So I’m on Spring break (and couldn’t be happier!) and this Saturday the Mr and I will board the 2hr Ferry down to Port Angeles and then drive south for 4 hours until we reach Portland Oregon!
I am SO excited, partly by the fact that this amazing city is so close, partly by the fact that there’s tax free shopping, and mostly by the fact that I’M GOING TO PORTLAND!
I have absolutely no doubt I will fall in love with this city. I can’t wait.
I also can’t wait to go for dinner with Stephanie from Pretty and Delectable for the first time, and to drive down to Eugene to see Melissa from Lulu The Baker’s smiling face again. Hooray!
And then there’s all the amazing eats and treats I’ll get to experience while there. Portland is definitely a hip city with tons of places to check out. Here are a few recommendations I’m most excited about:
Bailey’s Tap Room / Voodoo Doughtnut / Pine State Biscuits / Powell’s Books / Food Carts / Beast
As you can see we’re set on where to eat and drink, and there’s plenty more places on our list not mentioned above. But I want to know where to shop.
what are some beautiful, must visit shops in Portland?
I’m looking for everything from clothes to stationery to house goods.
Image credits when not taken from official site:
Voodoo Doughnut: Ruven Afandor Powell’s Books: Sam Bowman / Food Carts: Planning Pool
Oh my gosh, you’re going to Portland?!?! So much fun! I <3 the food and shopping there so much!
For eating, I'm partial places in the Pearl District like Prasad and Andina.
For shopping, Powell's of course, Canoe, and the shops in the Alberta Arts District like Bolt. And pretty much everywhere in the Pearl.
I can't wait to hear about all your fun finds!
I wish I could help – I really, really do! My husband used to travel there all the time and raved about how wonderful it was. You have his 2 faves (Powells and Voodoo) on there. The other highlight of his trips were always the local Pinot Noirs, some of the best in the world. Enjoy!
Hi Tan! I grew up in Portland and lived there until I was 21. All of my family still lives there and whenever I go home, I play tourist with them. Big places to visit: Multnomah Falls, Mt. Hood, the coast. Our favorite bento place, which has the best honey teriyaki chicken, is in Gresham Oregon. There’s some great outlet malls in Woodburn on the way to Eugene, wink wink! If you get a chance, check out Burgerville and be sure to get their special sauce on your burger. Its better than In N Out, in my humble opinion. You’ll have a great time. I didn’t appreciate it enough when I lived there and now I miss Oregon all the time.
Wow thanks so much for all these amazing tips girls!
Adina: We staying in NW so not too far from Pearl district by the looks of it. We definitely plan to head over to the Alberta district.
Kim: Ohh yes wines are a must
Esther: Thanks for the great info! I love hearing from current and former locals.
You know I’ve never been to In N Out so I feel like I have to try them. But I’ll definitely check out burgerville too 😉
I love Portland! I took my husband there for his birthday and we had a great time. Powell’s is seriously amazing and that general area has tons of great shops. For food/drink, I highly recommend Biwa (Japanese, in the Industrial District), Clyde Common (downtown area) Hair of the Dog Brewery for beer tasting (no frills, amazing beer also in the Industrial District), Pok Pok and if you’re feeling crazy, Ground Kontrol Arcade for video games and cheap beer. Have so much fun!
NW 23rd st. is really fun to walk down. (That’s where I live.)
On NW Thurman and 24th there’s a really cute jewelry shop that also carries other local Portland artists call Betsy & Iya. Right close by there’s a french bakery (St. Honore) that is delicious!
Coffeehouse NW on Burnside, and/or Sterling coffee are great places to grab some coffee.
Alberta and Mississippi (in N. Portland) are also fun streets to wander.
Appetite (home goods/bags) and Wanderlust Vintage are cute shops on East Burnside.
I have tons more recommendations…feel free to email me and I can send you more info.
Definitely stop by Alder + Co (its right next to Canoe, mentioned above), and grab a sammie at Lardo
Looking forward to dinner next week! 🙂 Wow, so many suggestions from your readers… I’m going to have to check some of these places out! Portland really has a pretty impressive restaurant selection for a city of it’s size. The Pearl District and NW 23rd are must-see shopping areas. There is a Paper Source on NW 23rd and a Jonathan Adler store in the Pearl District that you might like if you don’t have those stores in your area…
Would love to go to Portland someday- Hope you and Ryan have a great time! 🙂
One of my favourite musicians (and his lovely little family!) live there….his name is Josh Garrels- you should check out some of his music! 🙂
You guys are the best. Thank you SO Much for all the suggestions!