Things Around Here
Cannon Beach
Pretty picture perfect Oregon coast. A go-to for visitors that have never been here or those that have and love it! Quaint town on the Oregon coast with a length of beautiful beach for great beach walking, kite flying, evening beach fires and anemone poking. A very short drive away (an hour and a half or so).
Mount Hood
A somewhat inactive 14,000 foot volcano about an hour east of Portland (driving) that has amazing skiing during the, um, skiing season but beautiful alpine scenery and adventures year round. The lodge near the summit is the scene for the exterior shots of The Shining movie. During the time you will be here, the ski lift takes y’all up to near the summit that usually has snow on it, but even if there isn’t any snow, still a neat thing to do and get an incredible view.
Mt St Helens Visitor Center
Think folks might remember this event. Happened right here and it is a very cool tour to see what happened and be on the crater of the volcano. Just an hour drive from Portland north into Washington State. Kids (and non-claustrophobic adults) might enjoy the Ape Caves just slightly south of the mountain. These are lava caves that are now hollowed out and let folks walk or climb through them.
Astoria
One of the first settlements on the West Coast, it is where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. Such a cool small west coast energy, still an active fishing village, and, uh, where the movie “The Goonies” was set and filmed.
Portland Spirit Cruises and Events
Take a boat cruise along the Willamette River. It runs right through the middle of Portland. Easy and pleasant way to catch a unique view of the city.
¿Por Qué No?
Our favorite place to get tacos. Not like the tacos that you are used to, these are street tacos which are on small corn tortillas. Best accompanied by a big margarita.
Sauvie Island
Short drive out of Portland. Great for berry picking and lovely views of the Columbia River. There are a few beaches that are lovely this time of year. Just make sure that you are picking the...right beach.
Portland Japanese Garden
Beautiful, peaceful and world famous. We suggest taking the tour and buying a wind chime or taking tea at the pavilion after the walk. Just a few minutes out of downtown Portland.
International Rose Test Garden
Pretty cool and great views of the city. Just a few minutes out of downtown or a short walk. Lovely spot for a little lunch picnic or sneaking a bottle of wine and catching the dusk over the Portland skyline.
Pine Street Market
This place is a food mall of some of the best food that we have in Portland. It’s like food carts but inside. We suggest pretty much anything there. There is great rotisserie chicken, pizza, ramen, famed ice cream and a spot that you can get a frozen margarita with a small high life dumped on as a floater. Highly recommended as it really has something for everyone and kids. Parking may be a challenge. See other post about Saturday market which is very close by.
Sou'wester Historic Lodge & Vintage Travel Trailer Resort
Adventurous and fun if you are making a vacation out of it. Somewhat of a true northwest experience! Make sure and get the hash browns!
Pittock Mansion
The founder of the Oregonian newspaper built and lived in this awesome mansion. Really lovely grounds with spectacular city views. Indoor tours are also available.
Powell's City of Books
Looking for that rare novel or cookbook? Or perhaps you just love the experience of wandering the stacks? Check out Powell’s! I think someone said that it is one of the 10 most famous bookstores in the world!
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Take a scenic and gentle stroll along the Willamette River waterfront. Dine at Portland Grill (lunch with 360 degree view, atop the US Bank tower). Or try King Tide restaurant at the RiverPlace Hotel for water views and people watching. Pretty special, you will see little slice of Portland while here.
Powell Butte Nature Park
Nice light hike/ stroll. Great views of city and our surrounding volcanos. Good for kids and those longer in the tooth! Lots of caterpillars!
Portland Saturday Market
Ever wanted a pottery dish sponge holder or a wind chime made from forks? Or perchance, eat a churro while watching a guy in a Darth Vader mask play the bagpipes whilst riding a unicycle in a kilt? THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOU!
Food Carts SW 4th Ave & SW Hall St
Well, you are here. This is a Portland must do. There is everything from Hungarian food to whole deep fried sardines!
San Juan Islands
Holy cow! Probably one of the most beautiful places we have ever been. There is whale watching and also Cynthia’s restaurant in Friday Harbor has the most amazing bacon in the universe. There are lots of lavender farms and driftwood. You will probably want to live here. Don’t eat the pizza though.
Seattle
I don’t know. It’s Seattle. Pretty awesome. Everyone has seen it on TV, people throwing fish and all, but now is your chance to go! Only a few hours away so why not!
Tabor Tavern
Great burger and they have Bacon Jam for purchase!!!
C Bar
Our local so-and-so
Nectar Cafe
Argyle Winery
One of our favorites. This is in prime wine country though, so plenty of options around.