Call it what you will, and it has a lot of names, Stumptown, Bridgetown, City of Roses, Rip City, or PDX but there’s just something about Portland, Oregon. A definite vibe, but it’s hard to sum up exactly, it’s a sort of Pacific Northwest Goth meets LA hipster vibe with a splash of… well, weird.
Keep Portland Weird
After 10 days exploring the Oregon Coast this self described city girl needed a dose of hustle and bustle and a good cup of coffee, so we made a beeline for Oregon’s biggest city.
Stumptown
We only had two full days, but we made the most of them. We took tours, visited multiple gardens and museums, ate delicious food and lost ourselves in the world’s largest bookstore!
Table of Contents
Getting Around Town
In my humble opinion walking is the best way to discover a new city, and Portland is a very walkable city, but if you’re not up for walking the Portland Streetcars and Biketown rentals (sponsored by Nike) are both readily available.
Downtown Portland Oregon
Almost immediately we came upon the #instafamous Portland Oregon Old Town Sign.
Old Town Portland, Oregon
But First, Food.
Portland is well known for their food truck culture, there are literally hundreds of them set up in what are known as pods, but I’m going to admit to you right now, that I’m not a fan of food trucks, and didn’t eat at a single one.
Food Truck Portland Oregon
Don’t worry, we didn’t starve! In fact we ran out of time before we could eat at all the highly recommended places on our list. Here are just a few of our favorites:
Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen
Location: Downtown – 835 SW Second Avenue
Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen kept popping up during my Portland research, and as soon as I saw the ceiling covered in light pink umbrellas I knew I’d be going, but when my friend Erin, over at Oregon Girl Around the World, recommended it as well, that sealed the deal!
Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen Portland Oregon
Thankfully, we loved everything else about it too. From friendly fast service to delicious and plentiful servings, Luc Lac was a highlight of our Portland dining experience.
Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen Portland Oregon
Pine State Biscuits
Location: Central East Industrial District – 1100 SE Division
I LOVE biscuits, so a visit to Pine State Biscuits was at the top of my dining wish list. We arrived just prior to closing, which meant we avoided the ever present out the door line I’d heard so much about.
Pine State Biscuits Portland Oregon
We went with the most popular item on the menu: The Reggie, a Fried chicken, bacon & cheese biscuit topped with gravy. Trust me, it tasted way better than my photo gives it credit for. We couldn’t resist a side of cheese fries and the seasonal pop tart, and washed all this deliciousness down with a large jar of sweet tea.
Carlita’s
Location: The Pearl District – 1101 NW Northrup Street
Carlita’s, described as Mexican with a Northwest flair, was walking distance from my hotel making it the perfect place to meet my bestie for a girls night out! The food was delicious, though spicy, and the service and atmosphere were great. Carlita’s is 21 and over.
Lauretta Jean’s Pie Bakery
Location: Division – 3402 SE Division Street
We are a pie loving family, so resistance was futile when we came across Lauretta Jean’s Pie Bakery. Nothing says summer like a fresh slice of warm pie with a scoop of melty ice cream, or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
Seasonal Berry Pie Lauretta Jean’s Pie Bakery
Voodoo Doughnut
Location: Downtown – 22 SW 3rd Avenue
Don’t miss a visit to the quirky Portland favorite Voodoo Doughnut! As you might imagine they have a plethora of fun flavors and shapes on offer, all of which are delicious.
Voodoo Doughnut Downtown Portland location
Voodoo Doughnuts is cash only, but you’ll find an ATM onsite. P.S. We didn’t visit Blue Star or Salt N Straw, both of which are local favorites, because we visit the LA locations often.
Powell’s Books
Location: 1005 W Burnside Street
One of the first places we stopped upon our arrival, was Powell’s Books. They claim to be the world’s largest bookstore selling both new and used books, and I believe it. One could literally get lost, so we paired up and set off to explore. Good thing our hotel was just a few steps away because we came away with a bag of literary treasures.
Powell’s Books
Alberta Street Arts District
Location: Alberta Street between Approximately 15th and 30th
My never-ending quest for street art led me to the Alberta Arts District where we found street art murals and slap tags aplenty!
Blaine Fontana Mural 22nd and Alberta
This quirky and fun neighborhood is filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques, art galleries, coffee shops, dive bars and more.
Yarrington & Fontana Alberta & NE 21st
After we’d had our fill of art and the 95 degree heat, we settled into the blissfully air-conditioned and very friendly neighborhood bar, Binks.
Stay tuned for more about this fun area in a future post…
The Pearl District
You’ll be hard pressed to find any evidence of the once run down industrial warehouse district that is now known as the Pearl District. Instead you’ll find a vibrant and thriving neighborhood, with charming wooden sidewalks, city parks, and one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants.
Tanner Springs Park
Portland Rose Test Gardens
Location: Washington Park
Opened in 1917 the International Rose Test Garden is home to over 7,000 rose plants and 550 varieties. Roses are sent from around the world to be tested for color, fragrance, resistance to disease and other attributes.
International Test Rose Garden
We loved walking up and down the rows taking time to smell the roses, and reading all the different names.
The Rose Test Garden is open from 7:30 am – 9:00 pm daily and offers free public tours daily at 1:00pm, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Japanese Garden
Location: Washington Park
Having visited Portland’s Japanese Garden a few years ago, we were pleased to see the extensive renovations and additions, which were completed since our last visit, enhancing what was already a spectacular place.
Information Japanese Garden Portland
Check the Japanese Garden website for the information on the hours and admission prices as they vary throughout the year. Complimentary tours are included with your admission.
You might also be interested in: Portland Oregon City of Roses
Ground Kontrol Arcade
Location: Old Town/Chinatown – 115 NW 5th Avenue
From Dig Dug to Mortal Combat, Centipede to Donkey Kong you’ll find all your old favorites at the Ground Control classic arcade, or if you prefer pin ball they have 27 different machines. We found this to be a perfect place to beat the heat on a sweltering hot summer day, and to give our kids a break from playing tourist.
Ground Kontrol Portland Oregon
If shoveling quarters into arcade games isn’t your thing, or if you run out of quarters before the rest of your crew there are multiple bar areas where one can hang out.
All ages noon-5pm daily, 21+ from 4:30pm-close.
Street Art Walking Tour
Portland Street Art Alliance
In hindsight a walking tour on a 95 degree day probably wasn’t the best idea, but having scheduled it in advance we decided to give it a go. The extreme heat really put a damper on our ability to stop and enjoy the art, but we did our best, and saw quite a lot!
Artist: Ben Patterson
We may have stopped in the middle to cool down with boozy pops from the Portland Roasting Company.
Portland Roasting Company Boozy Pop
Our tour was booked through the Portland Street Art Alliance. Stay tuned for more about Portland’s street art scene.
Portland Photo Tour
Wanting to see the city’s skyline and bridges I decided to book a small group tour with Portland Photo Tour. This way I’d be able to take all the night photos I wanted safely and without torturing the rest of my family.
Downtown Portland
Stay tuned for more about this fun experience…
The Ace Hotel Portland
Location: 1022 SW Stark Street
Prior to this trip the last time I stayed at an Ace Hotel, was my wedding night. I thought I’d give it another chance… the jury is still out. I will say that the location was great, as was the Stumptown coffee shop.
Ace Hotel Portland Oregon
Pin for later:
butterboy5556
Looks like you had a great time. Great pics
Hilary
Thank you! It was a lovely visit!
oregongirlaroundtheworld
Glad you loved Luc Lac! But the Grilled Cheese Grill has my favorite sandwich – the “baby cheesus!” You’ve made me terribly nostalgic. Fab pics. Keep Portland weird and wonderful!
Hilary
Funny! The only food truck I took a photo of was this one. Glad you enjoyed the post!
Cultural Wednesday
Powell Books was the first place we visited when we went to Portland many, many years ago. Portland is, as you say, different to everywhere else!
Hilary
Yes, it certainly is. We loved the bookstore and had to drag ourselves away.
Matthew Wakelee
I was only able to spend a few hours in Portland in the middle of a long road trip a while back, but I was there long enough to love Powell’s Books.
Hilary
If you ask me, It’s the best place in the city!
Are We Adults Yet
This is an amazing city overview! Definitely bookmarking for future use, as we both LOVE Portland and want to visit more. It’s such an easy trip to do for a long-weekend from LA (as evidenced by this post we recently wrote! https://www.areweadultsyet.com/2018/07/26/quick-weekend-in-portland-or/)
Happy travels 🛫
—
http://www.areweadultsyet.com
Hilary
Thank you! Will definitely check out your post! Stay tuned for more about Portland in the coming weeks…
chewbekaaa
YES I second Luc Lac! We thought we shoved a lot into our two days but after seeing your adventures I’m not so sure…haha!
Hilary
Ha ha! Yes, we like to pack it in!
Kids of the Wild
This is a great read as I have a friend in Portland who I’ve only managed to meet in Seattle, Stoke UK and Tulum Mexico so I know nothing of her hometown. The voodoo doughnuts look amazing, and so much street art. Great idea to do a photo tour on a flying visit too. Really enjoyed reading, thanks #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Sounds like you’ve met up in some pretty special places! Portland is nice, but I do LOVE seattle!
California Globetrotter
ow I’m quite jealous my cousin lives here! Looks like there are so many fun things, especially those Voodoo donuts! The Pearl District sounds like my part of town! Love Lotus flowers! #FarawayFiles
Hilary
It’s a very compact city! We fit a lot in!
Angie
Portland looks like lots of fun and I would love to visit the world’s largest bookstore, although may struggle to carry everything I’m sure I would buy! I love your pictures too, they really bring a place I don’t know to life. #Farawayfiles
Hilary
Thank you! Yes, it’s a fabulous bookstore! My husband carried our very large bag for me!!
SeasonedTravelr, aka Jessica
I’ve been dying to visit Portland! And this just gives me a million more reasons why I need to get over there ASAP. The combination of fantastic and quirky food (I want one of those donuts!) with street art and overall just a trendy vibe is a winner for me. Thanks for sharing, I’ve pinned for future reference! #farawayfiles
Hilary
It’s a lovely city! Lots of fun and lots of quirky for sure!
Annabel Kirk
Hilary, your posts always make me hungry. I love the name Voodoo Donut, that’s one to remember! #FarawayFiles
Clare Thomson
I’ve always fancied visiting Portland, mainly because of the book shop but I love the variety of things to do that you’ve highlighted here, from the street art to the gardens and foodie places. I’m not sure I’d eat that donut though! #FarawayFiles
Amanda Afield
Definitely saving your food recommendations!! I ate at Voodoo Donuts when I visited a few years ago, but I’d definitely like to try those biscuits! #FarawayFiles
Paul Healy
I’ve always wanted to visit Portland, mainly because I hear they have a good coffee scene an I’m a massive coffee snob! I love Stumptown at their NYC hotel, so hopefully their brew is just as good in Portland. I’m very concerned about the biscuit restaurant. I’m hoping a biscuit is something very different to what we call a biscuit over in the UK – you certainly wouldn’t eat one with fried chicken, bacon and cheese!
Cristina - Memories of the Pacific
I’ve never been to Portland but looks like an amazing place to visit!
Hilary
It’s definitely worth a stop if you’re in the Pacific Northwest!
Liana moore
I’ve always wanted to visit Portland, and do eve more now. Food and art, what more could you want! #FarawayFiles
Hilary
In my book not more more…
Wendy Maes
Reading this makes me want to go to Portland. The food looks delicious and I love the street art. Thanks for sharing #FarawayFiles
Hilary
It’s a fun little city! Glad you found the linkup!!
Jennifer Howze
Great post! It really makes me want to go there! Maybe for that biscuit alone. #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Yes! The biscuits were lovely!
Four Acorns / Quatre graines de chêne
Love your photos as always, and love your never ending quest for street art – murals make for the best urban pics.
#FarawayFiles
Hilary
Thank you! They certainly do brighten things up don’t they!
Janis
I did smile when I scrolled down and saw your picture of a biscuit, it just wasn’t what I expected. As you probably know, a biscuit in the UK is sweet and something you would dunk in a cup of tea. Although, I think I prefer The Reggie biscuit.
Portland is a place I’ve wanted to go for a while and I think the street art is swinging it. Thanks for sharing #farawayfiles
Truly Madly Kids (@TrulyMadly7)
Looks like Portland has a great vibe. There sure is variety from food, street art and botanical gardens! #farawayfiles
Kathleen (Kat) (@katpegimana)
Portland looks like a great city for a weekend getaway and oh my, I love that picture of the pie and cream! Food trucks are also popular in Malaysia, thanks to a number of American foodie shows on Nat Geo channel 🙂 #FarawayFiles