My cousin is very special to me. She’s an older cousin – a retired school teacher – who helped raise me. She also watches Em a few days a week which allows me to work on this business. I am very, very grateful.
My cousin loves traveling. She’s been to every state in the US expect one – Oregon. Kacey and I really wanted to do something special for her. So when Christmas came around, we gifted her a trip to Portland, Oregon so she could accomplish her 50 state quest. I designed + printed these tickets to gift her, and she was delighted and so surprised when she opened them up!
Sweet readers this is where I would love your help. Please share your Portland, Oregon recommendations! Places to stay. Things to see. Places to eat. We’ll be joining her on her journey, and we’d love to hear all of your suggestions!
I live just outside Portland!
Places to stay:
Any McMenamin’s property is fantastic. Here are a few below:
Edgefield – It’s a converted farm on the outside of Portland with amazing views and great things to do and see. The Black Rabbit restaurant is so delicious, the Pub Course is fun and easy for those that don’t golf, and if you can, splurge on the Ruby Spa! Seriously, great place to stay.
http://www.mcmenamins.com/54-edgefield-home
Crystal Hotel – Their newest hotel in Portland with a location right in the middle of Portland. Easy access to transportation and the hot spots in Portland. Close to the Crystal Ballroom (great entertainment) and has a soaking pool.
http://www.mcmenamins.com/CrystalHotel
I can also say the Heathman Lodges (one in Portland, OR and one in Vancouver, WA) are great. The beds are comfy and the environment is quiet.
http://portland.heathmanhotel.com/
Eating — there is so much good food in Portland.
Rouge Brewery
Lucky Labrador (animal friendly)
Pause
To See:
The gardens are pretty cool and the zoo is good. Downtown Portland, the Pearl District, and 23rd Street are all great places to explore for shopping. I would suggest bringing some great walking shoes and get tri-met passes and then just explore. It doesn’t have any landmarks that stand out, but it’s very easy to find some cool spots to spend hours in.
If you have a chance, go check out the waterfalls in the Gorge. Multnomah Falls is pretty incredible, but the falls behind it are amazing as well. Worth the hour (round trip) drive. Bring your camera.
Email if you have any other questions.
I love Portland! I was just there in June. We stayed at the Benson Hotel and ate breakfast at the Pearl Bakery. I really miss the almond croissants there. You must check out the famous food carts (conveniently lined up in lots) in downtown. If you have time to drive out of the city, there’s hiking around the famous Multnomah Falls (and 4 other waterfalls) about 30 minutes outside of Portland. If you want to drive still further, there’s wine country and farm visits in Hood River in a big radius called the Fruit Loop.
If you like, email me and I can send you a list of best restaurants in the city (according to a friend who lives there). I only wish I lived in Portland so I could try all that’s on the list!
Phoebe, yes! Thank you. I’ll be emailing you shortly :]
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