When The Girl and I decided to go on an impromptu road trip to Portland, OR awhile back, we got the chance to cover a pretty wide range of sites/activities. By the end of the weekend, we decided that it was actually a pretty cool city. It gets compared to Seattle a lot, but I got a totally different vibe from it. It has its own unique kind of flavor–worth experiencing for yourself.
It really is one of those cities with a million different things to do, so this top 10 is really just a jumping off point:
- Bob’s Red Mill Whole Grain Store and Cafe. You can check out what all the hub-bub over stone-ground grains is about, eat a little fresh baked bread, and do some shopping. It’s an afternoon well-spent, I promise.
- Powell’s Bookstore. Powell’s is an iconic, privately owned massive bookstore. The best part? They carry new and used books–so you can score some pretty good deals.
- Pendleton Woolen Mill Store. If you sew, hook rugs, or are crafty in any way, this is your chance to grab up some very unique fabrics and/or ends.
- Voodoo Doughnuts. I’ll keep it simple: world famous doughnuts. Enough said.
- Portland Japanese Gardens. The gardens are split up into 5 different separate garden, each with their own themes. If you can’t find your inner-calm in one of them, you probably don’t have any inner-calm.
- Tillamook Cheese Factory and Farmhouse Cafe. Okay, so this one isn’t really IN Portland, but it’s FRESH cheese and ice cream–like 24 hours from the cow fresh. If you have any respect for the grilled cheese sandwich, you will make the trek.
- The Goonies House. Calling all children of the 80’s, this is your chance to relive your youth. Climb up the driveway and checkout the house {you can’t go in}. “Boobie twapped, that’s what I said.”
- Portland Saturday Market. This Saturday {and Sunday} market puts other markets to shame. You can stroll through 100’s of vendors handmade items, eat your way through the best of what Portland has to offer, and listen to live music.
- Hike through Forest Park. With 70 miles of trails, it is one of the largest naturally forested parks in the U.S. Portland is a super outdoorsy city for a reason–it is beautiful, and Forest Park is no exception.
- Have some ice cream at Salt & Straw. It’s all handmade, local, organic ice cream. It. Is. Delicious. Your mouth will thank you. {Plus, I bet you there is no beaver butt, whatsoever, in the ingredients.}
Have you been to Portland? What’s your favorite thing to do?
~Mavis
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Susie says
Respectfully, I do believe it’s “booty-twapped.” 😉
A loyal fan of those crazy Goonies
Amy says
Our family enjoys the Oregon Zoo and OMSI both in Portland. Both places are worth a visit.
Cecily says
For those who love history, nature or architecture I recommend a visit to Pittock mansion. The grounds and house are amazing!
Ellen in Clackamas says
In downtown Portland you will find a magniicent Chinese Garden with a lovely pond and tea house. And across the street from the Japanese Garden is the Washington Park International Rose Garden. There are hundreds of roses in bloom and all are tagged so you can pick your favorite. And on a clear day you can see all of downtown, the Willamette River and at least 3 mountains in the Cascade range..Mt. Hood, Mt St. Helens and Mt. Adams. It is free and a wonderul place to have a summertime picnic.
sclindah says
Oh, you showed my home town, Forest Grove on your map!!! (I now live in South Carolina). I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Astoria and Ecola State Park. I also have wonderful memories with the Portland Zoo, OMSI and the Rose Gardens with views of the mountains!
Jenelle says
Next time you’re in Portland, grab a bite at El Cubo de Cuba. Amazing food, extremely fresh! Try the Tostones or the Maduros and a Pan con Pollo. You won’t be disappointed. (And they have beer!)