a weekend guide to portland, oregon.

Portland Oregon – you know it as a
town that’s proudly weird, chock full of delicious donut shops and populated by
the happiest of hippies. And while you’re not too far off, there are a even
more amazing spots and shops that Portland has to offer.

I flew in a few weeks back after
my boyfriend had spent months talking it up. Sure, I knew it was going to be
awesome (I was kinda hoping he wouldn’t take me anywhere that wasn’t), but I
was seriously blown away by how beautiful the city and it’s surrounding towns
were. Because I couldn’t put down my camera – I’m breaking up my favorite spots
into two posts (sorry in advance friends!) – and showcasing my favorite spots
from Portland and a few cities beyond that are worth the drive.

If you find yourself in Portland
for a long weekend, here are some tried and true favorite spots from tourists
and locals alike:

Restaurants:

Bollywood Theatre: It’s
everything you could ever really want in life: Delicious Indian food served in
a quirky, cool Bollywood themed theatre. I went to town on their delicious
chicken curry and Kati rolls with paneer and am still dreaming about them weeks
later.

Taqueria Nueve: I’m a firm believer
that you can tell a lot about a city by how delicious their tacos are, and from
my experience at Taqueria Nueve, Portland is a definitely awesome place. Their
tasty tacos and super delish margaritas are a local favorite, and best of all
it’s totally affordable (so you might as well order lots of tacos, right?)

Other Notable Spots:

– Katchka: Amazing and
authentic Russian small plates and snacks. For those of you who adore pickled
herring and cabbage: this one’s for you.

–
Hot
Pot City: Sure, it’s nothing crazy-fancy – but if you want delicious,
authentic hot pot on a cloudy day in Portland, Hot Pot City is the best of the
best. This buffet style restaurant lets you make your own hot pot at your
table, and it’s so good you’ll go back for second (and third) helpings.

Food Trucks:

·
Pyros Pizza (1204 SE Hawthorne): It’s both a food
cart and a full wood-fired oven, which makes for the greatest pizza in
town! This local favorite makes darn good pizza at a price you can’t beat –
win-win!

·
Kim Jong Grillin’ (46 SE
Division): Owned by Chopped constant
Han, this cart is chock full of delicious Korean faire. Try the Bibim Box with
bulgogi or the KJG hot dog if you’re a fan – both are awesomely delish.

· Nongs Khao Man Gai (SW 10th & Alder St.): It might
just be chicken and rice, but for some reason it’s the best chicken and rice
you’ll ever have. There’s something magical in the ginger sauce, and the
organic chicken is just too darn good – you need to try this ASAP.

Treats:

Voodoo
Donuts: A PDX classic, known for crazy cereal concoctions, eclectic décor
and voodoo shaped donuts. If you’re stopping in Portland, you have to make the
great pilgrimage to pick up at least a few Voodoo donuts to see what all the
fuss is about (and I promise, it’s worth waiting in that long line for.)

Salt
& Straw Ice Cream: If you’re an ice cream lover (and really, who
isn’t?) this place is for you. Known as one of the best stops for sweets in the
city, Salt & Straw offers an array of incredible flavor combinations and
freshly baked waffle cones. Inspired by famous Portland food trucks (including
flavors like, “kimchi and rice”, or tahini and cardamom”), crazy flavor
combinations and favorite classics – there’s an ice cream everyone will love at
Salt & Straw.

Blue Star Donuts: A local told me,
“Voodoo is where tourists go, but Blue Star is where the locals go”, and I can
totally see why. While it’s not as over the top as Voodoo, the innovative
flavor combinations (blueberry bourbon basil donuts, anyone?) are seriously
divine. Plus, if you’re not one for 30-minute lines, this shop will definitely
win over Voodoo in your book.

Petunias Pies & Pastries: The
girliest, cutest, most perfect bakery shop of (maybe) all time – if you’re into
that sorta thing. I loved the cupcakes and tasty cookies (try the cowgirl one
if you’re a chocolate chip cookie fan!)

Coffee:

Stumptown: The
most known Portland roaster, Stumptown coffee is a favorite hot spot for both
tourists and locals. I’m a sucker for a good latte, and Stumptown’s is one of
the best I’ve had. Check out their killer cold-brew, whole bean coffee and
extra cute coffee cups to bring home with you as a souvenir.

Coava:
When a local told me that Coava was her favorite coffee shop in the city, I
knew I had to stop by to see what all the fuss was about. And believe me, the
fuss was definitely worth it! Stop by for the airy, industrial space and sip on
a perfect cup of coffee while you relax in the city – it’s the perfect place to
stop for a mid-day coffee break.

Shops:

Hand-Eye Supply: You know those stores
that are just so beautiful, you have
to check them out? Hand-Eye Supply has that sort of effect on people. I walked
by, and like a moth of the flame, had to swing in without having the faintest
idea about what they sold. I now know that the store boasts an impressive
collection of functional accessories, clothing and novelties for the
hard-working friends in your life. It’s definitely worth checking out, if not
for the gorgeous interior alone.

Wild
Fang: It’s a hop, skip and a jump away from the heart of downtown – but the
walk is definitely worth it. Wild Fang is a trendy clothing and accessory store
featuring awesome tomboy clothing. The interior of this shop is seriously
phenomenal – complete with an impressive collection of air plants and even a
few swings you can relax on. If you’re new to the area, chat with the store
manager and see if you can snag their list of favorite spots locals love in the
area (yes, they’re so nice they put a whole list together for tourists!)

Made Here (in PDX): If you’re
looking for the best place to buy Portland gems, Made Here is the spot for you.
It’s a local favorite shop that boasts everything you’d ever need (all made in
Portland!) Check out their impressive food products, beauty products, handmade
clothing and accessories and much, much more.

Aesop: This Australian beauty brand is a
favorite of locals, and the company recently opened up two drop-dead gorgeous
stores in the Portland area. Even if you’re not in the market for new potions
and lotions, being able to check out the interior design is worth the trip
alone. I snagged a hair masque I can’t live without and a generous amount of
incredible samples (score!)

Powell’s
Books: There’s a reason this place is a classic Portland tourist stop. As
one of the largest bookstores in the U.S., it’s easy to spend an entire
afternoon roaming the aisles of new and used books. I personally loved checking
out their PDX souvenirs and their impressive stationary collection myself, but
there’s something for everyone here.

To See:

Rose
Test Garden: Sure, it’s touristy – but the moment you walk into the
gigantic rose garden you totally understand why. There are hundreds of roses in
almost any color you can imagine, and the grandeur alone is worth the trip. If
you’re still craving more garden views, stop by the Japanese garden right next
door for another great walk in the park.

Pittock Mansion Viewpoint (top image in post):
The perfect spot to take in beautiful Portland. Grab a box of donuts (or more
substantial picnic food if that’s what you’re into) and enjoy the gorgeous view
of the city. Totally ‘gramable and worth the trek up the hill!

Basically, I’m ready to go back
right now (and who can blame me with a city this awesome?) If you haven’t made
the trek out to PDX, make sure to add it to your travel list! xx

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