Driving out of PDX, we rolled back the sunroof, and maneuvered the beautiful streets of Portland, on a particularly gorgeous and sunny day, to our destination: Portland Mercado. The Barrio, usually not open until 2pm, was open early due to deliveries, and we were poured glasses of local Pinot Noir and a variety of Ale’s. We ventured through the food trucks, and created quite the meal: handmade empanadas (chicken) and churros (caramel, cream, and plain) from Alecocina, panuchos with carne asada and chicken (topped with avocado and pickled red onions) from Principe Maya, and tacos with asada, lengua (beef tongue), and carnitas from Tierra Del Sol. I literally inhaled all of the deliciousness, and could have done another round on the panuchos.
After settling into our airbnb, see below, we drove off to the coast.
Hilton Head, Cape Cod? I’ll double down on Cannon Beach. Cannon Beach is simply stunning. Haystack Rock, literally, made my jaw actually drop. Initially driving past, I almost immediately halted the car, because I was shocked by the magnitude and magnificence of these rock formations amidst the ocean. We made our way down to the beach which was then in high tide, and walked along the water’s edge.
We popped into Wayfarer’s, which is located at the public entrance to Cannon Beach for a mussel appetizer and cocktail (Excellent cocktails, appetizer/poor service). For dinner we ate at Pelican Brewing and had the clam chowder (which had a distinct potato and bacon flavor) and their fish and chips, with one of their beers on tap. Great beers and pub food!
The owner of Barrio at the Portland Mercado was shocked when we told him our evening plans were Cannon Beach and that we weren’t staying overnight… and after visiting Cannon Beach, I wish we had. The town was perfect… full of unique beachside accommodations, restaurants, bars, and boutique shops… children laughing while riding their bikes down main street *Hemlock Street*, ice cream cone in hand… a plethora of dogs playing together on the beach while their owners drank bottles of wine in their adirondack chairs surrounding a bonfire… in Cannon Beach you knew you were somewhere magical, as the ocean air intoxicated you.
However, the drive to/ from Portland/Cannon Beach was similar to the winding roads found in Costa Rica, without the major drop off, but ditches and rivers large enough to do damage. After the sun sets, amongst the unending forests, the drive can be rather unsettling, especially for a midwesterner.
After an amazing night’s rest, we had a full day ahead of us. The first stop of every morning: coffee. This morning’s fill was at the ORIGINAL Original House of Pancakes. OHoP, did not disappoint. Some of us were expecting an IHOP experience, but rather we walked into a Grandmother’s dining area that was within a very large, white home, with red and white striped awnings. The waitstaff were outstanding and every dish we ordered contained your daily allotted calories, plus another couple hundred. If there’s bacon, I can’t pass it up, so I ordered the eggs and bacon (3 thick, juicy slices) with the blueberry pancakes (served with blueberry compote). The other gals ordered the Tahitian Dream Crepes, Cherry Crepes, and Egg Benedict. On most mornings, you won’t find me eating breakfast, but if I lived in Portland- you’d catch me at OHoP every morning taking down bacon and pancakes.
To burn off a few of our calories from breakfast, we took a stroll through the Japanese Gardens in Washington Park. Reservations do have to be made for a specific time to limit the amount of people within the gardens. The gardens are beautiful, especially as we are entering Spring. Pops of color from the blooming flowers stood out against the lush green surroundings. There are different gardens to explore, including a few art exhibits. We were able to get through the garden in under an hour, including a stop in the lavish bathrooms. Japanese toilets… with their heated seats… are an attraction all in themselves.
We were then off to Willamette Valley, Pacific Northwest’s wine region. I had chosen Willamette Valley Vineyards as they are known for their expansive view, wine… and have a food menu. Although, after our breakfast, none of us were thinking about lunch quite yet. We did, however, order the chop chop salad and dungeness crab and artichoke dip with pita, to accompany our wine tasting. We tasted their Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir (the Estate and McMinnville), and Merlot. The $15 tasting fee is waived, if 2 bottles are bought. We all loved the Pinot Gris, and each bought bottles to take home!
I asked our server about Argyle Winery, which was another 1 hour drive, and if it were worth it, or if we should stay more in the area of Willamette Valley Vineyards. He said the drive was definitely worth it, as the wineries line the streets like the Las Vegas Strip. Las Vegas, ay? We were on our way!
As the closing time for most wineries were between 5 and 6pm, we only had time for Argyle. This winery’s feature: Champagne. Pop the bubbly! We chose the *Pop Flight*, for $30. I honestly thought the flight was on the pricier side, and wished I had opted for the $9 glass of Brut, or $14 Rose Brut. The ambiance was inviting, modern and lovely, especially outside on their patio.
Looking back, I really wish we had more time to explore the “strip”. We’ll just have to re-visit, and next time, hire a driver for the day!
We had dinner at Cartopia, which was down the street from Hawthorne Asylum. Every city should adapt and have various “cartopia’s” spread throughout. They offer such a laid-back vibe, where people can unwind with amazing food, drinks, and converse casually over bonfires. 2 of the ladies ordered ½ chickens with potatoes and red onions from Chicken and Guns, another ordered a cheeseburger with a side of Chinese dumplings from Bottle Rocket, and I ordered the tofu pad thai and spring rolls from BKK. Thinking back on all of our meals throughout the weekend, has my mouth watering and scouring United flights for my next visit. I’d also love to check out Hawthorne Asylum next time! It looked really cool, especially at night!
After a long and tiring day, we almost called it a night. However, a night cap was requested, so we popped in down the street from our airbnb at the Bear Paw Inn. To be fair, only one of us wanted the night cap, the other 3 gals reluctantly tagged along. But once inside, we all loved it. There was something for each one of us! Slot machines, pinball machines, CBD water, pool tables, and booze. We had a great time at this quaint little dive! My only regret is not snagging a tee.
The next morning, all of us were dressed in our athleisure wear ready for our “outdoorsy” day. The Brooklyn neighborhood has so many little gems, and our airbnb host recommended Rose City Coffee for our caffeine fix. I ordered one of their signature drinks: Amber Latte, which had melted caramel and cinnamon. Their pastries and breakfast sandwiches were also fresh and delicious! We loved it so much, we went back the next morning on our way back to PDX. The ambiance was so eclectic. Walking in, there are plants and succulents throughout the cafe, as well as thoughtful and quirky gifts.
When I think of Portland, I see nature. Sprawling green hills, mountains, streams, waterfalls, and thick forests. On our last day in Portland, we were surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Our first stop was Multnomah Falls. Just as I was taken by Haystack Rock, I was amazed by the Falls. We hiked only to the bridge, but the hike up to the falls was open. *Side note: If you want to see your skinny self, pop into their gift shop for an instant ego boost 😉
After doing my due diligence on “easy” hikes in the area, I chose the 2 mile, Wahclella Falls Trail for our lady group. If this trail was easy, I don’t want to know what they consider moderate and difficult. The trail was breathtaking and I could almost see Brad Pitt and Craig Sheffer fly fishing in the stream down below.
One of us made it to the end of the trail, the rest of us made it about ¾ of the way (until the path became so narrow, with the mountain on one side, and the other side: a drop off a couple hundred feet down). Nope, not today.
I’m sure others would debate that this actually is an easier hike, as I saw people of all ages taking the trail in stride, with their fearless dogs in lead. But, that narrow, rocky, slippery path… Bottom line, rocks are not my friend.
However, no matter how far you get on the trail, the views are outstanding. There was also a beautiful waterfall, about .1 mile into the hike.
I can also cross Washington off my 50 states by 50, as we crossed the border in search of the Columbia River Gorge Scenic area. Our GPS took us to a residential, private driveway, warning us to “Keep Out”. GPS must continuously piss these owners off.
I stopped at the local post office down the street, which was oh so charming. I asked where I could find Columbia River Gorge, and the post-woman told me, “You’re here”. The entire area is known as the scenic area. The gentleman dropping off his mail, offered to take us to one of the scenic spots, and I graciously accepted. A few miles down the main road from the post office, there was a gorgeous pull off area. We had the most unbelievable view of Oregon and Mount Hood.
After a morning of adventure, the rest of the day would involve relaxing and indulging on local culinary cuisine and spirits.
We drove back to Oregon and had lunch at Full Sail Brewing. We all had their specialty: Pacific Salmon fish and chips and shared their bourbon porter ganache glazed brownie, with Tillamook vanilla ice cream and homemade caramel sauce. Each one of us wiped our plates clean! Their local wines and beer list were excellent as well. Due to a recent intolerance to most alcoholic beverages, I decided to try their hard kombucha. I’ve tried various komuchas and most are so acidic and do not settle well. However, their flavors of Kombucha: Hibiscus Lime, Berry, and Lavender Lemonade- oh my. I bought 2 cases to bring home!
We then had a glass of wine at Cathedral Ridge Winery. The town of Mount Hood is darling, and it would be easy to spend a day exploring the town.
I did have Mount Hood Lavender Farm on the agenda, although, unfortunately it was not quite the season for lavender. The owner of the farm did let us know she had a pop up shop at Stave and Stone Winery. When I called the winery, they did say they had an opening for a tasting, so that was our next stop. However, all of the items at the pop up shop were mispriced, by 30% or higher, and would not be honored by the owner of the Lavender Farm. Sadly, out of principle, we didn’t take home any lavender goodies.
Stave & Stone: One of our best experiences of the trip. The scenery, the ambiance… the appetizers and sweets… the superb wine… the chic outdoor patio area… was unmatched. We all wished we had gotten there earlier, so that we could have spent more time. They also had an unusual Pinot Noir Blanc and a Pinot Noir Rose (Dorothy). To pair with the wine tasting and additional bottles ordered for the table, we had the goat cheese and fig jam with crackers, and the spinach and artichoke dip with pita bread.
Our last stop of our amazing gals getaway: Solera Brewery– about 8 minutes from Stave & Stone. What a view!!! We drove through this very small town, which consisted of a half block of businesses, and parked near a sign that pointed towards the right and said “Grade School”.
We walked into the fun and quirky brewery which had various ales, and a few sours. Grabbing our drinks from the bar, we went to get settled at one of the picnic tables outside. You would never imagine what this little brewery would have one of THE best views of Mount Hood. Mostly locals-neighbors, enjoyed their beers around bonfires, chatting and laughing. Everyone was so friendly and inviting, and made for such a wonderful and relaxing Friday evening.
They also offer a small menu, if you get the munchies. Speaking of munchies, the Pacific Northwest offers one of fast foods favorites: Jack in the Box, which we definitely said our hello’s to.
The next morning, before departing for the airport, we decided to stretch our legs before our flight and go for a walk along the waterfront. We picked up donuts from Blue Star, sharing the Orange Olive Oil (Divine! Moist deliciousness) and picking up ½ a dozen each for next morning’s Easter Brunch. We then grabbed coffees, once again from Rose City Coffee Co. and a few breakfast treats. Their bagel sandwiches are fire!
In our few days in Portland, we saw much of what the city, and surrounding area has to offer! The Pacific Northwest is stunning and a foodie paradise! There are still so many restaurants, wineries, breweries and neighborhoods I cannot wait to explore! Until next time, #keepportlandwierd
Our Stay
An adorable 2 bed, 1 bath, row house in the Brooklyn neighborhood. Excellent location: walkable to many local restaurants, bars (The Bear Paw!), coffee shops (Rose City Coffee), and the infamous Jack in the Box; under a 10minute drive to most of Portland’s hot spots.
Check it out! https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/9978138?source_impression_id=p3_1619619057_Hh88VXn3%2FLlFnsUG&guests=1&adults=1
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