Trippin’ | Portland!

I didn’t get it. I had no idea how a city so close to Vancouver, BC (and even closer to Vancouver, Wa) could possibly feel so different. But that was before I spent quality time in Portland.

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That city feels like another world because it’s all about the made-in-Portland, designed-in-Portland, brewed-in-Portland, recorded-in-Portland.

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And, in some cases, the grown-in-Portland.

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Have you been lately? If you haven’t, make Portland your next road trip destination (you can thank me later).

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When you’re there you’ll want to start with breakfast at the Farmer’s Market. It’s a beautiful thing. Especially when it consists of a sandwich from Bingo Sandwich, cold-brewed coffee from Cafe Velo and freshly picked raspberries from one of the gazillion vendors who offer them. (My jacket, in case it isn’t obvious from the shoulders, is a vintage piece that’s so light, it’s perfect for cool summer mornings.)

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Then hit the road on foot and explore. You could walk forever in that city.

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And you could get lost in its one-of-a-kind shops like Jackpot Records, Lulu Vintage or Powell’s Books (I’m not exaggerating about getting lost in Powell’s Books, it’s got so many stairwells going so many different directions I felt like I was trapped in an M.C. Escher drawing).

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Doddle around the Portland Design Collective, which is half vintage shop, half local design museum, and all beautiful open airy space with friendly, chatty staff.

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Then pick up locally made accessories for you and your home at Tender Loving Empire, which is also a record label.

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Then hem and haw over which handcrafted piece to add to your collection at the Portland Saturday Market (which, you’ll be happy to know, is open on Sunday too). While you’re there, get all hopped up on sugar and caffeine with a Cloud Cap Coffee Works Mexican mocha, made with homemade vanilla syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, chocolate and whipped cream. (My crochet jacket and suede shorts are also vintage. Actually, so is my bag. Yeesh. I’m so predictable.)

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Then spend your evening in the beer garden of a microbrewery (this one is Amnesia Brewing on Mississippi Avenue in North Portland).

And at that point you’ll probably find yourself planning your next trip to the City of Roses. See you next summer, PDX!

P.S. I joined the cult of Portland and then I wrote an article for the Province.

P.P.S. You’ll find a few of my where-to-stay, what-to-eat picks for Portland on Vitamin Daily.

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11 Comments

  • Reply heather August 8, 2011 at 3:08 pm

    beer and rhubarb cocktail? amazing and so excited it’s at my favourite watering hole in pdx. thanks for the tip on the portland design collective and amnesia brewing. these two, along with a fabulous list design*sponge’s grace bonney e-mailed me, will make for some sweet new spots to visit in my new favourite city. cheers!

  • Reply MizzJ August 8, 2011 at 6:42 pm

    I’ve been hearing a lot of cool things about Portland! I could definitely get on board with this cool, indie vibe.

  • Reply Kastles August 8, 2011 at 10:27 pm

    Looks so fun! Very jealous! We are planning to go sometime! Love those shorts and top. You look great as usual!
    <3 Kastles

  • Reply camille August 9, 2011 at 4:04 am

    It’s funny, I always got the impression Portland was a lot like Vancouver – but I’ve only actually BEEN there once, for a day, checking out a college. The rest of my information is hearsay… but I still feel like I could fall totally in love with the place, and you’re confirming it!

  • Reply Jessica August 9, 2011 at 8:10 am

    Next time you head to Portland you should check out Pastaworks (http://pastaworks.com), particularly their original location on Hawthorne. Owned by old family friends I grew up exploring this store every summer when we visited, they are considered one of the pioneers in the slow food movement! I haven’t been to Portland in a few years and I’m aching to go back!

  • Reply Michelle August 9, 2011 at 10:37 am

    I always hear great things about Portland. I’ve never spent enough time exploring the city and your recommendations sound great!

  • Reply Leonie August 10, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    Nice post! Can’t wait to visit Portland!

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  • Reply Liv August 11, 2011 at 9:23 am

    gah i need to go – still never been. The food, the drinks and the shopping make it a triple travel threat.

  • Reply Victoria August 11, 2011 at 12:55 pm

    We are moving back to Portland later this year and I am soooooooo thrilled! I love that city and having spent 2 years there, 5 years ago, I’m counting the days. I’m sure it’s gonna be even better than it was then. Thanks for some new tips on places to go, see, eat and drink! Can’t wait.

  • Reply Style | Amira Earrings | The Anthology August 11, 2011 at 5:40 pm

    […] cut to they look like feathers from afar. I picked ‘em up at Tender Loving Empire in my new favourite city and I highly recommend you go and do the same. But if you’d rather shop from the comfort of […]

  • Reply Bionica August 15, 2011 at 11:20 pm

    I haven’t gone to Portland, but after seeing these pics
    it’s a must visit place =)

    -Bionica

  • Leave a Reply to MizzJ