Portland may be known to some as Seattle’s weirder cousin, but I guarantee that you will find a culture that’s all its own. Portlanders place an emphasis on supporting the community, fighting for social justice, and preserving the environment, but they also make time to indulge in foodie culture and great coffee. Don't forget to do some shopping while in Portland! Oregon has no state sales tax, and it is wonderful for bigger purchases.
WHAT TO DO
Powell’s City of Books (1005 West Burnside Street) - If you are a book lover (or even if you aren’t), Powell’s is a must-see while in Portland. Occupying an entire city block, Powell’s is the largest new and used bookstore in the United States with over a million books. There are over 3,500 different sections and even an impressive rare book collection. With the solid coffee shop and on point staff recommendations, be sure to set aside a couple hours to just wander.
Washington Park (4001 SW Canyon Road) - Located directly next to Forest Park, Washington Park is a massive 410-acre public park that includes the Oregon Zoo, the Portland Children’s Museum, the Hoyt Arboretum, the Portland Japanese Garden, and of course, the International Rose Test Garden. The Rose Garden has over 7,000 rose plants of around 550 varieties and are typically in bloom from late May through September. Many of the attractions, including the Rose Garden and its tour, are free to the public, and there’s even a free shuttle that runs within the park so you can take in more of the scenery. The shuttle has seasonal hours that are subject to change so be sure to check the schedule beforehand.
Forest Park (4099 NW Thurman Street) – If you are a hiking aficionado (or are married to one like me), Forest Park provides miles and miles of trails and will have you feeling like you are traveling through a different world, just 15 minutes outside of downtown Portland. The Wildwood Trail does have a steep incline through some parts, but you can start at different points on the trail for a shorter trek. One favorite stop along the trail is the Witch’s Castle, ruins of an old stone house, surrounded by dense woodlands. At the top end of the trail, Pittock Mansion provides a sweeping city view, while providing a historical look at Portland’s beginnings. If you aren’t able to hike the trail, Pittock Mansion is easily accessible by car as well with a public parking lot close by.
Cathedral Park (8600 NW Bridge Avenue) – Portland is known for their bridges and for good reason. Twelve bridges cross the Willamette River and create a cityscape unlike anywhere else. St. John’s Bridge is one of the most well-known, and Cathedral Park provides the perfect place to enjoy the view. During the warmer seasons, you can rent paddle boards and kayaks to spend some quality time on the river, and don’t forget to pay a visit to the Bubble Man.
WHAT TO EAT
Mother’s Bistro & Bar (121 SW 3rd Avenue) – What would any Portland travel guide be without Mother’s? This Portland institution is known for their brunch menu, especially their Buttermilk Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, their scrambles, and their homemade desserts. It can get crazy busy so be prepared for a wait, especially on weekends.
Papa Haydn (701 NW 23rd Avenue) – This classically beautiful yet cozy restaurant is the perfect place to end the night with their amazing dessert menu and a glass of wine. I haven’t tried their food menu, but all of their desserts are perfectly on point, featuring items like their Raspberry Gateau, Georgian Peanut Butter Mousse Torte, Lemon Chiffon Cake, and Baked Alaska. In addition to the Instagram-worthy desserts and warm ambiance, Papa Haydn is located on NW 23rd Avenue, a fun walkable street filled with cute shops and eateries.
Ava Gene’s (3377 SE Division Street) – If you know, you know. Ava Gene’s serves up elevated Italian comfort food in an old-school cool atmosphere. The menu changes daily as they source local and seasonal ingredients, but you really can’t go wrong with anything they’re serving up. We tried the borlotti beans appetizer (yes, beans on toast) on a suggestion from our server, and it was the most unexpected, flavorful, and delightful surprise. It can be hard to get a reservation so if all else fails, prepare to eat dinner at 10pm.
Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai (4759 NE Fremont Street, Suite C) – Mini-sized doughnuts in various flavors are prepared to order and served hot at Pip’s. They have seasonal flavors that rotate such as banana cream, sweet potato pie, and cinnamon nectarine, but my personal favorite is the classic raw honey and sea salt. They offer a free dozen on your birthday, and make sure to check out their chai drinks, ordered individually or in a flight.
Nossa Familia (1633 SE 3rd Avenue) – This coffee shop has three locations around town, all serving up quality coffee in a warm and inviting environment. The star of the menu, however, is their freshly made pão de queijo cheese waffles – perfectly salty from the cheese, crisp on the outside from the waffle press, and chewy on the inside from the tapioca flour. It may not look like much at first glance, but it is a definite must-try when in Portland!
Twisted Croissant (2129 NE Broadway Street) – This popular farmer’s market mainstay has opened up a brick-and-mortar shop where they serve up an extensive menu with everything croissant and cruffin. Many of the more popular flavors like the Monte Carlo Croissant and Raspberry-Vanilla Rose Cruffins sell out early so go early if you have your heart set on a particular one. There are only a couple seats inside the tiny shop so you want to get them to go and wander to your next destination.
Proud Mary Coffee (2012 NE Alberta Street) – Proud Mary serves up an inventive menu where they put their own spin on coffee shop classics in a chic, industrial environment. Try the iced mocha that’s served with a big scoop of ice cream mixed in or the huge dutch honey hotcakes with their seasonal toppings. Be sure to check out the cute shop next door selling local crafts and paper goods.
Food Cart Pods (Multiple Locations) – Any Portland guide would be incomplete without mention of their famous food carts. In fact, CNN even declared Portland as home to the world’s best street food. The food carts are usually arranged in groups called “pods” around town so it is easier to sample several at once. Poutine at Potato Champion, Korean tacos at Koi Fusion, falafel at Wolf & Bear’s, and brisket and ribs at Matt’s BBQ are all solid fan favorites, but you can also find something new each time with choices from Norwegian, Egyptian, Thai, Cuban, Polish, Peruvian, Salvadorian, Filipino, Oaxacan, and so much more.
WHERE TO STAY
Woodlark (813 SW Alder Street) – Oh, where to start with Woodlark… From the delightful staff to the reasonable rates and pet-friendly policies, Woodlark encompasses the best that Portland has to offer. Set in two historical buildings, the design is perfectly thought out, combining the historical with the modern, the masculine with the feminine, and the urban with the natural. It’s centrally located on Alder Street, close to the MAX and Streetcar lines, and within walking distance of the best shops and restaurants. If you don’t want to venture out into the rain, check out Bullard for a “hometown downtown” eatery, Abigail Hall for a handcrafted cocktail, or Good Coffee for grab-and-go breakfast pastries.
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