Things To Do
Pip's Original Doughnuts & Chai
The is the go-to morning sweet spot, just down the road from Peter's family home and a long-time favorite for Clarks as well. At Pip's Original, you'll find delectable warm, crispy, fresh-made donut bites and a selection of flavorful chai blends served hot or iced. Smell the aromas from a mile away! We recommend literally everything on the menu; be sure to get a dozen donuts so you can try each flavor (they're small!) and a chai flight to share with your people.
Aladdin's Café
A Clark family classic and a totally sketchy-looking hole-in-the-wall, Aladdin's Café offers tasty Lebanese and Mediterranean food for takeout. We love to grab some Aladdin's for a perfect easy dinner at home. Start with hummus, falafel, and lots of fresh pita, add some chicken shawarma and beef kebabs, and make sure you try the unexpectedly heavenly lentil soup.
International Rose Test Garden
Better known simply as "The Rose Garden," this city park high in the West Hills offers stunning views of Portland, its environs, and our surrounding mountains, in addition to the stirring sights and scents of more than 10,000 individual rose bushes which flourish in the ideal climate of the "Rose City." In the summer when the roses are in full bloom, you'll find about half the city picnicking up here. The park also contains several cool fountains, gazebos, and an amphitheater if you feel like putting on some theatrics. Plus, directly behind the Rose Garden is the Portland Japanese Garden, another scenic spot to meander (do be prepared to pay admission to that one.)
Churn Cafe
Churn Cafe is a favorite date spot of ours. This tiny Vietnamese creperie housed in an aesthetic, two-story space serves amazing breakfasts both sweet and savory. We recommend their adventurous matcha lattes (seriously, the black sesame matcha is mind-blowing), the Pacific Northwest savory crêpe with smoked salmon, and the ube French toast.
¿Por Qué No?
If you're feeling in the mood for Mexican food, Por Que No is a Clark favorite as well as a frequent caterer for Trinity Academy events! We often get take-out, but they have fun dining on the street too. Check out their weekday happy hour and weekend brunch, and don't forget about taco Tuesday! Their fresh-made tortilla chips and guac, combined with delicious cocktails - you really can't go wrong here. Try their tacos with carnitas, al pastor, or pescado #1.
The Grotto
Dedicated as the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, the Grotto is one of the top Catholic pilgrimage sites in Oregon and a peaceful place to spend a few hours. The lower level offers a walk amid towering pines lined with many beautiful statues, the Chapel of Mary, and of course the Grotto itself carved into the base of a cliff. With a token, you can take a cliffside elevator up to the Upper Gardens, where Pacific NW natural beauty intermingles with plantings carefully tended by the Servite brothers who live in a monastery there. Pray and wander amid shrines from many different nations, a prayer labyrinth, and a meditation chapel with incredible views of Portland. The Upper Gardens will forever hold a special place in our hearts as the place where Peter proposed to Addie on December 26th!
Cha'Ba Thai
Long held by the Cieslaks to be THE Thai restaurant of Portland (which is saying something in this city!) Cha'Ba Thai is perfect for both lunch and dinner, whether you want an easy and delicious takeout option or a full sit-down experience. Favorites include the classic pad Thai, any of their delicious curries, and the crispy basil chicken.
Portal Tea Company
Addie has loved tea since as long as she can remember; Peter has loved tea since as long as he can remember Addie; and this is our favorite tea shop! There are 2 Portland locations, one on historic 23rd Avenue, and one known as the Sellwood Caboose, as shown above, built out of an actual train car on the sidewalk. They offer hundreds of different teas and herbal blends in a cozy and highly quirky environment. We recommend their Tra Que Chai Blend No. 36 made with Vietnamese Saigon, Maple Cream Earl Grey No. 129, and their Hojicha No. 31... but honestly you can't go wrong with anything here!
Killer Burger
With multiple locations in the city, Killer Burger is the best place for big, juicy, meaty hamburgers. Every burger is made with love and bacon. They serve amazing food with a hefty twist of the Portland weird. We recommend the Meathead, the Classic, or the crowd favorite; the Peanut Butter Pickle Bacon Burger. They also have tasty chicken strips for the faint of heart.
Pittock Mansion
Pittock Mansion provides THE best viewpoint of Portland, no questions asked. This historic home, now a museum, is built deep in the West Hills overlooking Forest Park. There's no entrance fee to the viewpoint besides parking. However, if you're looking for exercise, we highly recommend hiking Lower Macleay Trail up through the park. The trail begins at 2960 NW Upshur St, Portland, OR 97210, and is approximately 5.4 miles round-trip. Expect a 3-hr hike with around 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
Fire on the Mountain Buffalo Wings
Fire on the Mountain is a classic Portland spot for amazing buffalo wings and also crafts their own micro-brews. We recommend the Electric Mud chocolate oatmeal stout, the Jamaican Jerk and Famous Spicy Peanut wings, and of course their house-made garlic knots with marinara and queso. (Peter has been known to drink said queso.)
Grand Central Bakery
Grand Central Bakery is a classic morning spot in the area. Addie and I recommend their Sellwood location for the beautiful walk through the neighborhood and views of the river - this was what we did on our first date! However, their locations all over Portland are each equally delicious. We recommend a cozy tea or steamer, paired with a Pecan Pull-Apart or a Jammer pastry, or any of their amazing sandwiches. Or just grab a perfectly golden and crunchy loaf of bread if that's what you need!
The Saturday Markets
The Saturday Markets are a great way to get out and have some fun! Walk the Willamette Riverfront, enjoy the summer air, and peruse dozens of local artsy vendors. You'll also have a great view of the historic sternwheeler boat the Portland Spirit, many of the city's iconic bridges, and the Tom McCall Waterfront Fountain, one of the more unique fountains in Portland. Find a map of the vendors on the attached website link. We recommend stopping by the Illustrated Playing Cards booth No. 231, Jack Wray Studio booth No. 338, and of course the Cieslak-endorsed Taste of Poland booth F16.
Salt & Straw
It's hot in the summer, so get some ice cream! Salt & Straw is the epitome of Portland Weird™. With an unlimited sample policy, you really should try all the flavors, from Cinnamon Snickerdoodle and Chocolate Gooey Brownie to Arbequina Olive Oil, Honey Lavender, or Pear and Blue Cheese?! Then pile a couple of your favorites into a fresh-baked waffle cone and let the flavors meld.
The Columbia River Gorge
The Gorge is the beautiful region where the Cascades mountain range crosses the Columbia River. If you're looking for a hike, you've got to get to the Gorge. Hikes vary in difficulty, but do expect some serious elevation change. Massive cliff faces strewn with waterfalls stretch high into the sky on either side of the wide Columbia, making for miles of unobstructed views. For a short hike, Bridal Veil Falls is an easy 1 mile loop. For medium, we suggest Punchbowl Falls, at 3.8 miles. And if you're looking for something more difficult, Angel's Rest offers incredible (and incredibly precarious) views in a 5 mile hike. If you're more into scenery than steps, drive up to the Vista House on Crown Point, or check out Multnomah Falls, the most beautiful waterfall in Oregon, with a short walk to the viewpoint.
Powell's City of Books
Powell's City of Books is the world's largest independent bookstore! Located in the heart of downtown Portland, it occupies a whole city block with 4 levels, each crammed floor to ceiling with new and used books about truly everything under the sun. Locals know it as the best place for a book lover to walk, look, read, and relax. The store is also comes with an in-house cafe for the coffee readers, an expansive kids area for the young readers, and even a rare book room on the 3rd floor. A must see when you come to town! Careful, you may want to get lost here.
OMSI
OMSI is the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Every Portland schoolchild has been on at least one field-trip here; it's the perfect place for fun learning, and remains cool no matter your age! Go to the Turbine Hall and learn about water and air pressure by launching bottle rockets or combat the many brain puzzlers. If you have younger kids, the science playground upstairs offers inventive and educational entertainment. The rooms are filled with amazing displays on a wide variety of topics from space to prenatal development, plus traveling specialty exhibits that come through from time to time. Lastly, check out any presentations at the Kendall Planetarium, an immersive dome-view theater that sometimes hosts live performers. Check out what exhibits and presentations are featured before you go!
Eem - Thai BBQ
How about a little fusion!? You'll get a slam dunk at the upscale Eem Thai Barbeque, another Clark must. As the aroma draws you in, find favorite plates from both sides of the Pacific brought together in some mouthwatering combos, perfect for a savory summer vibe. Sip from a glass of Thai iced tea or an artsy cocktail while you enjoy white curry with brisket burnt ends, their smoked pork krapao, and some sweet and sour fried chicken. Just don't forget to eat one of their creative salads with all that meat!
Our Favorite Walks
If you have the time to wander around in Portland (as you definitely should!) check out some of our favorite streets, neighborhoods, and parks to visit for their rich history, beautiful homes, or fun businesses: - Mississippi Avenue between the intersections of Skidmore and Fremont - Alberta Street between the intersections of 10th and 31st - 23rd Avenue between the intersections of Vaughn and Burnside - The blocks off of Willamette Blvd between the intersections of Rosa Parks and Greeley - Ladd's Addition - Reed College - Mt. Tabor Park - Peninsula Park and Rose Garden - Council Crest Park and neighborhood - Rocky Butte Road - Cathedral Park and St. Johns neighborhood
Our Favorite Coffee Shops
Yes, the Pacific NW is stuffed full of Dutch Bros and Starbucks, but there's so many more places to read or get some work done with a tasty caffeinated drink. We don't often drink coffee, but hey, we realize you might, so here's some picks from local Portlanders in the know: - Cathedral Coffee - Posies Bakery and Cafe - The Stacks Coffeehouse - Woodlawn Coffee and Pastry - The Human Bean - Petite Provence - The Sparrow Bakery - Roseline Coffee