Portland
Portland is Oregon’s largest city. It is known for its eco-friendliness, parks, and bridges. It is less than 2 hours south of Olympia, Washington, and 3 hours south of Seattle, Washington.
What To Do
Portland Japanese Garden
In 1967, the Portland Japanese Garden officially opened to help heal the ties between Japan and America after WWII, by educating about a different culture and communicating through nature. There are performances put on throughout the day near the gift shop. There also is a cafe that apparently is top-notch. We did not have a chance to experience that since it was fully booked, so be sure to make reservations way in advance.
You will need to purchase tickets to enter either ahead of time or at the front entrance. You also will need to pay to park right out front. We spent about an hour and a half here and we sped through it. Parking is very limited - be sure to get here early to get a spot!
International Rose Test Garden
Portland came to be known as the ‘City of Roses’ in 1905 when 200 miles of rose bushes were planted along sidewalks throughout the city for the Lewis and Clark Centennial celebration. The International Rose Test Garden was dedicated in 1924.
Thousands of rose bushes are in bloom between late May and October in the International Rose Test Garden. We got there about a month too soon to see the blooms. Even still, we found some fun places to take pictures. This garden is right across from the Portland Japanese Garden. It is easiest to walk here from the same parking spot, you just need to walk through the pathway at the tennis courts. It was free to go here.
Hoyt Arboretum
The Hoyt Arboretum was founded in 1928 as a way to educate and conserve endangered species of trees and shrubs. There are 12 miles of trails here. We walked the Overlook Trail, Wildwood Trail, Redwood Trail, and Spruce Trail. All of these pathways were very different yet enjoyable. Here is a map of the trails.
Driving around this area are beautiful homes. I almost had more fun driving around gawking at the houses than I did hiking through the trees!
There is no admission fee, but parking is limited at the Visitor Center parking lot. We parked along the street where there was space.
Powell’s Books
The world’s largest independent bookstore is Powell’s Books in Portland, Oregon. Just being here enticed me to buy a book even though I have so many on my shelves. It was fun to walk around the many rows of books.
Where To Eat
Eem
We walked around Portland and randomly went up to a store clerk and asked where we should eat. They HIGHLY recommended Eem, saying it was the best place to eat in the city. It had delicious Thai BBQ cuisine.
Currently vaccination cards are required at most places in this city, including eating here. They do not take reservations, so while we waited we went to The Box Social nearby.
The Box Social
We went to The Box Social for apps and drinks. What a pleasant surprise! We really enjoyed this spot and this street as a whole for its delicious food/drinks and funky vibe.
Jam on Hawthorne
We didn’t have a chance to eat here, but we heard from many locals that Jam on Hawthorne is the best brunch place in Portland.
Hawthorne Asylum
A food truck lover’s paradise, we had so many options! Sit on the picnic tables soaking in the sun and socializing with your neighbors.
Other Food Options
Other delicious food options that locals recommended were Grassa and Lardo; they are across the street from each other and near Hawthorne Asylum on the west side of Portland near Old Town.
