Portland
Quick visit to this city for a school trip, and here are my quick thoughts on what you should do!
Portland didn’t turn me on as much as I had anticipated, to be honest. There’s so much hype about this city, and don’t get me wrong, it still is very cool, but it didn’t entirely live up to it in my opinion. Forgive me if I offend anyone here, but it kind of felt like Portland is to Seattle what Dublin is to London - just not quite there. But, like Dublin, Portland has its own niche, and there are many people who find this niche more in line with their tastes. Anyway, personal opinion aside, I still did some things in the city so here they are.
Where to get bomb breakfast and coffee after you land: Proud Mary
This place serves up simultaneously home-y and modern breakfast food in a setting that matches. The food is seriously good and there are tons of options for coffee. Plus, it is a very Insta-worthy aesthetic, and I know that is an important factor for the clout.
Where to grab a burger and a drink with a friend (or 50): Victoria Bar
This place is basically just a home with a backyard, but the home is a dope bar and the backyard has several long picnic tables along with standard seating. The drinks were actually fantastic and the food was not bad either. We came here as a big group for dinner and were all able to get seated even though the place was already quite crowded to begin with. The typology of this part of town is also interesting because its just a bunch of houses in a neighborhood turned into restaurants and bars, so its quite unique I would say.
Where to get the best donuts in the city (and maybe the country): Voodoo Donuts
This has become a somewhat controversial topic for Portlandians (which is ridiculous and shows the overall scale and scope of the city but whatever), as many locals think that this place has become over-saturated and over-rated because of all the freaking tourists. But, as a non-biased guy who is impartial towards any donut shop or donut type, this place was damn good. I got the original Voodoo donut and loved it.
Where to get donuts that are also great but in a more modern setting:
So while Voodoo has a wackier and quirkier vibe, Blue Star is more modern and sophisticated - both in their donuts and the environment. I kind of get why locals would prefer Blue Star, but as a tourist, if you are to hit only one donut shop, make it Voodoo. If you got a real sweet tooth, then throw this one in there as well.
Where to enjoy perfect nature: Portland Japanese Gardens
This place is absolutely beautiful, and I’m actually upset we only stayed here for an hour. I could have easily spent the day here, roaming through the grounds. The gardens are stunning with the waterfalls and koi ponds and nature trails, but don’t disregard the built environment here either. The traditional Japanese wooden architecture fits into the natural beauty of these place like a glove, and not to mention its a joy to walk through as well, providing a deeper sense of appreciation towards the complex simplicity of Japanese architecture.
Speaking of waterfalls, where to see a cool waterfall in the middle of the city: Keller Fountain Park
There is a waterfall that is built here in the middle of downtown. It was cool. Go check it out and take pictures then leave.
Where to go if you’re a book worm: Powell’s City of Books
This place is rated by CNN as one of the ‘coolest’ bookstores in the world, and while we only had time to peek inside, I could easily see why. The place is massive, even though it doesn’t actually feel like it. I will say though, from the minute I was inside, it was super packed and loud, so consider yourself warned.
Where to grab lunch and watch a football game: Kingston Sports Bar and Grill
Even though there was just one woman running the whole show at this place, we still had a good time here. There are a ton of TV’s, fun décor and lots of beer options. Its a sports bar though, so keep that in mind. You’re here to watch a game, everything else is secondary.
