered that Old Town Brewing has a fascinating connection to the Shanghai Tunnels. The brewery sits atop one of the tunnel entrances, and they've embraced this eerie history in their beer names and decor. As I chatted with the staff, they shared stories about strange occurrences in the building, adding an extra layer of excitement to my tasting experience. Meet the Brewers Behind the Craft Beers You Love I had the pleasure of meeting the talented brewers behind Old Town Brewing's craft beers. These passionate artisans shared their excitement about creating unique brews that honor Portland's history. They walked me through their brewing process, explaining how they infuse local ingredients and historical tales into each beer. I was impressed by their dedication to quality and their deep knowledge of both brewing techniques and Portland's past. More ghostly activity, the fat guy in the purple shirt was never there... Understand the History Behind Each Beer’s Unique Name I loved learning about the history behind each beer's unique name at Old Town Brewing. The "Shanghai'd IPA" pays homage to the infamous practice that once took place in the tunnels below, while the "Paulie's Not Home" porter nods to a local ghost story. As I sipped on their "Caught in the Rye" ale, the bartender shared its connection to Prohibition-era smuggling routes. Here's a quick rundown of some of their most intriguing beer names and their historical ties: Beer NameHistorical ConnectionShanghai'd IPAKidnapping practice in the tunnelsPaulie's Not Home PorterLocal ghost legendCaught in the Rye AleProhibition-era smugglingOld Town RedDistrict's colorful past My real ghost photo... lurking behind the woman in the middle is the ghost Naina!!! Conclusion Exploring Portland's Shanghai Tunnels offers a unique blend of history, mystery, and spine-chilling experiences. Combining this haunted adventure with a craft beer tasting at Old Town Brewing creates an unforgettable night out that seamlessly connects the city's dark past with its vibrant present. This immersive journey through Portland's underground passages and historic pubs not only entertains but also educates visitors about the city's rich and sometimes eerie heritage. By embracing these experiences, travelers can gain a deeper appreciation for Portland's complex history while enjoying some of the finest craft beers inspired by the very legends they've just uncovered.