Christine & Nicholas
Things To Do
Forest Park
There are tons of trailheads and beautiful sights to explore in Forest Park, which is conveniently located right in Portland! The Lower Macleay Trail will take you past the spooky Witch's Castle in the woods, all the way up to the gorgeous and historic Pittock Mansion. (Be aware: Completing this hike involves a difficult incline! There are many other beginner hikes/walks in the park.)
Wilsonville Fall Harvest Festival
If you're coming up for the reception only (Sunday) and are looking for kid-friendly fun, stop by the Wilsonville Fall Harvest Festival! It'll be held on Saturday, 10/19 from 10 AM to 1 PM at the historic Stein-Boozier Barn. The event will include face painting, free pumpkins, horse carriage rides around the park, live music, and more!
Yesteryear Farms
One of our absolute favorite fall traditions since moving to Oregon is visiting Yesteryear Farm! In addition to being a traditional pumpkin patch, they also have food trucks, games for adults and kids alike, a corn maze, awesome hay sculptures, plenty of photo backdrops, and a charming country store! Check their website for their schedule.
Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is on many people's PNW bucket list, and for good reason! This is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the country, and with plenty of paved paths and staircases, the best views are easily accessible. The Lodge also has a restaurant and Espresso Stand, as well as a gift shop! Make sure to dress warm if you do decide to visit.
Portland Japanese Garden
The Portland Japanese Garden is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places to enjoy in the city, especially when the fall foliage is on display. (Word to the wise: Get there early! The autumn season brings a lot more foot traffic.) The garden is separated into many different sections and includes a cultural village, a cafe, and an art gallery. You can even buy tickets in advance online!
Oregon City Brewing Company & Foodcarts
One of our absolute favorite hidden gems, and a great spot for anyone wanting to explore outside of the city. If you're in a group and can't agree on what to eat, this may be the place for you! The brewery itself is a family-friendly building with lots of local beers on tap, and just outside are several food trucks to choose from. But the crown jewel of this place is Ranch Pizza, quite possibly the BEST Sicilian pizza we've ever had! There's also covered outdoor seating and sometimes live music. Check out their site for their schedule!
Cheese & Crack Snack Shop
This has quickly become one of our favorite spots for both savory and sweet snacks! Located in Southeast Portland near many other charming businesses, Cheese & Crack offers a variety of excellently curated cheese plates and some of the best soft serve ice cream (dusted with different flavors) that we've ever had. If you have a sweet tooth like us, make sure you grab some of the "Everything Cookies" to bring home with you!
OMSI
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is a blast for all ages! While the T-Rex exhibit ends in September, October is sure to bring plenty more exciting shows and events to explore. This museum is also remarkably family-friendly, with an entire Science Playground dedicated to kids! Check out their website for more info on exhibits, Planetarium shows, and more!
Raven's Manor
If you're a Halloween-lover like Christine, this spot is for you. Not only does Raven's Manor have a perfect haunted house theme (with plenty of scares peppered in), but the cocktails are a feast for both the tastebuds and the eyes. As you can imagine, October is their busiest month, so we recommend reserving online in advance if you can. And sorry, kids, but this joint is 21+ only!
Hey Love
This is one of the top-rated bars in the country! Located inside the Jupiter NEXT Hotel, this spot is lush with plants and 70s vibes. They're famous not only for their decor, but for their amazing food and drinks as well. Sometimes they have live music, and it definitely gets pretty lively if you're looking to socialize!
Spirit Of Halloweentown
For anyone else who grew up on this Disney Channel classic, the real Halloweentown is right here in the PNW! Located in St. Helens, a little less than an hour outside of Portland, the Spirit of Halloweentown will be on display every weekend from September 20 to October 31. Chock full of family-friendly attractions, vendors, and photo ops, we recommend you check out their website for their schedule and ticketing info.