A & L
Things To Do
Portland Farmers Market at PSU
Go to the local Farmers Market. The PSU farmers market is GIANT and it will not disappoint.
Beaverton Farmers Market
Eat breakfast here and grab produce for a farm to table dinner. This is one of Anthony and Lauren's favorite summer date day ideas. Be sure to stop by Canby Asparagus Farm/Casa de Tamales for authentic homemade Mexican food; the vegetable omelets are our go to!
Trillium Lake
Take a day trip to Mt Hood. Trillium Lake has one of the best views of Mt Hood. We love to take our paddle boards and paddle board on the lake.
Hood River Fruit Loop
The Fruit Loop in Hood River is a 35 mile scenic drive past local farms filled with produce gorgeous pear, cherry, apple, nectarine and peach orchards, where you'll find farm stands, wineries, breweries, alpaca ranches, lavender farms, and great jams, jellies, pies, wines, beer, and more. Anthony and Lauren have been meaning to do this for years, as people rave about it. Let us know how it is!
Willamette Valley Wine Tasting
Spend the day wine tasting. The Willamette Valley is recognized as one of the premier wine producing areas in the world. It is most known for its award winning Pinot Nior. You cannot beat the views while wine tasting in the summer in the Willamette Valley. Our favorite wineries include Ponzi, Stoller, Saffron Fields Vineyard, Domaine Serene, and the White Rose Estate. Pro tip - end the day at Red Hills Market for margarita pizza or Barley and Vine for the best nachos.
The 4T's: Trail, Tram, Trolley, Train
First, get your blood moving with a brisk hike uphill among the trees from the Oregon Zoo to Council Crest Park—at 1,073 feet, the highest point in the city—and then enjoy an easy stroll down to Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), where you will board the Portland Aerial Tram and glide 3,300 linear feet downhill—in 3 minutes!—to the riverfront. From there, board the trolley (aka the Portland Streetcar) and ride to the heart of downtown Portland. Enjoy the downtown shops, restaurants and food carts and then hop on the MAX light rail train back to the start to complete the loop. Fun Fact: Lauren used to take the tram every day to work!
Silver Falls State Park
The trail passes 10 breathtaking waterfalls. This is a 7.2 mile loop with a 700 feet elevation gain. If Lauren can do it - anybody can do it.
Cannon Beach
Take a day trip to the Oregon coast! Bundle up, take a walk on the Sandy Beach, visit Haystack Rock, and afterwards grab some clam chowder at Mo's Restaurant.
Portland Japanese Garden
A serene space with a waterfall, teahouse, meandering pathways & mountain views. The Walker family frequently enjoy visiting the Japanese garden and having matcha in the teahouse.
International Rose Test Garden
Portland is known as "Rose City or City of Roses." The roses at the rose garden bloom from April to October and peak in June. It is absolutely beautiful!
Peninsula Park
Lauren and Anthony may be biased because this is the location of their proposal, but they believe this is the best garden in Portland. Peninsula Park is a hidden gem in the Piedmont neighborhood.
Shopping
Take advantage of Oregon's "No sales tax." Our favorite locations to shop are Washington Square mall, Bridgeport Village, the boutiques on NW 23rd, Woodburn Premium Outlets, downtown near Pioneer Place, and thrift shopping on Hawthorne Street.
Powell's City of Books
Powells Bookstore is iconic to Portland, it is known as the worlds largest new and used bookstore. Grab a coffee and enjoy browsing!
Duyck's Peachy Pig Farm
August is the time for peach picking! Can you think of anything better than a juicy peach on a hot August day? Do yourself a favor and pick some.
The South Store Cafe
Hands down our favorite breakfast spot located in an old general store. Get there early!
Blue Star Donuts
Grab a Portland staple donut! These are Anthony's favorites. Fun fact: Anthony and Lauren lived on the apartment complex above the South Waterfront Blue Star. Lauren buys Anthony a Blue Star Donut for his birthday breakfast every year.
Maplewood Coffee & Tea
One of Lauren's favorite coffee shops
Primo Espresso
This hidden gem has the best scones. Anthony and Lauren go here at least once a month for a Sunday morning coffee date where they share a large mocha and a savory scone. It is normally deemed necessary before a long day of running errands.
Red Hills Market
Stop here for the best margarita pizza after wine tasting in the Willamette Valley!
Rosmarino Osteria Italiana
Lauren's favorite Italian restaurant. This books out months in advance so plan accordingly!
Devil's Dill Sandwich Shop
Our favorite sandwich in Portland. Take them next door to the soccer bar, Gol, it pairs nicely with a Portland craft beer!
Birrieria PDX Beaverton
The absolute best Birrieria Tacos. If you don't know what these are, then definitely make put this on the weekend itinerary. There are multiple locations! Get the pineapple drink, it is delicious.
Handel's Homemade Ice Cream
The best homemade ice cream! This is one of our summer date night go to. There are multiple locations.
Salt & Straw
How to keep Portland weird? Through exotic ice cream flavors. It is a Portland staple, just try it. And yes, there will be a line. And yes, it is worth it.