Less than three days. That’s all the time I spent in Portland. Flying home to California I somehow feel like I’m leaving my home; it’s a crazy sensation. I’m not done with you, Portland, but goodbye for now.
I made the most of my time to say the least. This trip came on the tail end of a partnered adventure with my friend Bridget – we crammed Napa and Portland into 5 days (keep an eye out for my wine country post – coming soon).
The moment I stepped off the MAX light rail and onto the streets of downtown Portland I felt at home. The culture, the climate, the people… it’s me.
*public transit in Portland is fantastic
The city is also very walk-able. We basically only walked or utilized the MAX to get around.
Day 1 (evening only):
First things first: FOOD. Bridget and I had the same thought after landing at PDX – where are we going to eat. After dropping our stuff at the beautiful new AC by Marriott downtown we picked a pizza place and made the 2 mile trek across the river. Well worth the walk. I’ll be doing a dedicated post on the food scene in Portland, but this pizza deserves a highlight here. It was insanely delicious, had great atmosphere, and fantastic service.
Virtuous Pie – vegan and gluten free
I looked up every live music act I could find happening that first night and landed on a 3 band show in SE Portland at a local joint called Bunk Bar. The bands were Castles, Naked Walrus, and Grey Fiction. The venue was intimate and the crowd even more so. I don’t think there were more than 15 patrons at one time throughout the entire evening. Which is surprising because every band was AWESOME.
Bunk Bar – SE Portland
After the show we had a few drinks and vegan tacos at Conquistador Lounge.
Day 2: Full Day
SE Portland is fantastic for exploration. It has blocks full of vintage shops, record stores, tiny local food joints, tattoo parlors… and they’re all nestled in between neighborhoods. We spent a good half of our day here exploring and practicing the art of will power by not purchasing every single thing we saw.
Hawthorne District
*We can’t have will power all the time. I bought the eff out of these books.
Portland Art Museum is $5 after 5pm on Fridays… so that was a must. They had a few of Monet’s paintings and a really great contemporary art exhibit.
Deschutes Brewery is a given when in Portland… and they even had gluten free beer on tap for me which was a pleasant surprise. I also hear good things about their food menu (straight from the mouth of one Mr. Brent Shirley).
Day 3: Half Day
This was my solo day in Portland. And it was magical. I missed my travel companion, but I also really got to feel the pulse of the city as I explored it on my own.
Saturday morning Farmers Market at Portland State University
After exploring Washington Park I headed back into the city and then to the airport (another $2 ride on the MAX). My heart fairly heavy, but I was excited to get back to Jack and to my own bed.
THANK YOU, PORTLAND.
Bonus: I had the best Pho of my life at the Portland airport. Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen… not your expected airport food. But then again, if my short trip was any indication, Portland isn’t really your expected kind of place.

Food and Drink
Virtuous Pie – 1126 SE Division St #200, Portland, OR 97202
Virtuous Pie is an elevated fast-casual restaurant, focused on handcrafted pizza and ice-cream, made 100% from plants.
Bunk Bar – 1028 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214
The Sweet Hereafter – 3326 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214
Hip, bustling bar with a vegan menu, cocktails served in mason jars & a sprawling covered patio.
40 lbs Coffee – 824 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204
Conquistador Lounge – 2045 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214
Tasty n Alder – 580 SW 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
*although described as a Steakhouse – we enjoyed a delicious vegetarian and gluten-free meal at Tasty n Alder
Deschutes Brewery – 210 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
Portland Farmers Market – Portland State University: 1717 SW Park Avenue
Farmers and artisan food producers fill 140 stall spaces with the bounty of our region.
Verde Cocina – Enjoyed at the Portland Farmers Market – multiple locations available
Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen – Enjoyed at Portland International Airport – multiple locations available
Entertainment
Bunk Bar – 1028 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Hawthorne District – A few blocks of Hawthorne Blvd is SE Portland
Portland Art Museum – 1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Washington Park – 4001 Southwest Canyon Road, Portland, OR 97221
It includes the Zoo, Forestry Museum, Hoyt Arboretum, Portland Children’s museum, Rose Garden, Japanese garden, amphitheater, memorials, archery range, tennis courts, soccer field, picnic areas, playgrounds, public art and many acres of wild forest with miles of trails.
*There is a stop on the MAX for Washington Park and a free shuttle to the various attractions
Portland Farmers Market – Portland State University: 1717 SW Park Avenue
Accommodations
AC Hotel Portland Downtown – 888 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204
*This is an amazing hotel located in the heart of Portland’s downtown area. It was less than 1 block from the nearest MAX stop, less than 1 block from 40 lbs coffee, and everything you could want is within walking distance. The decor is modern and heavily influenced by Portland’s hipster vibe while still holding true to Marriott’s expected service and amenities. For leisure or business – this is a MUST stay. Property includes a coffee shop, bar/lounge, kitchen business center, spacious lobby, fitness center, local art, and a small library. Also, it is pet friendly.
Transportation
Portland International Airport – 7000 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97218
Portland International Airport, the airport has been named the number one best domestic airport in the United States by Travel and Leisure for the fifth year in a row.
Tri Met and The MAX – Transportation from the airport and all around the city.
I Think I'm Quite Ready For Another Adventure. 