Exploring this mansion is a fantastic rainy-day activity. It also offers stunning views of Downtown Portland!
If you're looking for a delicious brunch, Yvonne's is your place! Located literally 3 minutes from the wedding venue, it's a convenient (and yummy!) brunch option.
If you're going to be in town for a while, we highly recommend driving to the Oregon Coast and spending a day or two there. Cannon Beach is a beautiful coastal town with shopping, great restaurants, and the iconic Haystack Rock.
This is one of Portland's most famous (and delicious!) ice cream shops. Every month, Salt & Straw releases seasonal (and sometimes very odd) flavors. Lexi's favorite flavor is Honey Lavender, which is available year-round.
¿Por Qué No? is a famous Mexican restaurant located in the heart of one of Portland's most popular shopping districts. If you're in the mood for Mexican food and are comfortable navigating street parking and crowds, this is a must!
Founded in 1888, this zoo is the oldest one west of the Mississippi. The Oregon Zoo has several exhibits, including the following: Africa Rainforest, Africa Savanna, Elephant Lands, Black Bear Ridge, Eagle Canyon, and more! If you're an animal fan, you'll definitely want to visit!
Multnomah Falls is a waterfall located on the Columbia River Gorge. It is the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest! Although not all of the hiking trails are currently open, the lower viewing platform is open as well as the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge.
In the probable case of a rainy day, Powell's is the perfect place to visit! It's the largest independent used and new bookstore in the world, with 1.6 acres of retail space! Whether you're an avid reader, someone that likes to people watch, or just looking for a place to relax on a rainy day, Powell's is for you!
Located only in Portland and Southern California, you NEED to check out Blue Star donuts while you're in town! They have several locations in the greater Portland area, including one in the PDX airport. Lexi's favorite flavor is the Raspberry Rosemary Buttermilk donut.
Portland isn't called the City of Roses for nothing! Commonly known as the Portland Rose Garden, this venue is located in Washington Park. With over 10,000 rose bushes and 650 varieties, this is a beautiful place to explore. The roses bloom April through October, but their peak season is in June, so right around our wedding will be the best time to go! And the best part is...it's free!
Timberline Lodge is a National Historic Landmark located in the middle of the Mt. Hood National Forest. If you've ever seen The Shining, Timberline starred as the exterior of the Overlook Hotel in that movie! Timberline is the only ski area in North America that is open all 12 months of the year. Whether you're interested in mountain sports or simply want to enjoy the day exploring the lodge, Timberline is a place you definitely should visit!
If you're looking for a beautiful view of downtown Portland as well as scenic views of the Willamette River, you should take a Willamette Jet Boat Excursion! This attraction will include fun facts about Oregon's history and provide a nice opportunity to cool down on a warm summer day!
If you're looking for a challenging yet beautiful hike, Dog Mountain is a great option! Lexi and Tyler have done this hike together and highly recommend it! Dog Mountain is about a 7-mile hike that takes you in a loop overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. Its peak season is in May and June, so the wedding weekend is the perfect time to go! This hike is extremely popular and fills early. To avoid frustration, try to arrive before 8am or after 5pm. The current regulations state you need a trail permit to hike Dog Mountain between March 31st and July 1st. Visit the following link to learn about shuttle information to the trailhead: http://www.gorgetranslink.com/regional-carson-stevenson-vancouver.html.
Mirror Lake is a beautiful hike that gives you breathtaking views of Mt. Hood. This is a much easier hike than Dog Mountain, lasting about 4.5 miles. Tyler and Lexi have enjoyed this hike together as well. From Portland, OR, travel 27.5 miles east of Sandy on US Hwy 26 and turn right into the Skibowl West/Mirror Lake Trailhead parking area.