8 Must See Things for your Weekend Getaway to Portland.

There are many words that describe Portland but the word most associated with this Pacific Northwest city is weird. Portland is weird. But the best kind of weird. The kind of weird that only works in Portland and adds to the beauty of The City of Roses. Portland is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. There’s a little something for everyone so to help with your future trip to this unique city, I have created a list of my eight favorite things to do.

1. Browse Powell’s Books Used & New Books

How can I be The Library Abroad without mentioning the largest independent book store in the world. Even if you aren’t a big reader I still recommend a stop at Powell’s. Taking up an entire city block and four stories it is just a site to see. I only wish I could visit Portland every weekend to be able to go to this book store and get lost among the shelves. Maybe you’ll find your next favorite book.

2. Check Out a Winery

Not many people know this but Washington and Oregon are filled with amazing wineries that could rival ones that you find in Napa. The Willamette Valley, just south of downtown Portland, is filled with different wineries for all different wine preferences. If you like Pinot Noir, then you need to put The Willamette Valley on your radar. They produce some of the top rewarded Pinot Noir’s in the world. Plus who doesn’t love a good wine tasting.

3. Go on a Food Tour

One of my favorite things when visiting a new place is checking out the food scene of that area. Every place has their food that makes them who they are. For Seattle, the city prides itself on Salmon, Clam Chowder and pretty much anything they can get from the sea. For Chicago it is all about deep dish pizza, Chicago Dogs, and good old fashion Italian Beef. Portland (shockingly) is all about the classics but with a spin that nobody else has done before. Going on a Food Tour allows for you to check out some of the more touristy spots as well as places that might only be known by locals. A stop that I think is an absolute must for anyone visiting Portland is an ice cream shop called The Salt & Straw. It is possibly some of the best ice cream I have ever had. Needs to be on your Portland itinerary.

4. Travel by Bike or Scooter

Portland, like much of the west coast, prides itself on being a green city. It is always finding ways to help reduce its carbon footprint. One of the most eco-friendly forms of transportation is by renting a bike from one of the many different bike stands throughout the city. Unlike its neighbor to the North, it is a rather flat city making riding a book rather easy and enjoyable. In terms of size, it’s very similar to Milwaukee or Indianapolis, so getting from destination to destination is pretty quick when on a bike. Renting a bike is super cheap and fun way to get around the city.

5. Visit the Columbia River Valley

Something I have learned to greatly appreciate since moving out to the Pacific Northwest is the sheer natural beauty of my surroundings. Between the ocean, the mountains, the lakes and everything in between, there is always something that is able to take my breathe away. About 25 minutes Northeast from Portland is the Columbia River Valley. Filled with amazing hikes and lakes it is a place of true beauty. It’s most famous for the waterfalls that draws so many of its visitors. Though if you are looking for a more solitude hike you probably won’t find it here. Despite the crowds that it draws, it is still a place I would recommend for anyone in the Portland area.

6. Explore the Local Breweries

If wine isn’t your drink of choice, there are plenty of breweries in the Portland area. After all you can’t get much more hipster than Portland. They are the second largest state in terms of hop productions which makes Portland one of the best beer cities in the US. Portland has an endless amount of breweries that everyone from a novice to a self claim beer expert will find something perfect for them.

7. Smell the Roses at International Test Rose Garden

One of Portland’s most famous landmarks, is The International Test Rose Garden. There are over 10,000 bushes and 650 varieties. Who knew there were that many different types of roses. The roses are in bloom from April to October and the best time to visit is June. The garden is known for its test site on figuring out different varieties of this romantic flower. It started all back during World War I when they needed to find a safe spot for this hybrid testing. Covering over 4.5 acres is it a place to visit for any green thumb or if you are like myself and can’t keep a succulent alive, then it’s just a fun place to take in all the varieties of roses. Just remember to take your allergy medicine beforehand.

8. Devour Delicious Doughnuts

Part of Portland’s uniqueness is that it is known for its spin on the classic dessert of doughnuts. Every flavor imaginable is made into a doughnut here in Portland. The two most famous locations are VooDoo Doughnuts and Blue Star Doughnuts and both are very instagramable. I’d say they both are worth the wait that they often acquire. They’re both known for their over the top doughnuts and flavor names that you might find yourself needing to google what it even means. Luckily you have the city bikes to help work off some of those oh so delicious doughnuts.

This is just a brief glimpse of what makes Portland so different. This electric city has so much to offer for all different interests. If you are a foodie, enjoy independent breweries or city block size bookstores than Portland is your cup of tea. I hope you consider it the next time you are looking for a weekend getaway or find yourself in the PNW.

Until Next Time, The Library Abroad