PORTLANDIA: My trip to Portland, Oregon!

There's nothing like the gift of travel that allows you to educate yourself, open your mind, and rejuvenate the spirit. Especially if it's with your mom! I had the good fortune last week of celebrating my mother's birthday with her in the beautiful city of Portland, Oregon! (AKA PORTLANDIA). It has been some time since I had visited the Pacific Northwest but going back with my mom made it much more special! We journeyed our way around the city, trying to fit in with the locals (minus the tattoos). This city feels like you traveled back to 1995 and it's perfect for those seeking a place that's just a little bit different. After all, there is a reason they want to "Keep Portland Weird!". If you're visiting Portland anytime soon, you will want to read this!

Wondering Around: What to do in Portland?

Portland, Oregon is known for it's food trucks, breweries, and has an amazing bike friendly atmosphere. I took a day and did all 3 and it was amazing! My personal favorite recommendations are listed below:

Where to Stay: THE ACE HOTEL ($200 a night) -Located in a very trendy area of Portland known as The Pearl District, the Ace Hotel is smack dab in the middle of all the sights and the best part? You can rent bikes there for free! Completely hipster and has the delicious restaurant, Clyde Common, attached to it.

Breweries to check out: The 10 Barrel Brewing Company (located in the Pearl District, it's got an extensive menu and they are known for their sours!)

Cascade Brewing Barrel Company- has one of the best beer lists I've ever seen and has an awesome ambience! Delicious!

Places to see: Powell's Book Store: Who says reading is outdated? The world's largest independent bookstore in America, you can honestly spend multiple hours inside. And trust me, we did!

Take a bike ride around the city and down by the river around the Waterfront Loop!- This bike ride is so beautiful and goes for about 11 miles. I rode it with my mom and it was amazing (although fairly hot) that day.

The Keep Portland Weird Sign: if you're a fan of the hit TV show, Portlandia, you will notice in their opening credits they feature this awesome sign. Nearby the famous Voodoo Donut, this sign is located on 3rd Street, between Burnside and Ankeny. I had to stop by while I was biking around!

The White Stag Sign: also known as the "Portland, Oregon Sign"is a neon-lit sign that sits on top of the White Stag building. The sign is near the waterfront, facing the Burnside Bridge as you enter downtown Portland. One of the biggest staples in the city.

WonderFact: The area surrounding the sign is a homeless haven and is not the safest so if you intend on taking photos next to it, I recommend only going during the day to be on the safe side.

Where to Eat: Food Trucks- this is a MUST in Portland! There are so many amazing food truck areas (3 areas that cover a city block). My personal favorite item was from the Food Truck known as Whole Bowl. It was a bowl of beans, rice, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and their special sauce! So delicious!

Tasty and Alder's - if you're looking for a yummy breakfast spot, look no further than Tasty n' Alders, located in the Pearl District. It has some tasty treats and we left in a food coma! LOL. My mom and I feasted on Banana Nut Bread, Burrata and Berries, and my personal favorite, The Radicchio Salad with bacon lardens, manchego, and their famous 6 minute egg!

Bistro Agnes - if you love French-infused cuisine like I do, than you would love Bistro Agnes. Dine on Coq Au Vin, Beef Short Rib Bourguignon, and those yummy mussels that pair well with some lovely champagne.

WonderFact: Bistro Agnes is literally across the street from Tasty n' Alders! You don't have to go far in the city to sample the best food the city has to offer!

PORTLANDIA: My trip to Portland, Oregon!

Wondering Around: What to do in Portland?

THE GET UP MAMA

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