A MINI GUIDE TO PORTLAND
Portland, the largest city in Oregon, sits in a coveted position at the confluence of the Willamette & Columbus rivers. The city is flanked on all sides by incredible natural features including Mt Hood, Mt Saint Helens, and the wine filled Willamette Valley. With supremely eco-conscious people and infrastructure, craft breweries around every corner, and instagram worthy eats, Portland should be on everyone's weekend getaway list. The unofficial slogan of the city? Keep Portland Weird.
Where to Stay
Where to Eat
Tusk - Middle Eastern / Mediterranean flavors. I recommend trying the "Magic Carpet Ride" or tasting menu to avoid having to make any decisions
Tasty n Sons - A favorite brunch spot that also serves dinner and happy hour
Maurice - Nordic-French lunch spot in a bright white space
Andina - Upscale Peruvian
Han Oak - A fun take on Korean flavors in a cool inside/outside space
Blue Star Donuts - You've probably heard about the Portland Donut battle between Blue Star and Voodoo Donuts. Although both are tasty, I definitely prefer Blue Star. Favorites include blueberry with basil and passionfruit with chili pepper.
Pok Pok - Once a food cart, now a full-fledged Portland favorite serving modern Thai in a fun and lively space
Salt & Straw - ICE CREAM.
What to Do
Stroll the Pearl District downtown and get some shopping in (BTW there is no sales tax in Oregon)
Visit Powell's City of Books, the largest used booked store in the world (no jokes here, it occupies an entire city block)
After Powell's, cross the street and peruse the goods at Union Way, a modern arcade full of shops and artisanal goods that connects the West End to the Pearl District
Take a hike in the Columbia River Gorge where there is a plethora of waterfalls and different length trails to suit even the laziest of bums. Popular hikes include the hike to Multnomah Falls or the hike to Wahclella Falls.
Head to Mt Hood National Park
Wine taste in the Willamette Valley (see below for some recommended wineries)
Eat Donuts (see Blue Star above)
Paddle Board on the Willamette River
Visit Washington Square Park and/or Forest Park
Be sure to check for seasonal events like the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in the Spring
If you have time, head to the coast!
Willamette Wineries to Visit
Sokol Blosser - A beautiful wooden architectural wonder featuring indoor and outdoor tastings and cheese pairings
Ponzi - A fun modern place to taste complete with patio tastings, indoor tastings, bocce ball courts, and lawns to stretch out on. Don't miss the pinot!
WillaKenzie - Overlooking the rolling hills of the Willamette Valley, WillaKenzie is a no fuss family favorite. On weekends in the warmer months you'll find a pizza oven outside at lunchtime
