Portland: On Fire

Bullseye! - The name says it all. This innovative glass company, started in 1974 by three young glassblowers, is on target to become the leader in fusing glass art with versatile functionality. While recreating many of the 19th century American opalescent glasses for stained-glass workers, the company's founders early on invited artists into the factory to explore less traditional glass-forming methods. Today, Bullseye's Resource Center - known as the Bullseye Connection - is headquartered in Southeast Portland, next door to the Bullseye Factory. Travelers are welcome to visit the resource center, which combines product sales, classes, demonstrations and exhibitions in an ever-changing, high-energy environment. www.bullseye-glass.com


Awash in Kahla - Portland's oldest restaurant, Huber's Cafe, is known for two things: serving Thanksgiving dinner year-round and its trademark flaming Spanish coffees. In fact, Huber's makes so many Spanish coffees that the restaurant is consistently ranked among the nation's top sellers of Kahla, a main ingredient in the drink. In addition to flaming beverages prepared with a theatrical flourish, the 130-year-old restaurant is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its arched stained-glass skylight, brass cash register, mahogany paneling and terrazzo floor are all original fixtures installed in 1911. Today, Huber's has matured into a cool, comfortable hangout for hipsters who've outgrown the garage-band club scene. www.hubers.com


Blowtorch Designs - The drama of Huber's Spanish coffees is beautifully matched by the on-fire creations of Magma, a distinctive line of glass jewelry created by artist Blake Van Roekel. Magma's tiny storefront gallery, located at 1720 N.W. Lovejoy St., specializes in - according to the sign on the door - "obscure hours." Such a laid-back schedule is a necessity for an artist who spends much of her time dashing about town, portable blowtorch in hand, conducting bead-making/jewelry-design demonstrations and classes. (Just call ahead - 503.753.1655 - and Blake will plan to be in the studio when you visit.) Now comes the hard part - deciding if you should take home a green "ice-cube necklace" or a gorgeous pair of drop-glass earrings. www.magmajewels.com


Hearth-fired History - The design, style and evolution of Native American pottery is a visual record of the joys, everyday challenges and hardships faced by the indigenous peoples of North America. The Portland Art Museum's Grand Ronde Center for Native American Art showcases this art form, with examples that range from simple functionality to the elaborately ceremonial. Before the center's opening in 2000, much of the museum's extensive Native American collection was in storage due to lack of exhibition space. The museum's recent expansion and renovation retrieved these artifacts from hibernation, allowing them to illustrate the history, myths and legends of their creators. www.portlandartmuseum.org