Just three hours south of
Seattle sits one of my favorite cities for a weekend getaway. Portland, the
City of Roses, is a northern Oregon metropolis known for its inhabitants'
outdoorsy lifestyle, and of course, their weirdness. Despite some of the city's
eccentricities, Portland is truly a rose amongst some thorny and quirky towns
in southern Washington and northern Oregon, a gem of culture and art. Portland
is also a great city for foodies thanks to the high frequency of restaurants,
microbreweries, coffeehouses, and plethora of dessert spots (hello, Voodoo
Donuts and Little Chickpea!).
We love to pop down to Portland for a long weekend, or even just a single night stay, enough to feel like we really got away. We've even been known to hit up P Town for a single day's visit. Though the three-hour car trip can be a bit dull (think lots of farmlands and freeway), once you arrive, you won't have to use your car again. Thanks to the walkability of Portland and the proximity of hotspots in the downtown area, we valet parked our car upon check-in and only hoofed it or used a ride share to get around during the entirety of our stay.
On this February weekend, we had the rare pleasure of enjoying weather north of 50 degrees and perfectly cloudless skies, even with moments of blazing sunshine, rarities in the Pacific Northwest at any time of the year, but especially in the dead of winter. Our timing couldn't have been more ideal and the city shined for us in such weather.
Whether you're staying for a day, a night, or a long weekend, you're sure to enjoy your visit to Portland. Should you find yourself in Stumptown, here's a guide to some of our favorite spots to eat, drink, play, and stay.
Weekend in Portland Guide
Where to Eat and Drink
Urban Farmer - Using simple, sustainable ingredients, this is the anchor restaurant for The Nines hotel. Featuring a variety of northwest-inspired dishes, and an expansive wine, beer, and cocktail list checkered with local offerings, Urban Farmer is aptly named - farmhouse chic meets downtown eatery. Decked out in pickled-vegetable-filled mason jars and unfinished wood crates, the restaurant also has sleek light fixtures, modern art, and minimalist metal barstools. We went to Urban Farmer for brunch - twice - and we were equally happy each time. Highlights on the menu include cast-iron skillet fingerling potatoes, squash soup, and a variety of salads for vegans, as well as a Dungeness crab omelet and build-your-own benedict for meat eaters.
Farm Spirit - This special spot deserves a post all of its own. Follow thislink to read about one of the best meals we've ever eaten!
Andina - This Peruvian restaurant is a place we have visited in the past. Thanks to the excellent variety of tapas style dishes and live music on weekend nights, you will have a lovely experience whether you sit in the lively bar or quieter restaurant.
Mother's Bistro - Though we didn't visit on this trip, Mother's is a well-known hotspot for weekend brunch. With a variety of vegan and vegan-friendly options on their menu, as well as classic faves like French toast and bacon and cheese omelets, this is your go-to local diner but with top-notch brunch fare.
Good Coffee - This was our favorite coffee shop in Portland. Located in the luxury boutique hotel, The Woodlark, Good Coffee feels like a high-end European hotel lobby, complete with cushy chairs and plush sofas. Not your average wood-backed Starbucks chairs and bare bones tables, Good Coffee's space is both chic and comfortable - they are inviting you to stay as you sip on your coffee and enjoy the sun that filters through the many windows that mark the space. The tables are stacked with picture-filled coffee table books, including several cookbooks by local chefs, reads that beckon you to linger as you sip your latte. All of GoodCoffee’s espresso drinks are hand-tamped, pulled shots (unlike the automated machines Starbucks and other chains use), and you can truly taste the difference. We highly recommend the Horchata Latte made with oat milk, or the Cardamom Assam Latte made with almond milk. Both were on the menu's "founders’ series" section and were unique but also tasty.
Where to Stay
The Nines - We have now visited The Nines a number of times over the course of the last eight years and each visit has bested the previous stay. Located in the Pioneer District, conveniently across from Nordstrom and Louis Vuitton, and Pearl District adjacent, The Nines is a luxury Bonvoy hotel property. Though it's a larger property (14 wrap-around floors), The Nines feels like a small boutique hotel thanks to the concierge style service guests receive. The modern art, pops of Tiffany blue, and chic white tiled-bathrooms are right up our alley, style-wise, but the service is why we continue to return. On this stay, we were upgraded to a deluxe King room with a city view on the club level which means we had access to the club lounge, complete with snacks and my favorite, complimentary bubbles. Be sure to visit Urban Farmer for a sunny brunch in the hotel's atrium, a light-filled space with a ceiling height of 10 floors, or for a night vibe, visit Departure, the hotel's big draw for locals thanks to its futuristic decor, extensive sushi menu, and club ambiance. Insider tip for hotel guests who are north of 30... you can order food to-go, truly “Departure style”, to skip out on the club scene and enjoy Departure’s amazing food from the comfort of your hotel room (while wearing a plush terrycloth robe, no less!). Highlights on the menu include the miso zuke squash rolls, the cashew and Szechwan pepper broccoli with fried tofu, and the spicy mahogany noodles. See a few pics from the club lounge below.
Hi Lo Hotel - The Hi Lo is an Autograph Bonvoy hotel located in the historic Pioneer Building in downtown Portland. A smaller hotel than The Nines, this one is sleek and chic, with minimalist rooms and a super trendy bar called CRAFT PDX complete with a swinging bench. Because who doesn't want to float a bit while sipping some champs?
Where to Play
Riverfront Trail - Just a few short blocks away from The Nines hotel is a long, flat trail that lines the Willamette River. Runners will enjoy a 2.6-mile loop, and walkers can wander at a more leisurely pace, enjoying river and city views, as well as some great people watching.
The Bar Method Portland - Opened in 2010, The Bar Method Portland is a Pilates meets yoga meets ballet fitness fusion studio. I happened to pop in on the eve of TBM Portland's 10th anniversary weekend, so the studio was offering special pricing and giveaways during the Saturday classes the next day. Owner Tashina Bailey taught a tough class full of push-ups and micro squats, as well as a couple of planks and seat work for good measure. The class was held in a light-filled studio with loft-like double high ceilings and many windows. The studio was clean and the locker rooms well appointed.
BurnCycle - This Pearl District BurnCycle studio is much like the SoulCycle studios I have visited in a number of different cities. When you arrive, you are promptly greeted and fitted for shoes, and then shown around the 2,300 square foot space. During the quick tour, you can hear the unst unst unst of techno music throbbing its way from the closed studio doors. Once you're shoed up and your gear is stowed, you make your way into the dimly lit studio, which goes to full blackout at times during the class. It feels a little like working out in a pitch-black sauna that has somehow turned into a club. The instructor was energizing and encouraging, demanding us to turn it up and keep with the beat. The difference between this studio's style and other spin classes I've taken is the amount of choreography. Be prepared to practice your listening skills during the 45-minute ride!
Pioneer District Shopping - Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Portland, and directly across the street from The Nines hotel, the Pioneer District boasts all the high end shopping in Portland including a fully appointed Nordstrom complete with high end lines like Gucci, YSL, and Chanel, as well as a Louis Vuitton store. You can also find larger chain stores like Zara. If you pop into the Downtown Portland Nordstrom and are in need of cosmetics, be sure to ask for Connee, the department manager. Connee helped me find some fantastic new products for my skin needs when I happened to unexpectedly run out of moisturizer while we were away.
The Pearl District - This is the best shopping and restaurant area in Portland. An anchor in the neighborhood is famed Powell's Books, the world's largest independent bookstore. You can also find a lovely Lululemon store, a large Whole Foods, a great independent grocer with a fab prepared foods case called World Foods, and a number of local boutiques, coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. Plan to spend at least a half-day wandering the Pearl if you're visiting Portland for the first time.
Union Way Shops - This shopping "arcade" connects Portland's West End with the Pearl District and features several local shops and snack spots (including a shaved ice bar!). The main corridor is covered and all the businesses are inside making this a good spot to spend a rainy couple of hours in Portland. Local clothier Bridge & Burn includes functional craft fashion, and Boxer Ramen is a great spot to grab a piping hot bowl of noodles. This shopping arcade is as unique as Portland itself.
