Kirstin & Jim
Things To Do
Slappy Cakes
Fun breakfast spot in SE Portland where you can opt to make your pancakes on a built-in griddle at your table.
Bottle + Kitchen
We went here for a birthday celebration one year, and it was awesome! Cool spot for semi-fancy drinks and dinner near the waterfront in downtown Portland.
The Matador
This place has amazing cocktails and nachos! Check it out for their delicious Mexican food and a fun, friendly atmosphere. It does get a bit crowded and noisy, but it's well worth it. There is also a location on NW 23rd.
Voodoo Doughnut - Old Town
Outrageous flavors, classic Portland. There's usually a line, but it tends to go fast.
Salt & Straw
Hands down, best ice cream in Portland! There are dairy free, gluten free options. There is also a location on NW 23rd.
Cubo
Authentic Cuban Comfort Food in Portland, Oregon. Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten free and Meat-Lover friendly with the best Rum Cocktails in town!
Dick's Primal Burger
Dick's Primal Burger in Portland, Oregon is focused on local, healthy, organic foods and beverages. They offer choices that include gluten free, paleo, vegan, the works. Seriously good burgers!!
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Go for a walk or rent bikes and explore the waterfront park in Portland. It overlooks the Willamette River and is always a great spot for beautiful views of the bridges and people of Portland.
Powell's City of Books
Powell's City of Books is the largest used and new bookstore in the world, occupying an entire city block and housing approximately one million books. This place is a must-see in downtown Portland's Pearl District! Super unique, full of wonderful books and knick-knacks-- It's a place you'll enjoy getting lost in.
Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls
Drive east from Portland along the Columbia River before joining the Historic Columbia River Highway, the first scenic roadway in the United States. You will explore the Vista House, an intricately designed observatory and museum, Latourell Falls, a dramatic, 249-foot (76-m) waterfall over a wall of columnar basalt, and Wahkeena Falls, which crashes over 242 feet (74 m) and is complimented by an ornate stone bridge. Travel to the grand Multnomah Falls, the highest waterfall in Oregon and second highest in the United States. Admire the falls from a viewing platform or take a short, paved hike to cross the famous bridge. Drive past the Oneonta Gorge on the way to Horsetail Falls. This 176-foot (54-m) waterfall gets its name from its shape, resembling a horse's tail. Take a short walking tour of the Fish Hatchery—the largest in Oregon—and the sturgeon viewing center. At the end of the tour, return to your hotel or Director Park.
Cannon Beach
If you want to take a day trip to the coast, we recommend visiting Cannon Beach. It's an easy hour and a half drive from Portland and is absolutely beautiful! Cannon Beach is a small lively beach town with many shops and restaurants to keep you entertained for hours. If you want a nice beach walk a bit off the beaten path, check out Hug Point - about a 10-minute drive south of Cannon Beach.
Hiking In & Around Portland
Hiking in Portland: Forest Park (At nearly 5,200 acres, Forest Park is easily Portland's largest, containing the famed 30-mile Wildwood Trail among others. Macleay hike short walk from NW 23rd is great - takes you along a creek up to Pittock mansion.) Mt. Tabor-- Mount Tabor is the name of a volcanic cinder cone, the city park on the volcano, and the neighborhood of Southeast Portland that surrounds it. Mt. Tabor Park main entrance: SE 60th Avenue and Salmon Street, Portland, OR 97215 Hiking Outside of Portland and in Washington: Angel's Rest (Oregon side, Gorge) Silver Falls State Park (south of PDX near Silverton) Tamawanas Falls (20 mins north of Hood River) Hamilton Mountain Trail (Washington Side, Gorge) Dog Mountain Trail (Washington Side, Gorge) Neahkahnie Mountain Trail (Oregon Coast) Mt. Adams Hike (Washington side) Goat Rocks (Washington side) Oneonta Falls (Oregon side, Gorge) Dry Creek Trail (Oregon Side, close to Hood River) Cape Arch (Washington Side, Gorge)
Vancouver Waterfront Park
We love this spot for many reasons! The Vancouver Waterfront is lined with awesome bars and restaurants, each with it's own cool, eclectic vibe. We also love this spot for the amazing views of the Columbia River and of our neighbors across the river in Portland, OR. Seriously, such a great place to spend an afternoon! We took our engagement photos here at sunset, and it was beautiful.
Kafiex Roasters - Coffee Lab
Sweet little coffee shop in downtown Vancouver, WA. Kafiex proudly offers certified organic and fair trade coffee while empowering women and educating the public about the incredible journey of coffee from farm to cup. This place gets bonus points because, not only is their coffee amazing and their atmosphere cozy and fun, they're also located at the corner of Esther Short Park. Take a stroll through the park after hanging out at the coffee house, and stop by to check out the Salmon Run Bell Tower. P.S. Esther Short Park Farmer's Market is open Saturday–Sunday, March–October showcasing local produce, crafts, art & music. It's a great farmer's market-- not too crowded or too big, with plenty of things to see and explore.