This time last year I had to cancel a birthday trip to New York City (that was still taken – just several months later!) But this year, THIS YEAR, I got to take a birthday trip to visit some old friends in a city I’ve never been to. This year I went to Portland, OR.
I went to find out if it was really as full of hipsters and foodies and cyclists and the tattooed and friendly folks as it has long been rumored. I was only there for 3 nights so I cannot verify that all of this is true, but I got a good enough glimpse to confidently guess that it’s all totally true.
These are the folks I went to visit. My friends and yours, the Wil-Co’s
The weekend was jam-packed full of food, friends and sightseeing.
The Food
We were all starving when they picked me up from the airport. (By the way, did you know how crazy the seating system is on Southwest Airlines? I did not.) They took me to a restaurant that is in an old converted school – which also houses several small bars, a hotel and a movie theater.
That night we ate a local Mexican chain called Cha-Cha-Cha. The guy who took my order commended me on my willingness to try a little of everything when it came to taquitos. Apparently, some Portlanders, are a little particular when ordering their food.
On my birthday I had 3 special food excursions. Yay birthday feasting!
For brekkie, my friend Reba took me to the WAFFLE WINDOW. I know, for realz, it’s a place where you buy waffles right outta the window.
So genius. I think maybe I should open up one of these in Evanston. Don’t steal my idea! I had a savory waffle which consisted of a smallish waffle covered with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, maple bacon and chevre. so YUM.
(source)
Sho and the girls picked me up at lunchtime to take me to one of the many food truck outposts in town. This was actually one of my favorite things about Portland – anywhere you could find a small empty lot you could find 1 more more food trucks parked. this place was like a food truck-food court. The food was fresh and delish (but sorry, no pics of the food. Just picture in your mind a warm falafel sandwich)
Instead of birthday cake we had treats from another famed Portland spot: VOODOO Doughnuts. I couldn’t believe the line at the original spot so we ran over to Voodoo two and found a much smaller group of folks waiting for the good stuff
And finally, Sho and I went to dinner and a movie at the Laurelhurst theater. Kind of a brew-n-view, but also you can get dinner! We saw “The Fighter”. so good. Head-body-head-body
The Sights
Portland was pretty rainy and cloudy for the couple of days I was in town, but still quite lovely. On Sunday we took a drive up the Columbia River Gorge. Have a gander…
Vista House and view of the river. It was insanely windy up there. Just getting to the building from the car took feats of strength and balance! Don’t believe me? Take a look at Harper’s hair in this picture.
That’s sideways, yo. And look at Nigel! He’s all crooked against the wind. It was exhilarating.
The view from Bridal Veil
And the Grand finale, Multnomah Falls
And finally, the view from our lunch spot in Hood River
It was a great trip. Very quick and go-go-go.
Now I’m all jacked up because of the time-change and daylights savings, and my kitty puked in her excitement of my return, but am happy to have seen some old friends and a new city. Til next time, Portland!
xoxo
erin
ps – where to next?
