4 Days in Portland Oregon
Hey guys, I’m back! It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve posted and in that time, I traveled to both Portland and Seattle.
I’ve mentioned this in previous posts but during the panini, some of my closest friends moved to the Pacific Northwest. We waited until we were all vaccinated to finally reunite in their new home.
In total, I was gone for 8 days. I spent 4 days in Portland and 4 days in Seattle. As you can see from the title, this post is all about Portland so let’s get into it!
The Airbnb
My room in the Airbnb
Just to break things down a little, my BFFs Brigitte and Dana live in Portland, while Adam lives in Seattle. I traveled to Portland with my friends Jesse and his boyfriend Philip. Adam met us in Portland and together, Jesse, Philip, Adam, and I shared this 2 bedroom Airbnb in a neighborhood called Laurelhurst.
This Airbnb is an attic but it’s spacious, cute, and exactly what we needed. It’s close to a variety of shops and food (which is a must-have for me). Split between 4 people, the price wasn’t really that bad!
Activities & sightseeing
The city skyline as seen from the Pittock Mansion
We crammed plenty in only a few days time. Some of my top activities include taking a walk in Forest Park, visiting Multnomah Falls, and swimming in a creek in Tillamook, Oregon (only 1.5 hr away from Portland).
Smack dab in the city, you’ll find Forest Park (seen above), which is you guessed it, a park that is a forest. With its lush greenery, it feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere when really, downtown is only minutes away.
Although none of us were in athletic or hiking gear, we walked about half a mile from the parking lot to a landmark known as the Witch’s Castle. The trail is smooth and flat so it really isn’t too bad if you spontaneously decide to go (like we did).
This stone structure was never actually a house, from what I have found, it was a restroom and park ranger station that was eventually abandoned and taken over by high schoolers as a hang-out spot. Regardless, it’s a nice walk and a cool place!
P.S. close to Forest Park is the Pittock Mansion. Although it was closed when we arrived, you can still walk on the grounds and enjoy the gardens as well as the city skyline.
Multnomah Falls
About 30 minutes away from Portland is Multnomah Falls. This is a scenic spot that has a gift shop, restaurant, and is also a hiking trail. I have never seen a waterfall in real life before and was taken aback by its power. Nature is so beautiful and wonderous.
The squad and I at Multnomah Falls
If you look behind, you’ll see a small bridge. We actually go to walk on it and lookout from above. It’s a little scary but 1000% worth it!
The “crick” as we called it . Photo by Brigitte Vigo.
Personally, my favorite thing was driving out of the city to Tillamook to go for a swim on a hot day.
The water was icy while the air was hot and dry. It was quite the adventure to get to the creek in itself but I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of it.
My friends and I have known each other since we were kids. Some of us more than others but regardless, we are family. Somehow, I managed to round them all up for this trip and we had the time of our lives.
Food
Breakfast burrito from the Hazel Room
Portland does have some good food! Here are my favorites:
-The Hazel Room: good brunch in a converted home 🍳
-Bertie Lou’s: Classic breakfast food in a quaint cafe 🥞
-City State Diner & Bakery: Breakfast and lunch that is 💯
-Fire on the Mountain: The best chicken wings I have ever had in my life 🔥
-Pizzicato: A local chain with some really good za’ 🍕
-Mingo: Fancy Italian food where I had my birthday dinner 🇮🇹 (technically in Beaverton, a short drive away from Portland)
Local Businesses
The Raven's Wing Magical Co. Portland
Before I conclude my blog post, let’s talk about a few local businesses. First, there’s The Raven’s Wing Magical Co. (seen above!). This is a witchy and metaphysical shop that sells crystals, essential oils, tarot cards, and more.
Smith Teamaker
Steven Smith Teamaker tea is some of the best I have ever had. Unfortunately, the only place I’ve been able to find it is Amazon. However, I decided to visit their Tasting Room in Portland. Here, they have their own cafe as well as sell their tea. I bought a few boxes and recommend visiting if you love tea!
The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum
The last thing I’m going to be talking about is The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum. This was recommended to me by someone on Instagram (shout out to you Rachel!).
I’m not sure how to describe this place. As Rachel called it, it’s an interactive museum. It’s very small and only $5. It holds a collection of weird items and they also sell strange souvenirs. If you have a small amount of time to kill, definitely take a peak.
Tillamook, Oregon
