This fantastic sweet shop knows absolutely everything there is to know about chocolate and gladly shares its wisdom with customers. Cacao employees are hands-on, and they love to educate folks on the varying flavors and textures of their premium handmade chocolates, their solid bars from more than 20 different countries, and even their signature drinking chocolate.

Portlanders are known for being conscientious of earth-preserving practices ­ so much so that they even have an environmentally friendly haven for pets. At Green Dog Pet Supply, you can find pet beds that incorporate recycled materials, organic and pesticide-free food products (their 'Wet Nose' dog biscuits are handmade in Washington), and a friendly staff. In addition, the store itself was designed with lots of reclaimed goods and energy-efficient features.

Limbo, cozying up to Trader Joe's on the intersection of Holgate and 39th, is a socially conscientious vendor of ­ among other things ­ local produce, delicious Oregon berries, and spices and flavorings on its famous "Wall of Herbs." Here, you can find just about any spice or blend of tea you can think of ­ and the best part is that you can decide exactly how much you want, because all of the selections are self-serve.

This extravagant shop is both an advertisement for athletic wear and a promotional for a hometown success-story, Nike. The store highlights physical accomplishment, using sound, video and interactive means. The enormous venue is especially attractive to young people, who adore the merchandise and the eye-catching displays. Even if you're not in the market for sneakers, you'll want to see how marketing can be used so deftly. If you are in the market, they've got a great selection of footwear and more. A free running club is open to everyone, of all abilities ­ call for details.

Just as the Oregon Zoo entertains you with creatures from all over the world, so does their incredible gift shop ply you with global merchandise. If you thrive on a touch of the exotic, look no further. Decorative items, fabrics and furniture have African and Asian appeal, while books and posters touch on topics from a variety of cultures. You'll also find toys, stuffed animals and a host of other merchandise. Best of all, you don't have to buy a ticket to the zoo to stop in ­ the shop invites everyone to come and browse.