This is the largest continuously operating open-air arts and crafts market in the country, and a place Alanna and her family spent MANY a weekend when she was growing up! Get a group together and grab brunch & some market time in Portland the morning of the wedding! Just be back in time :)
Powell's is one of Portland's pride and joys, the largest new and used bookstore in the WORLD. The downtown location is especially a must-see, but there's a great location on Hawthorne Blvd as well.
Powell's may be the most famous Portland bookstore, but Wallace is the beloved scrappy indie shop in Alanna's home neighborhood. Her best friend Maggie used to work there! There are books filling every inch of this space and we really think you should check it out. Bonus: It's right across the street from two INCREDIBLE antique malls!
Voodoo Donuts is absolutely the most iconic donut spot in Portland, but everyday new ventures crop up to try to edge them out! Go on a donut crawl, we dare you https://pdx.eater.com/maps/best-portland-doughnut-shops
The Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood and the Oaks Bottoms Wildlife Refuge that sits within it are Alanna's absolute favorite place in Oregon — and maybe the world. Even aside from the sentimental value, though, Oaks Bottom is (Alanna stole this from the website) "a natural gem within the city. Encompassing 163 diverse acres of meadow, marsh, wetland, and riparian forest, Oaks Bottom serves as habitat to over 200 species of migratory and resident birds, mammals including deer, raccoon, beaver, mink, and otter, and hundreds of species of plants, trees, fish, and flowers." Take a hike through Oaks Bottom, or take in its views from SE Sellwood Blvd.
Alanna had the pleasure of growing up next to an amusement park. Her fifth grade class celebrated the end of 5th grade here! Oaks Park is small but delightful. It also happens to be one of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the country!
Alanna's home neighborhood of Sellwood-Moreland is known for its stellar antique shopping! Make extra room in your suitcase, because you WILL find something cool to take home from Stars Antiques.
One of the most beautiful places in the city!
One of the tallest waterfalls in the United States, Multnomah Falls is a must-see for all traveling through the Gorge! There are tons of hikes to do around Multnomah, but even for those less comfortable with long walks there's a beautiful viewpoint not far in!
One of THEE places to take in the glory of this wedding's setting: The Columbia River Gorge. From the state parks website: "Vista House opened in 1918 as a glamorous rest stop and observatory for those traveling the new highway. This “comfort station” was a rest stop like no other, featuring marble floors, stained glass windows — and, of course, a stunning view. In the words of The Oregonian, it was “the finishing achievement for the greatest highway in America.”"
Some tailored recs from Maggie, one of Alanna's best friends: "Get on the Columbia gorge scenic byway. Stop at Latourell, Bridal Veil, and then WahKeena. These are all before Multnomah Falls but usually less busy. There are lots of short hikes along this area where you can see the falls but still have time to do everything A little bit of a further drive is Punchbowl falls. The area east of Multnomah falls is where that big fire happened so there is still extensive damage to the forest. Not quite as lovely. The area west of there is a lot more “typical gorge." Here are some recs: https://www.erikastravels.com/columbia-river-gorge/
A casual eatery next to the famous Bridge of the Gods in the Columbia Gorge!
One of Justin and Alanna's favorite places, and a perfect day trip or overnight trip for anyone looking to check out the foggy wonders of the Oregon coast. Fun fact: Part of The Goonies was filmed here!