If you are new to Miss Olivia Says then you probably don’t know that I spent my last four years attending college in Portland, Oregon. I have had a couple readers ask me for a Portland travel guide for a weekend in Portland so I finally decided to post one! Although I was in Portland for a couple years, I still didn’t manage to do a couple of things on my PNW bucket list. Nevertheless, I will list them at the end of this post so if you’re interested, you can check them out!
Powell’s Books in a tourist destination in Portland. Located smack-dab in the heart of downtown, Powell’s takes up an entire block. It is a multi-story bookstore and cafe that every visitor to Portland has to check out. Despite it’s reputation for being full of tourists, the place is so big it is rarely too crowded. Head to Powell’s on one of Portland’s many rainy days and shop around!
The Alberta Arts District is a funky and vibrant neighborhood located in NW Portland. In the summer you have to check out Last Thursday, which is a street market. Venture to the Grilled Cheese Grill located in a old school bus for a yummy and unique grilled cheese. My favorite is Little Big Burger located across the street from another Portland favorite, Salt & Straw. Grab a burger and an order of truffle fries then top it off with one of Salt & Straw’s unique flavors.
Side Note: I am not a hooker. I just had to take a picture next to this wall art. The Pearl District is located in downtown Portland and is home to trendy bars and lofts that I wish I could afford. Head to Brix Tavern for Sunday morning brunch where you can enjoy $8 bottomless mimosas. Afterwards, stroll around the neighborhood and shop the cute boutiques and stores.
Even though I’ve highlighted mainly food so far on my travel guide, I had to point out some of my favorite spots in their own section! During my graduation weekend my family stayed at The Nines Hotel in downtown Portland. This swanky spot is home to Urban Farmer and Departure, which is a rooftop bar and restaurant. My family and I got drinks at Urban Farmer before dinner one night and loved the atmosphere. The dinner menu also looked AMAZING. I got a Lemon Drop and my boyfriend got an old fashioned (pictured above).
I once had a life-changing dinner experience at a small restaurant called Porto Terra located in the Hilton Downtown Portland. On top of the delicious bread they served (carb overload and I’m not even mad about it), I got the Pomodoro (AKA spaghetti). Paired with a yummy red wine blend, my dinner was amazing!
Portland City Grill, also a Portland favorite was sooooo amazing! It is located on the 30th floor and has both American and Asian cuisine. I got two sushi rolls and a raspberry martini and loved every bit of it. PCG is on the expensive side, but when in Portland for the weekend, food is everything. Portland is a foodie’s dream so make the excuse to splurge. Plus, PCG has views of the city and on a clear day you can see Mt. Hood and Mt. Saint Helens!
Multonomah Falls: Hike and take some awesome #PNW Instagram pics
23rd Street: Bartini, shopping, Matador, Salt & Straw
Saturday Market: Saturdays and Sundays during the summer
White Owl Social Club: Dancing, food, and socializing
Sauvie’s Island: Head to the beach on the Columbia River. Don’t forget to stop and purchase a $10 parking pass for the day at the Cracker Barrel Store, Reeder Beach RV, or Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife!
And that’s my Portland Travel Guide! Have you been to Portland? What was your favorite part?
xoxo
Olivia
You did Portland up right!!!! And now I just want to go spend some time there!!! 😉