After all that sun we got in Hawaii, we almost forgot that we still have some adventures to share from a notoriously less sunny place. We already told you about our day at the Portland Home & Garden Show (you can read more about that here – and if we met that evening, our pic together might be here). And yes, Sherry is holding someone else’s baby and I’m wearing an apron (meant for Clara!).
Between all of that presenting/meeting/greeting we actually had some time to take in the city a little bit too. So for anyone planning a visit (or just wondering what the heck we did) here ya go…
We got into town around 4pm PST on Tuesday the 21st and Clara was tired with a capital T. The poor girl had gotten up two hours early, was nearly at her normal bedtime (in East Coast time), and hadn’t napped or even slept a wink on the plane – scratch that, she slept one wink as we touched down at PDX (we’ll cover more on traveling with a toddler and how she adjusted to the time difference later on Young House Life).
So after giving Clara a much needed power nap we dashed out to grab dinner at ¿Por Que No?, one of the many restaurants that you guys had recommended to us. It was muy delicioso (forgive our iPhone pics for being no bueno). Our favorites were the carnitas and the shrimp & pineapple tacos if you’re wondering.
Since we were determined to soak in as much of Portland as possible (and force ourselves to get onto west coast time), we even stayed out long enough to get dessert. We hit up Salt & Straw, which was this ice cream lover’s dream. Although having to pick just one of their very distinct flavors was a bit of a nightmare (paralyzed…with…indecision). After sampling spoonfuls like Pear with Blue Cheese and Arbequina Olive Oil, I landed on their most popular flavor: Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbon. Meanwhile Sherry got something equally amazing (almond ganache something?) and I also bought one of their extra soft t-shirts (why yes, I am expanding my repertoire beyond soda shirts to food related tees as well).
Salt & Straw was a pretty cool shop too. First, it was a big reminder that Portland is crazy about being eco (in a good way). Compost everything? Don’t mind if we do!
Decor-wise they also had a flock of these awesome wire birds soaring across one wall along with exposed beam ceilings and industrial lights and stools.
And these cool rustic shelves stocked with retro looking products like soaps, stationery, and straws were speaking our language. We could’ve spent another hour or two there soaking it all up (and digesting our first scoop enough to order up another one), but we were starting to push our luck with our littlest ice cream connoisseur (who got the Double Fold Vanilla and loved every bite of it – so much that she screamed “buh bye ice cream!” when we left).
The next day – Wednesday the 22nd – was spent pretty much entirely at the Home & Garden Show (Clara was being entertained by my parents, who had thankfully flown out with us to visit some family in the area). Oh but after our early interviews with a couple of Portland’s morning news shows (you can check one of those out here) and before any presentation/meet & greet stuff started we did have a break to check out the single most recommended spot according to you guys: Voodoo Doughnut.
There were so many weird flavors that we wish we could’ve rented a secondary stomach for the day. In the end we ended up with a Bacon Maple Bar (yes, a doughnut with bacon on it), a Neapolitan (chocolate doughnut with vanilla frosting, strawberry dust, and marshmallows), and an Arnold Palmer (vanilla frosting with lemonade & ice tea dust… and a solitary green Froot Loop?). They were all good, but the Bacon Maple definitely rocked our world the most (crispy + salty + sweet + doughy = awesometown).
So by this point we were pretty convinced that Portland was (a) very green, (b) very yummy and (c) apparently very weird. Case in point: when Sherry spotted this sign in the background, she did her part to fit in. I’d say she looks mighty weird. Mission accomplished, Mrs. P.
Fast forward to Thursday, which was the extra day that we had built into our stay so that we could run around town a little more. We started the day at another highly recommended spot: Pine State Biscuits. Is it sounding like we just ate the whole time? If so, it’s pretty accurate.
Sherry got their signature sandwich: “The Reggie” and I got “The Chatfield” (basically the same thing, but with apple butter instead of gravy). We realize this picture is less than appetizing, which is doing this breakfast a great disservice. It was the best.
We also bought some local art while we were there, which was hanging on the walls of the restaurant (I love when they do that – because if you see something you love you’re actually allowed to buy it). There were so many letterpress prints attached to wood boards to choose from…
… but we went with this guy:
They’re made by a local company called Old School Stationers and sold for $25 a pop. We love getting things like this while on vacation to remember the trip by (full disclosure: Sherry has a childhood shot glass collection from every place she’s ever visited while growing up, which she only realizes now is an odd thing to collect at age 10). No idea where our new letterpress guy will end up, but we’ll share pics when he finds a spot in our house!
But now let’s focus on our non-culinary adventures. With full stomachs (and another t-shirt added to my wardrobe along with some sweet Portland art), next we hit up The ReBuilding Center, which was like our local Habitat for Humanity ReStore on steroids… and with cheekier signage.
I’m sure we could’ve spent hours hunting through the rows of lighting, tile, windows, and lumber – but without an easy way to get anything home we resisted (plus it was freezing in there!). Though we almost snagged one of these picture frames that they make from scrap wood:
The ReBuilding Center just seemed to underscore how much this town values reusing materials. I mean, just check out this cool wall made from random windows on one of The ReBuilding Center’s warehouses.
After we left there, we passed a block of shops that caught our eye – specifically this place (Sherry has trained her eyes to zero in on bee references).
Queen Bee Creations was cool, not just because they had really great textiles like this (Exhibit A):
And this (Exhibit B):
But also because the shop opens right into their studio (or “hive” as they call it). So you can actually watch their items being made (stitched, printed, and more!). It’s really fun to witness this little reminder that the things you can buy there are literally made right in front of you by Portland locals.
Another one of our favorite experiences in Portland was just driving around and checking out the neighborhoods. There seemed to be a really eclectic mix of houses and lots of bungalows and arts & crafts style homes (which we love).
People also seemed to have a lot of fun with their exteriors, so there were lots of fresh color choices to take in.
It’s too bad we weren’t there in a season where things were lusher and blooming. Although we’re mostly convinced that the rumors that it’s always overcast and misting in Portland except for in August are pretty spot on.
We also lined up a House Crashing visit while we were there, so we did manage to admire at least one house from the inside as well. We’ve still got to sort through those pictures, but here’s a preview to whet your appetite. It was beyond inspiring. We hope to edit the pics and write it all up by next week for ya.
It was actually this homeowner, Kirsten, who made the suggestion that we check out Schoolhouse Electric. We knew of them from this giveaway that we did ages ago with them, but we hadn’t heard they expanded their line beyond retro inspired lighting and hardware.
Sherry especially loved this big House 5 sign…
… these printed lamp shades…
… and these library-card-catalogs-turned-bench-seating. We only wish we could have squeezed in a trip to Rejuvenation too (they have amazing lighting) but Clara was getting antsy so it was time that we did something with her in mind.
Luckily the (otherwise sad-looking) mall near our hotel had a carousel that Clara adored (she had fun selecting which horse she wanted to ride). And pretty much the entire time she was on it, her face looked like this:
Portland has a pretty awesome Children’s Museum too – so we spent a few hours there as well. Why hello giant lite brite, fancy meeting you here.
Like any good toddler with hair so short she’s often mistaken for a boy, Clara spent most of her time playing with the trucks in the giant (rubber) gravel pit.
Our time in Portland actually wrapped up in nearby Beaverton, where my cousin lives with his wife and two children. My aunt and uncle had also driven out from Boise to pick up my parents (they were all heading back for a big family visit in Idaho when we ventured on to Hawaii) so they had all of us over for dinner. We somehow managed to leave without pictures – probably because we were just enjoying the chance to unwind with family that we don’t get to see that often.
So even though our Portland trip was quick, we felt like we squeezed in a lot of P-Town in two and a half days. Actually, in some ways it felt like the perfect taste to make us want to come back again. Perhaps for our book tour in the fall? Here’s hoping! Can you Portlandians schedule a few sunny days for us? And we’d love more tips about what shouldn’t be missed next time we’re in Oregon (selfishly for ourselves, but also for anyone reading this who is looking for more Portland fun).
Psst- The Portland Home & Garden Show Meet and Greet photo at the top of this post is by NV Holden Photography.
Pssst- Check out all of the other traveling posts we’ve shared over the last 4.5 years here.
Kate says
I have a Queen Bee messenger bag (I’m assuming it’s the same company?) and I love it.
YoungHouseLove says
Lucky girl! Their stuff was so cool!
xo,
s
Angela says
Portland looks so fun. I saw a bit of it on an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations and I was intrigued (also, I love Portlandia, so there’s that, too). :) I really want to go now, based on your reviews. It looks so fun and odd. Glad you had a great time!
Anna says
Love the rundown of your whirlwind trip! So glad you got to eat at some delicious places. Next time check out SE PDX – you would love the Belmont/Hawthorne area too! Hope to see you again on your book tour.
Hayley says
We have Portland friends (Tigard/Beaverton ones, actually) and one of my favorite things to do there is drive around and look at the houses. I want their landscaping, so bad! If I ever build, it will be hard to chose between farmhouse and craftsman!
Julie Anne in Seattle says
Yep, gotta say the other posters have it correct – since you hit Voodoo, the only must-see thing you missed was Powell’s City o’ Books.
Although there are a lot of pretty close to must-see things: OMSI, the Oregon Zoo, the downtown food trucks (there’s a huge gathering of them on one lot), Portland Saturday Market (which, of course, is on Saturdays)…
Of course, next time you come all the way to Portland, the most important thing to see is…Seattle!!!
P.S. I know what mall you were at with that carousel- local legend has it that the ride haunted by friendly spirits – two children dressed in 1920’s era-clothing, as the carousel is the only remaining part of the “Coney Island of the West”, a huge amusement park that flourished on the location of the mall in the 1920’s.
YoungHouseLove says
Ooooh spooky!
xo,
s
Amanda S says
I started collecting shot glasses as a kid too! Never thought about how odd it must have looked for a 10 year old to buy a shot glass. They are still my souvenier of choice when visiting a new place. You can almost always find a fun one with the location and date. They don’t wear out like clothes, are easy to pack in suitcases and are affordable.
YoungHouseLove says
It’s true!
xo,
s
Mallory says
So glad you guys enjoyed your trip to Portland :) I just informed the husband that we now have to find a weekend to hangout up there soon because I actually haven’t hit a lot of those spots! I’ll definitely second/third/fourth whatever it’s at now Powell’s…it truly is fabulous..maybe you’ll get lucky and have your book signing there?! We love the Pearl District and NW 23rd neighborhoods, super charming. I have the feeling a certain Mrs. Bower was a tad jealous at the bacon on your doughnut. So glad I got the opportunity to meet you in person! XoXo, Mallory
YoungHouseLove says
So good to meet you Mallory! And I totally texted Katie about my bacon donut. Wish I could have shipped her half (but it would have been stale slash was just too good to share – haha).
xo,
s
Jessica Kish says
This Seattleite now California transplant is missing the NW and Portland/ Beaverton so much! Thanks for sharing.
Carla Prock says
That hanging light with the edison bulb – do you know if it the one from Ballard Designs? I ordered the 3 bulb fixture and CANNOT find an edison style bulb that fits the chandelier bulb size opening. I’ve gone round and round with Ballard and short of sending it back (after 8 months) I am stuck with ugly CFL chandelier style bulbs. I really want to get the vintage look bulbs in the smaller size – ideas? So glad you enjoyed your trip to the Great NW. Portland is the greatest town to visit!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, that is the Ballard chandy (just got confirmation) but don’t know where she got her bulbs. When we post I’m sure the homeowner will drop in and answer comment questions thought!
xo,
s
Kelley says
1. I totally snagged a “Keep Portland Weird” bumper sticker before leaving. Not for my actual car, but just to be cool.
2. Pine State is totally run by some NC State doods! YAY for the home state.
3. Sad I missed the maple bacon donut from Voodoo. I was at a conference with the hubs and a sponsor brought only a limited selection. I went with bubble gum with one singular wrapped piece of Double Bubble placed in the middle. YUM!
Looks like you guys saw a lot! Makes me want to visit again!
Kathy V says
I actually started collecting shot glasses while I was in college as souvenirs when visiting different places. The funny thing is that when I came home to live with my parents after college, my mom thought they were “pretty little glasses” and took a couple of mine to display in her living room glass cabinet. I have since moved out but a couple of shots glasses still remain in the living room glass cabinet. She’s Laotian by the way and doesn’t know what shot glasses are used for:-)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so cute and funny! I love it.
xo,
s
Pam says
Thanks for making my daughter and me famous! Haha. Hope Clara and Burger liked their goodies. :-) It was great meeting you guys and getting to try VooDoo doughnuts for the first time as well!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh Pam, Clara loves her apron and Burger is wearing his collar right now! It was so great to meet you and hold your sweet bebe!
xo,
s
Nick says
I dig the new shirt (not sure if that’s a socially acceptable thing for one married guy to tell another married guy, but I went with it anyways)….gotta love good type treatment.
We’ve got a PDX trip lined up next month, a lot of the places you hit are on our list (plus we’ll probably add a couple that you profiled). Can’t wait to check out Schoolhouse in person…their new line is amazing.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks man. Appreciate it. Let’s end this with a manly fist bump and we’re good.
-John
Nick says
Ha, Brilliant.
Brittany says
It looks like you all were able to enjoy a lovely little slice of Portland on your short trip : ) If you do plan to come back in the fall, you should get some great weather in September, and you could also plan a visit to Portland’s Saturday Market which is amazing.
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds fun!
xo,
s
Jen says
Crazy, I work at the bar literally right next to that VooDoo doughnuts! I feel like I missed a celebrity sighting. Personally, I think that place is more kitsch than taste. I hope you didn’t wait in line too long…in the summer people wait 2-3 hours. Mostly tourists :) glad you had fun, and then sun fun!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no, thankfully there was no line at all! It was an odd hour (around 11am) so we waltzed right in and out! So sorry we missed you while we were in the area though!
xo,
s
Sarah says
When keeping it real becomes keeping it weird haha. Portland looks amazing, that’s my ideal relocation.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, so true.
xo,
s
Robin says
Glad you had a great trip to my town, AND – its sunny today!
Plein Jane says
I gasped when I saw the photo of the house you crashed; I’ve been coveting that big chandelier. Isn’t it from Ballard? Anyway, we’re hoping to use it to replace the builder-grade brass monstrosity that’s over our entryway now. That’s a post I’m looking forward to!
Thanks for sharing your trip with us. Don’t you wish we’d all come long? :^)
YoungHouseLove says
I don’t even know where that light is from! Still researching for the post! Will report back asap!
xo,
s
susie says
wow, you guys don’t waste any time on a trip. i thought i might run into you at the zoo when i went that week with our 3 year old, but looks like you had plenty to keep you busy without that activity (CM was a better choice with the weather!). wish you’d have had a day like today. it’s what we’d call “partly sunny” after a very light dusting of snow last night, and it’s a nice day to be a portlander. i loved seeing your pictures of places we like to visit around here.
Marianne says
OMG. A donut with a full strip of bacon on top of it. You didn’t say you travelled to heaven and back… And that house with the yellow and red doors is nearly as heavenly!
Jennifer says
Yay Portland! I love this town. So glad y’all had a good time. :) And the maple bacon bar is also my fave from Voodoo Doughnut. Sinfully good. The pink Voodoo Doughnut truck also goes out to the parks during the summer movies series, where they show movies for free in different city parks throughout the summer. Another good reason to visit P-town during the sunny season. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh that sounds really fun!
xo
s
Elizabeth says
FWIW I have noticed recently that Disney calls those collectible shotglasses “toothpick holders” now…much more appropriate for a ten year old! HA!
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahaha- too funny!
xo,
s
Deanna says
You hit many of my favorite p-town spots! (Well, save for the sad mall – where I do some of my shopping – It’s pretty hideous, but you got to enjoy the one fun thing about that mall!) Sadly, I did not get to come see you at the show, but I’m glad you got to enjoy the town and the show!
sarah martin says
My husband and brother in law surprised my sister and I with a trip to Portland last spring.
We ended up calling it our “FOODCATION” because we just ate and ate and ate and EVERYTHING (everything!) was super good. Had the maple bacon doughnut too. Beyond delicious.
(It beat out the maple bacon milkshake my husband ordered from “The Original”- another really yummy restaurant in Portland)
YoungHouseLove says
Mmmm, that sounds delicious!
xo,
s
Elisabeth@SimplyParkers says
So glad you got to go to the children’s museum, isn’t it great?! The giant lite brite is our (the 19-month-old and the 29/30-year-old parents’) favorite. I really want to build one for our house…but I guess that wouldn’t be very practical, would it?
YoungHouseLove says
But so pretty!
xo,
s
Angie says
So glad you liked our city!! :) Definitely, hit up Powells next time…but also….
Hippo Hardware is very cool, fabric depot is HUUUUUUGE and fun, and you have to have Breakfast at Gravy. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man, we wanted to squeeze Hippo Hardware in but ran out of time!
xo,
s
Claire H. says
Sounds like a fantastic trip! Also.. I totally collected (and continue collecting) shot glasses as a kid. I thought they were doll-sized drinking glasses!
Katie says
I know I’m way off base but my first thought when John said you love the “House of 5” sign was they must be pregnant! Since this would make the Petersiks a house of 5! BTW you by no means look pregnant…just thought I would throw that out there!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, not yet Katie! I think the red-eye back with Clara from Hawaii set me back a few years! Hahah.
xo,
s
christa says
i have to fly my Texas flag for a second – the slogan is KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD. wiki it – portland jacked it! hahah. that being said, i do like portland it is quite odd. and anything to promote local businesses!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so funny! I think Richmond should jack it too! It universal. Haha.
xo,
s
Chrissie says
Maybe we should make it Keep the World Weird – although if weirdness was universal, would it become normal?
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, this is true. How about weird is the new black?
xo,
s
Katy @ The Non-Consumer Advocate says
Next time you’ll have to hit up the Portland thrift shops which are AWESOME!
I’ll take you on a tour.
Katy
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds awesome!
xo,
s
Lauren F. says
Old School Stationers also has an etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/OldSchoolStationers. I thought your print looked familiar, and sure enough, they were one of my favorites on Etsy!
YoungHouseLove says
LOVE IT! Thanks for the link! Off to add it to the post.
xo,
s
Momcat says
Clara’s totally sporting that bleary-eyed, “I ate too many donuts” look! I see that you prepped her for the long flight but maybe you should have spent a week at Krispy Kreme, getting her sugar tolerance up!! Ha!
Great pics, thanks for sharing. That ReBuilding Center looks amazing! I’m so going to hit up the RVA HfH Restore now!
Welcome back, (and totally selfish on my part..) I’m so glad you are back online!
Lauren says
So neither my husband nor myself ever actually collected shot glasses but once when he went to Florida he brought me home a shot glass that said “I went to Florida without my wife and Alligator was This Shot Glass.”
Which didn’t even make sense since I was just his girlfriend at the time and I had actually been in Florida with him.
He giggled about it for like two years every time he opened the cabinet and saw that shot glass.
And then it broke. Accidentally, I swear.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahha- that’s cracking me up. Now I want one.
xo,
s
Melissa says
Y’all would love Austin. Their motto is “Keep Austin Weird”!
http://www.keepaustinweird.com/
You should visit during your book tour. Then you can come to see me, I mean, The Woodlands afterwards. :)
YoungHouseLove says
We have heard nothing but amazing things about Austin! Here’s hoping we get out there soon!
xo,
s
Wendy Burns says
Looks like you guys had a wonderful trip! Seeing your post made me miss Portland! I just moved away a year ago. Funny thing, the guy who runs & owns NV Holden Photography is my friend! What a small world!
YoungHouseLove says
No way! That photographer was so nice! I think his name was Nate? So nice.
xo,
s
Kristine says
You guys were hanging out just blocks from my office! And we live 5 minutes from the Expo Center. How fun that you were in my neighborhood (almost) the whole time!
I highly recommend Multnomah Falls and all of the littler waterfalls around there. Great hiking and beautiful scenery!
If you ever bring Burger out here there is a wonderful off-lease area out at the Sandy River Delta. It’s our dogs’ favorite destination when the weather is warm…which is more than just in August, I promise!
If you come back in the fall for the book tour (please do! You could even make an appearance at Powell’s!), you should also drive out to Sauvie Island. They have pick-your-own berry farms and an awesome pumpkin patch in October.
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds like so much fun!
xo,
s
Christina says
Yay! I’m so glad you had a good time in my city! I love that you got to see and do so much, and that the weather held for a little while. If you come back for your book tour (please do!), come during September…our best month BY FAR for weather and beauty. Hopefully then, I can get a chance to meet you guys (I missed you at the Home & Garden Show).
YoungHouseLove says
That would be so much fun. Here’s hoping!
xo,
s
Liz says
Love that you loved Portland!!! It’s such a great city. I bet you want to move here now and renovate a craftsman house, huh? ;) I’ve lived in Oregon my whole life (Eugene, crazy eco, and kinda quirky, just like a mini, way-less-cool Portland) and been to Portland many, many times, but I think you squeezed more cool stuff into your short trip than I have in all my trips combined. Weatherwise: Mid-July through mid-September are the sunniest!
Liz says
Ooops…
I forgot to ask. Did you stay at a cool hotel?
YoungHouseLove says
We just stayed at a hotel right near the convention center for convenience (The Red Lion Hotel) but it was pretty nice. Just not downtown in a fun location or anything.
xo,
s
CandaceJ says
I really love that you guys share so much of your lives, your home projects, and your fun, family adventures with the great world wide web. It was strange feeling like a little part of my daily routine was missing when you were on vacation (I read every morning when I’m getting rolling at work)….so, I just wanted to say thanks for being a part of my daily routine. (Also, I can’t believe you hadn’t taken a proper blog vacation until last week!) You’re rocking it :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Candace! You’re so sweet. We love sharing with you guys. We even missed you in HI, as crazy as that sounds!
xo,
s
Rebecca Pearcy says
Hey there – thanks for stopping in to the Queen Bee store on your visit and writing about it! Looks like you had a fun trip, glad you got to enjoy many of the fabulous things about Portland. Cheers!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, so great to hear from you Rebecca! Love your store!
xo,
s
Kelsey says
Funny story, I attempted to collect shot glasses when I was 10, at the encouragement of my parents! I only ever got like three, and since I don’t drink now, they really have no use, but the sentiment is totally worth it! Apparently shot glasses = popular among 10 year olds.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, who knew?
xo,
s
Amy S. says
You’ve successfully made me miss Oregon which is quite a challenge considering I am keenly aware of how terrible the weather is there at this time of of year. If you ever find yourselves back there in the summer, you should definitely try to make time to explore the Oregon coast. Canon Beach and Pacific City were my favorite places to hang out in the summer because the haystack rock formations are amazing.
Tara says
I live in about 45 minutes SE of Portland, you inspired me to make a trip to “the big city” ;) I’ve not heard of most of those places (Voodoo being the exception), I really really NEED to go to Salt & Straw and the Rebuilding Center.
If you come back and have time, I totally recommend a day or 2 in wine country (Carlton, Newberg, McMinnville) you can check out Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum (home of the Spruce Goose) and Evergreen Wings & Waves something Clara would love!
YoungHouseLove says
That sounds beautiful!
xo
s
mp says
I love seeing the “Keep Portland Weird” sign in the opening credits of Portlandia so much that I’m giving serious thought to painting it on my kitchen wall. Especially given that I’ve been rocking weird for the last 45 years or so.
Laurie Notaro was SCREAMING about the maple bacon bars last week. She was head over heels. (She lives in Eugene.)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- I love it.
xo,
s
Chrissie says
Sheesh, with all that you’ve shared I think I have to scratch my plans to move to Melbourne and move to Portland instead! Moving overseas is practically the same as going interstate, right?
That looks like a really amazing place, I’m glad you took some time out to explore the sights (and tastes!).
Also, perhaps it’s the resource journalist in me, but that gravel pit with the trucks looks like SO MUCH FUN! I would be happy like a pig in mud, I tells ya.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh my gosh, we had to drag Clara out of there (with promises of ice cream, haha).
xo,
s
Rosa @ Flutter Flutter says
I’m headed to Portland with a friend from design school for a girls weekend in May!!! We were trying to decide between there and San Fran… I’m thinking that Portland has won! :) Thanks for the overview. I’m curious to see if you’ve been to San Fran, and if so which one you’d choose. (I’m in Vancouver, so rain doesn’t faze me. lol)
erin says
Long time follower, rare commentator…but now a Portland convert after 2.5 years here. I love that you were here in such an awesome town! You sound like you “did it all” in 2.5 days!! Great tour and glad you loved it!
Cora says
I am so excited that you guys went to Portland because I’m going there in April to see my best friend Brett who is a principal dancer with the Oregon Ballet. I plan to hit some of the places you guys mentioned! So glad you guys got to get away but you were sincerely missed!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Cora! Have fun!
xo,
s
Beth says
EPIC carousel-riding expression on Clara. Absolutely epic.
Elise says
If you are ever in Portland with Burger you would LOVE the Tin Shed Garden Cafe. It’s a dog friendly restaurant which has a separate menu for pup’s (which includes free-range chicken, of course). They ask how many humans and dogs upon check-in, ingrediants are sustainable, and the food is delish! Plus it’s a total hipster joint so people watching is spectacular!
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds awesome!!
xo,
s
Anna says
Agreed! Love the Tin Shed! Sooooo yummy. Best artichoke dip ever. And tons of cute dogs lounging on the heated patio with their hipster owners. As soon as I get a pup we’ll take him there!