portland

We lived in Portland for four years during our professional training at Oregon Health & Science University. We have remained season ticket holders for the Portland Thorns soccer team and have wonderful friends there, so we visit about every 1-2 months. We really enjoy the Rose City! We lived here before Tyler took up photography as a hobby, so not many of our photos here are with Tyler's camera.

Oregon, USA

SEE/ DO

Rose Garden in Spring
Professional sports games (Thorns, Blazers, Timbers)
View from Pittock Mansion
Hiking in Washington Park
Hoyt Arbouretum
Portland Zoo
Bike the path along the Willamette River (try a tandom if you're feeling adventurous; there are many rental shops, as Portland is a very popular biking city)
Shopping: 23rd St, Couch St, Pioneer Square, Pearl District, Bridgeport Village
Walking food tour
Multnomah Falls
Daytrip to Hood River
Daytrip to the Pacific Ocean (Seaside)
Visit local wineries
Hot air balloon ride in Newberg
OMSI (Awesome science center for families)
Council Crest Park viewpoint
Portland Aerial Tram
Mt. Tabor Park

EAT

Ava Genes - this is our favorite meal in PDX
Allison Inn & Spa Restaurant - Our favorite in Oregon (40 mins from PDX)
Andina (Peruvian)
Tusk (Do the chef's tasting! Delicious and great value!)
Mediterranean Exploration Company (we recommend one of their homemade hummus appetizers and the pork chops)
Elephant's Deli
Salt & Straw Ice Cream
Fifty Licks Ice Cream
Han Oak (Featured on Somebody Feed Phil)
El Jefe in Lake Oswego
Kachka (Russian; also featured on Somebody Feed Phil)
Urban Farmer breakfast
Portland City Grill for happy hour to see an awesome view of the city at night (the cookie platter is delish if they still have it)
Little Griddle (hole-in-the wall awesome breakfast)
Papa Haydn for fantastic desserts
Grassa for quick, handmade pasta
Lovejoy Bakery
St. Honore' Bakery

STAY

The Nines (Pioneer Square) - we have not found another hotel in PDX that we like
For a stay outside of the city, the Allison Inn & Spa is our favorite luxury resort in Oregon. It is about 40 minutes outside of town and is in wine country. Their restaurant, spa, and pool is fantastic!
The Woodlark
Airbnbs when we bring the dogs
Our friend's guest room is our favorite :)

Tips

Recommend Dinner Reservations or else you likely will have a lengthy wait
The Parking Kitty App is helpful for quickly paying for parking around town
It rains often here, which is why it is so lush and beautiful for a city! I always have a travel umbrella with me from Oct-June.
Be aware of your surroundings and there are certain areas not to walk alone at night. Yes, the riots of 2020 that were on national tv took their toll on some areas. There are a lot of homeless individuals and graffiti. It is slowly cleaning up over time and is still a fun place to visit.