By: Liz Bernardo
We were on a 10-hour road trip headed to Portland, Oregon this past Thanksgiving 2015! We drove through beautiful scenery and got very excited as we passed by the snow-capped mountains of Mount Shasta as well as the mountains in Ashland, Oregon.
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Our trip to Portland involved checking out as many restaurants, bakeries, and other food shops as we can and immersing ourselves in the unique food culture they have in the city. We were amazed by how cool their restaurant concepts are and how each had their own unique identities in terms of design and decor. Most important of all, the quality of the food itself was pretty phenomenal. Having eaten in so many places, I don't recall being disappointed EVER with something we ordered.
Places that we recommend you visit are PokPok (Thai) , Salt & Straw (artisanal ice cream), Blue Star Donuts, DW Coffee, Pearl Bakery, Lardo, Voodoo Doughnuts, Lechon (South American), Tasty N Sons, Screen Door (Southern/Cajun/Creole), and St. Honore Boulangerie/Patisserie.
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We also visited a few parks here and there, the Museum of Contemporary Crafts, and of course Powell's Bookstore. They have nine color-coded rooms and they have about a million books inside. It was like walking in book heaven!
We also drove outside the city and checked out Vista Crown Scenic Corridor to see an awesome view of the Columbia River Gorge as well as the Multnomah Falls! If you are heading there this time of the year, gear up because you never know when it's going to get windy and freezing.
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We had the best 3-night stay at the Marriott Portland Waterfront too! Our room was very cozy and spacious, not to mention, just recently renovated too. And the best part is, our balcony had an amazing view of Tom McCall Waterfront Park and the Willamette River. The hotel is also conveniently located in downtown, so it's an easy walk or drive to shops and restaurants.
