Bucket List: Portland
Portland, Oregon had been on my bucket list for a while, so I didn’t hesitate when my bestie Teri asked me to join her on a trip in 2018. Travelling with your bestie as an adult, is like having the ultimate slumber party! We packed our coziest fleece dragon and zebra onesies, hopped on a plane and headed West (oh how I miss the ability to do that)!
Teri booked the most awesome airbnb in the North Tabor area, and this was the highlight of the trip! What better way to get to know a place, than by living in it? I loved starting the day with a strong french press, and sitting in the dining nook surrounded by bay windows overlooking the street. We may have also spent an evening or two flipping through some vintage Sears catalogs, and cracking up over the fashion, model poses and items for sale.
Why Portland?
This was a question many people asked, when I mentioned that it was a bucket list destination for me. Portland is a city brimming with more hip coffee shops than is possible to visit in one trip (ex. Case Study Coffee below). Portland is also home to one of my favourite bands - The Decemberists. But the main thing that drew me to the Pacific North West, was the stunning natural landscape. Between the Portland Japanese Gardens and a day trip to Cannon Beach, my soul was filled with the beauty and awe of nature! There is moss growing on everything. With both of us being born and raised on the prairies, we appreciated the vast differences (as well as the warmer January weather)!
Typical Culture Detective Research: A list of must see places (by area) and BINGO.
Case Study Coffee at 1422 NE Alberta St
Solo Day Explorations
Teri had some photography fun-times plans of her own, so I had the chance to explore the city solo. I went for a tea flight tasting the Smith Tea headquarters. I spent the better part of an hour meditatively sipping from soup bowl sized mugs, reading about the tea, chatting with the resident expert, and overhearing other customers convos about the latest movies. Next stop was the Schoolhouse Electric building. I am obsessed with their industrial aesthetic, and at the time, I enjoyed a cup of coffee at the Ristretto Roasters shop inside. I’m sad to see that they closed in December 2020. It looks like the space has since been inhabited by Prince Coffee - they have narwals in their branding and they serve Stroopwafels, so they are awesome in my books. See below for The Culture Detective in her happy place!
I truly lucked out with the timing of the trip. The Portland Art Museum was featuring the exhibit “Animating Life: The Art, Science, and Wonder of LAIKA”. Laika created one of my favourite movies, Coraline! I was ecstatic to get a glimpse behind the scenes, see the puppets, the art, and the craft of their films.
I spent the rest of my solo day exploring the downtown, shopping, grabbing sushi, and ending up at the legendary Powell’s Books.
Catching Up Over Dinner
One thing I love doing is to visit with friends when I’m in their city! I had the chance to go for an amazing dinner with my friend Ola. We originally met at the AIGA Design Camp held in the woods of Minnesota, many, many years ago and along with a few other Minnesotans, we’ve been friends ever since. We had an amazing meal at The Bollywood Theatre in the Alberta Arts District. It was one of the best meals of the trip, and it was so great to have time to catch up! Ola is extremely talented, and she designs beautiful patterns with Hygge & West.
Portland Japanese Garden
Teri and I visited the Portland Japanese Garden together. Located within Washington Park, it is a peaceful and lush place to mindfully walk. We took in an excellent view of the city from Pittock Mansion afterwards.
After working up an appetite on the steep inclines, we went for ice cream at Salt & Straw! Any trip with me will involve ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, etc at some point, if not everyday. Salt & Straw delivered the delicious goods.
Cannon Beach
Early in the trip, Teri and I took a day trip to Cannon Beach. We were both in awe as we drove along the winding road, through the soaring and lush trees. Upon arrival, we grabbed coffee and cinnamon buns, and had a sandy picnic on a driftwood branch. We walked along the beach, snapped a million pictures, and saw the biggest jellyfish. The natural landscapes of the area are phenomenal.
Making New Friends
Teri’s friend Beth brought us to the the best Taco and Cocktails place. She was so welcoming to her city, and I enjoyed learning about the city through her lens (no pun intended, she is also a photographer).
Honourable Mentions
Over our time in Portland, Teri had some creative photoshoot plans, which involved the most rad 80’s themed house! We grabbed brunch at Olympia Provisions, shopped at a gem of a vintage store and Wildfang, and ate pie. Then, very early in the morning, we stopped at NEVER coffee and made our way to the airport to head home. Thank-you Teri for making this trip happen for me, being a fun and go-with-the-flow travel buddy, and inspiring everyone to live their best life!
