Things To Do
Forest Park
5200-acre park in the middle of the city that provides refuge to natural wildlife. It has more than 80 miles of trails, all of which are great for a hike or trail run.
Movie Madness Video
Chad’s favorite spot in all of Portland. Think Blockbuster on steroids but also acts as a museum dedicated to the art of cinema and physical media.
Portland Japanese Garden
Lauren’s former place of work. A beautiful way to honor all of our connections to nature.
Powell's City of Books
The world’s largest independent bookstore. Committed to promoting diverse perspectives and championing the power of books.
Alberta Arts District
A street in NE Portland that has great food, eclectic shops, and art galleries, including Lauren’s shop, Good Bug Studio
Hollywood Theatre
Chad’s second favorite place in Portland. Opened in 1926, now acts as a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring, educating, and building community within Portland. They have somehow maintained the beautiful original 1926 facade.
Multnomah Falls
If you have a car you have to make the 35-minute drive to see the tallest waterfall in the state. Sometimes a permit is required on weekends, make sure to do a quick search before going! Plenty of other incredible hikes nearby in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.
Timberline Lodge
View the Cascade Range on a clear day from 6000 feet, and check out the beautiful historic Timberline Lodge (featured in the exterior shots in 'The Shining')! Plan for snow in June - maybe even some skiing! Lauren's favorite route is to drive the 26 from Portland toward the mountain for some wow-factor, then head around it to the East and up North toward Hood River.
Ramona Falls Trailhead
A 7.1 mile loop (~3 hour hike) featuring all of our favorites: river crossing, wildflowers, Rhododendron, sweeping views of Mt. Hood, and a gorgeous waterfall. One of our all-time favorite hikes (considered to be 'Moderate').
Trillium Lake
Great for a hike and a swim, reflection of Mt. Hood in the water on a clear day.
Hood River
Beautiful little adventure town on the Columbia River Gorge, great place to stop for a bite and beer after a visit to Mt. Hood or a Gorge Hike.
The Society Hotel Hood River - Bingen
Rent an hour in the spa here for $30. Soaking pools, cold plunge, and sauna in a beautiful location! Stay overnight if you have the time, and make sure to hit up White Salmon Bakery for some Cardamom Buns beforehand.
Ecola State Park
Head on out to the gorgeous Oregon Coast - after stopping to visit Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach, take a trip to Ecola State Park for the most beautiful forest-lined beaches. Land before time vibes!
Short Beach
One of Lauren's favorite spots on earth. Hike down to a quiet beach with beautiful views and amazing agate hunting. Visit the Tillamook Creamery after for a laugh and some ice cream (who doesn't want to visit a cheese museum)?
The Thumb via the Knoll Trailhead
The hike where we got engaged! Best for a sunny day with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
Nong's Khao Man Gai (SE)
Classic, simple, delicious. What to order - Khao Man Gai
Paadee
Thai comfort/street food. No reservations. Never had a bad dish there. What to order - Issan Crispy Rice Salad, Gai Grop Sam Yan, Ba Mee Pitsanulok
Bless Your Heart Burgers 33rd Avenue
The most incredible burger of Chad's life. What to order - Double smashbuger, fries, beer cheese.
Güero
Neighborhood torta shop/mezcaleria. Chad ate here approximately 100 times during his first year in Portland Chad's order - Carnitas torta with tons of the carrot-habanero salsa Lauren's Order - the Desayuno sandwich, Esquites, and a spicy margarita
Jojo
Great fried chicken and jojos. They also have a food cart in Southeast Portland. What to order - Fried chicken melt, jojos, jojo sauce.
Cafe Olli
Save some room for our wedding (our INCREDIBLE caterers) but lets be real - this is one of the best spots in Portland and worth multiple visits. All day cafe, woodfired eats, and better yet, their new bakery next store is serving up the best pastries and chocolate cake in town.
Lauretta Jean's
The most insane neighborhood pie shop you will ever see. What to order - Any of the pies or cakes. If you go in the morning, snag the best cinnamon roll you will ever eat.
Salt & Straw
Portland’s classic ice cream shop. Multiple locations across town. What to order - Salted caramel in a waffle cone. Or one of the flavors of the month, if you’re feeling adventurous.
Navarre
Chad can’t speak to the actual food, but has been here ten different times just to order cake. What to order - Red velvet cake
Double Dragon
Onto our favorite bars: Great outdoor patio. Really great cocktails. Great Vietnamese food.
Angel Face
No real menu. Specializes in classic cocktails but will make something off a vague vibe as well. Chad orders the Gimlet and Lauren orders the Whiskey Sour.
Expatriate
Atmospheric cocktail lounge. Also has a great food menu. Try the James Beard sandwich even if you're scared (its dope)
The Richmond Bar
Elevated dive bar. Great outdoor patio.
Great Notion Brewing - Alberta
Our favorite brewery in town. Multiple locations, but at the Alberta location you can get BBQ tacos and queso. Try the sours and check out the cool block printed can artwork.