Things To Do
— DAYTIME ACTIVITIES —
Powell's City of Books
Biggest book store in the United States! Dillon's friend Cal frequents the shelves here. He will also remind you at any opportunity that he regularly visits this bookstore.
International Rose Test Garden
A must visit when in Portland during the summer. Roses in bloom, concerts in the park, and mountain views!
Hoyt Arboretum
Portland modeled this park based on Dillon's wrapping tree tattoo. Very beautiful park with towering trees and great photo opportunities.
Hopscotch Portland
Interactive modern art exhibit that is fun for the whole family. Ball pit for the youngins', cocktail bar for the oldins'.
OMSI
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Exhibits rotate; it could feature Marvel inspirations or Da Vinci's inventions, you never know what you will get.
Mount Tabor Park
One of the most beautiful parks in the Portland area with a stunning view of Portland. Dillon and Whitney love going here to watch the sunset with friends and Buddy. You can hike or drive up to the view. Great for a picnic!
Sellwood Riverfront Dog Park
Dillon and Whitney used to live a 10 minute walk from this riverfront park! This is Buddy's absolute favorite place. It's super dog-friendly, so be prepared for dozens of off-leash dogs running on the grass, throughout the beach, and swimming in the river. Such a fun place to bring your dog or to sit on the beach and cool down in the river. In the Sellwood neighborhood, where there are tons of yummy food & drink options nearby as well, like: Pizzeria Stellina, Sebastiano's, Cafe Cinco Siete, the Muddy Rudder Public House, the Portland Bottle Shop (food & wine), Smitty's Taphouse, PDX Sliders, Bible Club (bar), & The Last Rodeo & Matt's BBQ Tacos.
Portland Japanese Garden
The Garden sits nestled in the hills of Portland, Oregon’s iconic Washington Park that contains the International Rose Garden, overlooking the city and providing a tranquil, urban oasis. Designed in 1963, it encompasses 12.5 acres with eight separate garden styles, and includes an authentic Japanese Tea House, meandering streams, intimate walkways, and a spectacular view of Mt. Hood.
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
We got engaged here! Another great place to see flowers in bloom and local wildlife (beavers and nutria frequent the area). ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ─────୨ৎ──────୨ৎ──────୨ৎ──────୨ৎ──────୨ৎ──────୨ৎ──────୨ৎ───── ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀
— FOOD CART PODS —
The Heist Bar & Food Carts
Best food cart pod in Portland. Took over an old bank and created a bank robbery themed food cart pod with some of the most famous carts in town and an expansive cocktail bar. Whitney recommends: Fry Baby. Dillon recommends: Kim Jong Grillin & Bake on the Run.
Midtown Beer Garden by Expensify
24 food carts!! You might catch Dillon working in the bar cart here on the weekend. Whitney recommends: Iron Strike Smash Burgers. Dillon recommends: Tokyo Sando and Stretch the Noodle.
Hawthorne Asylum Food Cart Pod
Food carts on food carts. This pod was featured on Somebody Feed Phil and Netflix's Street Food. Whitney recommends: Smaaken Waffle. Dillon recommends: Korean Twist and Rollin' Fresh. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ─────୨ৎ──────୨ৎ──────୨ৎ──────୨ৎ──────୨ৎ──────୨ৎ──────୨ৎ───── ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀
— DINING —
Champs Burgers
This smashburger cart is located at Away Days Brewery, and by far the best burger in Portland!!! Whitney would eat here every day if she could. Everything is made from scratch. Not only do they bake their own buns, make their own Tillamook-blend cheese, and dry-age the best of the best beef for their patties, they also use tallow to fry their fries for the most delicious preparation and make insane cookies from scratch. Only open limited hours (Thurs 4pm-7pm, Fri 12pm-7pm, Sat 12pm-7pm, Breakfast Sat/Sun 8am-11am). It's locally renowned, and they sell out of their food every day, so try to go very early or on a Thursday when it's less busy. Usually on Saturdays and Fridays they sell out by 4pm, so plan accordingly!
Dos Hermanos Bakery
"Two brothers," for the White folk. Incredible sandwiches with bread made in house. Highly recommend for lunch on Sunday and meandering to Lil' America for a local beer. Whitney's obsession.
GrindWitTryz
Possibly Dillon's favorite place to eat in all of Portland! Insanely delicious Hawaiian food, they absolutely load you up with huge portions and everything is insanely yummy. Gets very busy, so be prepared to wait in line for a bit. Whitney recommends: Chicken Katsu. Dillon recommends: Poke Nachos.
Hat Yai Belmont
Very close to our wedding venue, and incredibly unique and delicious. We adore Hat Yai, it is inspired by the street fried chicken vendors and small curry and roti shops in Southern Thailand. Their curry and fresh-made roti and fried chicken is beyond phenomenal. It gets very busy and is a casual counter-service restaurant, so you wait in line to order then sit where you can, or you can get it for takeout!
Matt's BBQ Tacos at Great Notion
Insanely delicious BBQ tacos, Portland’s “Food Cart of the Year” & #9 “Hottest Restaurant in the Country” in Bon Appetit in 2019. There are 3 locations now, but this location is at a delicious brewery in a really cute neighborhood with tons of fun shops, food, and bars!
Nostrana
Their pizza was rated top-50 in the United States. Fantastic spot for a more upscale Italian meal and cocktail list. Reservations are available on OpenTable!
Screen Door
Arguably the best brunch in Portland. Southern soul food inspired with a modern twist. Reservations mandatory unless you want to be met with a 3 hour wait.
Twisted Croissant & Patisserie
Best pastries west of the Mississippi. I will stand on that.
Departure Restaurant + Lounge
For the higher end foodies, this spot is a James Beard award winning kitchen. Their asian-inspired plates pack a huge flavor punch for a reasonable price. Dillon & Whitney celebrated their engagement dinner here with the Knorp Family! ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ─────୨ৎ──────୨ৎ──────୨ৎ──────୨ৎ──────୨ৎ──────୨ৎ──────୨ৎ───── ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀
— CRAFT BEER —
Great Notion Brewing - Alberta
Best beer in Portland and Matt's BBQ Tacos (as seen on Netflix), what is there not to like.
Loyal Legion
Loyal Legion is a bar located directly under our wedding venue, and where we will be hosting our cocktail hour. It has yummy burgers, bar food, and cocktails, and offers one of the largest beer selections around!
Ruse Brewing
No fewer than four Hazy IPAs on rotation at a time. Definitely the spot to go for the craft beer fans! (Dillon's favorite)
pFriem Family Brewers - Milwaukie Tasting Room
Popular Hood River based brewery that recently opened a new taproom in the former Milwaukie City Hall Building. Beautiful venue for drinks and is family friendly! ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ─────୨ৎ──────୨ৎ──────୨ৎ──────୨ৎ──────୨ৎ──────୨ৎ──────୨ৎ───── ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀
— NIGHTLIFE —
Scotch Lodge
Some of the best cocktails we have had in Portland. Extremely innovative drinks, every spirit you can possibly imagine, and really high quality small plates. Finalist for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar in both 2025 and 2026.
Rontoms
Poppin' cocktail bar in SE Portland near the wedding venue & next to the Jupiter Next hotel if you stay there. Great for big groups and patio seating & a nicer bar scene if dive bars aren't your jam. A favorite of Dillon & Whitney.
Sugar Hill
70's themed speakeasy bar located a few minutes drive from the wedding venue. Highly recommend for cocktails, late night food, and a central location for bar hopping. *Dillon Favorite.
Panther Club
Located around the corner from our wedding venue, Panther Club is an energetic cocktail bar where you can often find Whitney and Dillon enjoying a night out with their friends. This is where we will take the wedding festivities after our reception ends.
The Low Tide Lounge
Vegetarian Mexican restaurant and margarita bar? Sounds questionable, but you will not be disappointed. Best priced margaritas in town, and nachos so large they could feed a village. Located in Portland's Belmont district, where dive bars and late night snacks are abundant. *Whitney favorite.
White Owl Social Club
Party bar, live music/DJs, dive bar prices, what's not to like?
The Vern
Quintessential Portland dive bar, Dillon and Whitney's favorite in fact. It isn't a good bar unless it has Big Buck Hunter, and this one does not disappoint. Drinks so strong they will give you a warning before ordering a double. Nice big patio, $2 beers, and $5 well cocktails.
The Alibi Tiki Lounge
Super fun tiki bar with karaoke every night of the week. Not your average karaoke performers, the people who perform here tend to be super good. Very classic Portland dive-bar and a must visit when in Northeast.
Paymaster Lounge
Prime example of the tradition Portland "dive bar" scene. Dirt cheap drinks and an amazing patio. Located a few blocks from Portland's Pearl District, one of the best neighborhoods for bar hopping and restaurants.
