Oh how we love Portland, Oregon.
A friend that I went to university with did med school in the Portland area so I visited her there regularly and that's where my love of the city started. I used to love going to the Saturday market for inspiration and we make sure to make that part of our trip each time we go.
We have visited the city of bridges many times, usually en route to California or the Oregon coast. Other than the often extreme heat that hits it in the middle of the summer, it is a city that speaks to me with is unique neighbourhoods, bridges, parks, the river, sculptures, foodiness, artiness and overall coolness.
This year we spent the afternoon in Portland on our way down to the coast and stopped by Powell's Books and lined up in the heat for a visit to VooDoo doughnuts. We stayed the night out in Woodburn to do some back to school shopping at the company stores out there.
On our way back from the coast, we stayed a night in Portland. Friday was so very hot and we checked into our hotel in the late afternoon heat and stayed in the air conditioning until the temperature came down to under 100 degrees! We walked across the street for dinner and then walked across a bridge, through downtown and another stop at VooDoo, across another bridge and for a beautiful walk along the river.
While we were out for our walk, we realized what a bicycle-friendly city Portland is. As we were walking down a set of stairs to a promenade along the river, we noticed a gutter-like ramp along the stairs and then saw two cyclists pushing their bikes up the "gutter". So clever! There are bike lanes, signs and lights all over the city. I am predicting a bike trip to Portland in our future!
On Saturday morning we visited the Saturday Market and I got all inspired to make things! Adam bought a ring and then we headed over to a Triple D location for lunch. Pine State Biscuits has been on my list for awhile and it was so good! We did have to wait outside in line for about half an hour and if we go again, will avoid the weekends! Once we were in, the service was great and the biscuit sandwiches were delicious. I had fried chicken, bacon, cheese and apple butter on my biscuit.
After lunch we hit the road for home, bidding goodbye to one of our favourite cities, knowing that we will be back soon!
Janice - such lovely photos (as usual!). I've been to the coast many times as a kid but only once to Portland. You've made me add it to my list with this post! Amazing.
Posted by: Christy | 08/25/2012 at 07:03 PM