things to do in Portland
Below are some of our favorite eat, drink, & do in Portland.
restaurants
1438 NE Alberta Street
Portland, OR 97211
Pet friendly cafe in an artsy walkable area.
8601 SW 24th Ave
Portland, OR 97219
Great breakfasts since 1953, family favorite
3433 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Portland, OR 97214
Our favorite Mexican restaurant. Family owned.
5829 SE Milwaukie Ave
Portland, OR 97202
Upscale, long history, great desserts. Lunch and dinner.
coffee & dessert
821 SE Stark St
Portland, OR 97214
Has been chosen as one of the worlds best coffee shops!
518 NW 21st Ave
Portland, OR 97209
Great atmosphere, wonderful people, good coffee. Jess’ fave.
1438 NE Alberta Street
Portland, OR 97211
Some say these are the best donuts in Portland.
Powells Books is the largest independent book store in the world, and our favorite place to spend a few hours browsing. Powell’s occupies four full stories on a full city block in downtown Portland. With half a million books in store, you’re sure to find your next great read.
The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, or known as “The Schnitz” is a historic theater building and center for performing arts. They are home to the Oregon Symphony, Portland Youth Philharmonic, Metropolitan Youth Symphony, and more. Sheri performed there in his youth and Sheri & Jess went to Pink Martini New Year's Eve Celebration on their first date in 2018. We recommend if you don’t have NYE plans to check out the concert. A great event for all ages.
The Japanese Garden sits nestled in the hills of Portland, Oregon’s iconic Washington Park, overlooking the city and providing a tranquil, urban oasis for locals and travelers alike. Designed in 1963, it encompasses 12.5 acres with eight separate garden styles, and includes an authentic Japanese Tea House, meandering streams, intimate walkways, and a spectacular view of Mt. Hood.
“The most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan.”
At the Lower Macleay Trailhead, you can experience Forest Park. Taking the trail .8 miles into the forest, you’ll connect to the Wildwood Trail at the Witch’s Castle, the abandoned stone house. You can take the Wildwood Trail south, hiking 2.5miles up nearly 450ft to the Pittock Mansion overlook of the city (ambitious). If you’re looking for something more mild, you can take the Wildwood Trail south, creating a loop of your own choice.
The Columbia River Gorge stretches 80 miles through the Cascade Mountain Range and stands as the largest national scenic area in the United States. In the summer it is a destination for hiking, fishing and water sports. Keep an eye on the weather but even in the winter a drive through the gorge can be a real treat.