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The goals of this piece are twofold: to produce an act of journalism in the style of the New York Times's “36 Hours” series on weekend trips and to evaluate hypotheses about the viability of Facebook Graph Search for journalistic purposes. I wrote this article using leads obtained solely information from using Facebook. I used Google Maps for validating locations and for clustering sighseeing of nearby locations. I also occasionally visited the webpages of businesses, but only to validate open hours. Following each activity, I have a short italicized paragraph describing how I discovered the activity.

Start your weekend off at Powell’s City of Books, a wildly popular book store, coffee shop, and tourist attraction “liked” by 17,204 Facebook users. Over 66,740 Facebook users checked into this book store and 374 are currently “talking about” this “bibliophile's dream” on Facebook. Portland resident John Stephenson says, “I know some folks that should live her simply for this one store.” According to Nicole Bell of Oregon City, “Everything and Anything to read is right at your Fingertips.” Portland State student and National Guard member Bobby N Marci claims this is his favorite place on earth. Those who “like” Powell's also “like” the author Haruki Muraki, the novelist Erin Morgenstern, and Dear Sugar on The Rumpus.

I discovered this by searching “Shopping & Retail places in Portland, Oregon.”

Grab dinner and a beer at the Deschutes Brewery, a Pearl District destination liked by 2,954 Facebook users and visited by 33, 392 users. According to its Facebook page, Deschutes combines a “distinct Northwest and Scottish Pub feel.” The pub has 18 taps featuring Deschutes mainstays, as well as seasonal and experimental beers developed and brewed on site by Ben Kehs. Vancouver, Washington resident Steven Venetta says this is his “favorite place to go out to eat/drink in Portland,” recommends the elk burger for food, and recommends the Abyss, Hop Trip, and Green Lakes for beers. Charles Replogle raves about the gluten-free menu and reports that there is a “TASTY” gluten-free microbrew on tap.

Alibi Tiki Lounge. Photo credit: Deke Dickerson.

Visit the Alibi Tiki lounge, liked by 2,109 Facebook users and visited by 14,402 users. According to musician Deke Dickerson, Alibi is a “national landmark” frequented by “young hipsters” that “retains enough local flavor to be the real deal.” Locals and tourists alike seem to be enthusiastic about the karaoake and the tiki aspects of this lounge. Portland resident Dianna Davies writes, “Friendly people great drinks yummy food and happy patrons.” Cornelius, Oregon resident Geoffrey Waggoner recommends the “Luau Pork Sammich,” calling it “orgasmic.” Regulars seem to like to post on the Facebook page when they plan to go for a good night of karoake—or in the words of Facebook user and Portland resident Jessica Boyd (a.k.a. RocketQueen), “sexy singing times.”

Spend a leisurely few hours at the Portland Saturday Market, liked by 68,158 Facebook users and visited by 53,966 users. According to its Facebook page, it has been operating since 1974 and is our nation's largest continually operating outdoor arts and crafts market. At the artist's booths, you can not only meet the artists but witness the creation of one-of-a-kind pieces. You can pick up breakfast and lunch from the exotic food offerings while enjoying the live music. Facebook users rave about everything from the food to the live clothing to specific items (for instance, walking sticks) to how the market is a “great place to take pics.” According to several Facebook users, this is the one destination they do not miss during visits to Portland. Facebook user and Detroit, Oregon resident comments on the market's “lovely relaxing atmosphere.” Facebook user and South Caroline resident Matthew Futrell says the market is great for buying “some random trinkets” but cautions against “beggars and cigarette bums.”

“No matter what brings you here, the weather, the spring color, the Noguchi exhibition, the Garden is at its best today and every day.” Photo credit: The Portland Japanese Garden Facebook page.

Take a relaxing hour or two to enjoy the beauty of the Portland Japanese Garden, liked by 14,776 Facebook users and visited by 25,893 users, in the “scenic” west hills. According to the Facebook page description, it has been proclaimed the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan. The garden not only has carefully maintained plants and outdoor structures but also art exhibits, such as this recent Isamu Noguchi exhibit. Chico, California resident Jen White says this is one her favorite places in Portland because it puts her “at ease with the world.” Many fans like the “peace” and “perspective” that a walk through the garden provides. Those who like the garden are quite enthusiastic about recommending it to others. Federal Way, Washington resident Lance Ferrell says, “I would make a special trip to Portland just to see this.”

Photo credit: Voodoo Doughnut Facebook page.

Grab a snack at Voodoo Donut, a vegetarian and vegan restaurant liked by over 107,000 Facebook users and visited by 141,100. According to US News and Travel, Voodoo is among America's best donuts. Alaska resident Lori Campbell raves about the maple bacon donut, saying she hand carried it all the way back to Anchorage, Alaska. Brandon Krenzler of Pendleton, Oregon says, “You'll not find doughnuts like this anywhere else” and calls Voodoo a “Keep Portland Weird classic.” Krenzler recommends the pink box.

Take a stroll along the Portland Waterfront and surrounding areas. Watch people play with their dogs in the Waterfront Park, walk by the Portland City Hall, and make your way to Pioneer Courthouse Square, “liked” by 8.248 Facebook users and visited by 50,512. In this city park there are shops, there is food, and there are people. There are movie showings. Weezer is coming for a free concert. According to photographer and Independence, Oregon resident Ryan Zeigler, this is the “REAL center” of Portland.

Rest your feet at Portland's historic non-profit Hollywood Theatre, liked by 5,199 Facebook users and visited by 1,348. According to the Facebook page, it was built in 1926 and has “beer, wine, pizza, and the best popcorn in Portland.” It has hosted vaudeville shows, silent films with live orchestration, and more. On Facebook, theater-goers are enthusiastic about the theater's “personality,” its popcorn, and its film selection. Vix Standen of Kingston upon Thames writes, “the hollywood is the best cinema in the entire universe. the staff are beautiful, the 'corn is delicious, the seats are super comfy and, most importantly, the film selection is always rad.” Anita Christensen says it is an “awesome place to check out indie films.”

Photo credit: LaurelThirst Public House Facebook page.

Check out local live music at the LaurelThirst Public House, liked by 2,241 Facebook users and visited by 4,463. According to Ben Waterhouse in the 2011 WWeek bar guide, “"The leaders of the city's bluegrass, folk, old-time, gypsy jazz and Americana scenes, plus various combinations thereof, can be found every night at this entirely kickass bar. I've never seen a bad show here." According to bar's Facebook page, there is live music every day and twice a day Wednesday through Sunday. Portland resident Michael Damron calls this bar “home sweet home.”

Brunch at Tasty n Sons, liked by 4,236 Facebook users and visited by 20,327. Tasty serves “Toro Bravo style brunch” with a menu that changes based on seasonal variations, local farmers' produce, and the kitchen crew's inspiration. Patrons are excited about, among other things, the bacon-wrapped dates, cauliflower, and lamb sausage. Carl Brochu of Renton, Washington writes, “Best Bloody Mary!” Anna Va writes that Tasty sered her the “best and most memorable food I've ever had.”

Relax in Wilamette Park. When you are ready, try stand-up paddle-boarding on the Wilamette River, renting boards at Gorge Performance.

I discovered this by searching “Photos taken in Portland, Oregon” and then trying searches involving “Wilamette.”

Get a cup of coffee at the Coffeehouse Northwest, liked by 567 Facebook users and visited by 1,153. Portland resident Jon Powell raves about the “little patterns in the mocha,” saying it is “like a dream.” Portland residents Leah Flores and Michael Jensen say this is their favorite coffee shop in Portland. Nicholas Walton of Corvallis, Oregon says, “Beautiful space, beautiful equipment, thoughtfulness in preparation & kindness to the human.” Shem Ishler of Minneapolis, Minnesota says the coffee is “the way it was meant to be.”

Go vintage shopping at Ray’s Ragtime, a vintage shop featured on LA Frock Star, also where 13 Tales was recorded. According to the Facebok page photos, the store features clothing across the decades, jewelry, masks, books, dolls, and other collectible items. Portland resident Victoria Taylor says that this is “one of her favorite all-time stores.”