We just got back from a weekend getaway in Portland (our first time!) and loved the drizzle. I had to make a pitstop at Personal Beast and found the most adorable raincoat for Fira! Luckily, the rain was off and on so we got some really cute photos and explored most of downtown.
Portland’s all about their quirky individualistic vibe, foodie culture and picturesque nature spots just around the corner…
For our first stop, we went to Stumptown in the Ace Hotel to get a cup and hang out in the lobby — such a good spot to read or pick up a conversation or two. I can’t handle caffeine but I had to try a cappuccino. Every time I think my body will change its mind and take coffee, it gives me the gift of nausea right back. #notcool #notstumptownsfault
You can’t do Portland without trying some local craft beers. There are some awesome breweries with outdoor patios + beer gardens. Bring your pup to Lucky Labrador Brewery or Captured Beer Bus!
Sellwood Riverfront Park: huge area with paved paths, off leash dog areas and sandy beach. You can watch kayaks come in and why not bring in a picnic lunch basket from P’s & Q’s?! Fill up a picnic basket (provided at P’s & Q’s for a $15 deposit) with their delectable sandwiches, meats and snacks.
[ image credit: imagesbyjosh.org ]
Mount Tabor Park: a volcanic cinder cone + reservoir with views of downtown Portland, off leash dog areas, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts.
Everything in Portland tastes good. I never had a bad meal.
So, a stop at the blocks filled with food trucks downtown is a must. There is everything you could ask for — Mediterranean, Mexican, Indian, Israeli, Korean, even a pizza/pasta truck (which was pretty tasty, I might add).
There is a food truck called Grilled Cheese Grill but we went to the bigger location (1027 NE Alder St) where they have picnic tables and water bowls for the pups.
Buttery crispy sourdough, crunchy crinkle chips, a tart pickle and a hot tomato soup to dip into… OMG it was perfectly done.
[ image credit: kevinandamanda.com ]
These pink boxes are inevitably everywhere. When in Portland, a trip to Voodoo Doughnuts and Blue Star Donuts is a must.
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We loved our stay at Hotel Lucia, just steps away from restaurants, food trucks and shopping downtown! The hotel is like a mini curated museum with the world’s largest permanent collection of black + white photographs by Pulitzer prize-winning photographer + Portland native David Hume Kennerly.
The doggies get VIP (Very Important Pet) treatment with an eco-friendly bed + toy made from West Paw Design, bowls and even their own room service menu. Rooms start at $269. $45 flat pet fee.
Ace Hotel Portland. Rooms start at $205. Pet fee $25 per night.
Kimpton Hotel Vintage. Rooms start at $175. Since it’s a Kimpton hotel, pets stay free!
A trip to Portland isn’t over til you get your obligatory Instagram wall pic:
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