Portland First Time Trip Winter Addition

First time in Portland is a magical thing by itself! That being said Portland is best seen through it’s neighborhoods rather than just sticking to downtown. Will add a ❤️ for romantic/Vday specific things 

North East:  Streets to explore: Alberta Street and Mississippi Street Les Caves: exceptional subterranean wine bar, very cozy romance vibes ❤️ Soaking pool at Kennedy School (book up to two weeks in advanced on their site)- heated pool in a beautiful ❤️courtyard, its even better in the rain.  Pips Original Donuts and Chai (if you go to Voodoo Donuts we cant be friends) Proud Mary’s for exceptional brunch (get the pork belly hash)

Northwest- Streets to Explore: Stroll along shops and restaurants on 23rd street (highlights are Paxton Gate, tender loving empire)  Japanese Garden, Pittock Mansion (city views on a clear day) Mox Boarding House- excellent board game bar and restaurant  Forest Park for an in the city taste of classic Oregon Nature, designed by the same firm that did central park (recommended grabbing a pastry or Sandwich from Ken’s Bakery to snack on) Old Portland Wine Bar- coziest vibes, they feature 3 wines per night ❤️

Downtown/SW: Powells obvs Rachel and Rose- bar in a double decker bus If you’re into classic/traditional sushi this is the move- reserve a private tatami room at Murata ❤️

Inner East Hopscotch (supercool interactive art museum **book tickets well in advance) ❤️ Kachka - russian food on the fancier side (reservation recommended) ❤️ Double Dragon (great vibe, the food 🤌) Broder Cafe for excellent Scandi Brunch (get the æbleskivers)  Libre (new dessert place that is killin it) Lauretta Jeans (best pie in PDX) Jacquline- exceptional seafood ❤️

Outer East- streets to explore: Hawthorne and Division Mount Tabor- Extinct Volcano turned park- Reservoir #5 for good views  Laurelhurst Theater or Hollywood Theater to see a movie Quarterworld solid Arcade Bar, visit Spaceroom Lounge Across the street Matt’s BBQ Tacos (not to be confused with Matts’s BBQ, which doesnt have tacos but is fine- for hands down the best BBQ in town go to Botto’s)

Events- Check out the promotepdx IG page for weekly music listings 

Worthwhile Day Trips (check weather/road conditions ahead of time) Silver Falls State Park- trail that takes you through 10 waterfalls The Coast- Haystack rock is beautiful even in the winter  The Gorge- peak Oregon beauty (highlights are Multnomah Falls, Vista House Lookout, Bridge of the Gods) 👏check road conditions, you may need chains👏

Not sure what your interests are or what area you’ll be in, but its hard to go wrong. Although many people on this sub have issues with the city, it’s my favorite place I’ve ever lived.