Portland, Oregon: the next big thing
Visiting the West Coast of the United States and looking for something more than the standard LA and San Francisco? Well, I’m here to tell you why you should add Portland to your list. Just a three-hour drive south of Seattle, it’s well worth a visit.
Reason #116 – cute graffiti
Whether cheap dining, pub dining, or fine dining are your thing, you’ll find it all in Portland.
Cheap:
Portland is the city behind the food truck trend that’s sweeping Australia, so you won’t be hard pressed to find some great street grub. From pulled pork or chicken burgers to fish tacos and mac ‘n’ cheese, you can have it all for a few dollars. Yep, it’s delicious AND cheap. Bonus.
Food trucks downtown
Pulled chicken burger with homemade BBQ sauce on a brioche bun
Sizzle Pie
Pub:
Pub food in the States is generally pretty similar to ours, but with more Mexican-inspired options and crazy fried things like fried pickles and baked mac ‘n’ cheese with bacon and lobster bits. Trying everything is part of the experience, right?
Fried pickles
Like beer? There are some fantastic breweries in Oregon, including Burnside Brewing Company in Portland’s Buckman area. All of the pubs stock a great selection of local brews, so be sure to order a paddle to test out a few. There are also a few vineyards around Oregon whose wine you’ll need to try too. I know, it’s hard to squeeze it all in, but believe me it can be done! Your beer belly will act as a reminder of a great trip 😉
Beer paddle
Fine dining:
Portland has plenty of top-notch restaurants, but my favourite is the newly opened Trifecta Tavern & Bakery, where we enjoy a great meal. Trifecta serves a huge range of traditional meals with a modern twist, including shrimp and grits, steamed clams, short ribs, and the infamous ‘Big-Ass Steak’. The bartenders know a thing or two about cocktails too. A big tick from me!
Delicious cocktails!
Live music
Live music across the States is a wonderful thing, particularly in summer when Portland’s bars open their patios to local bands so you can settle in on a balmy night with a beer or wine and some great music. I recommend Rontom’s or Doug Fir Lounge, both located in Buckman.
Mr. LML approves
Shopping
The whole state of Oregon is tax-free. Yep, you read that correctly. So take an empty bag and visit the shops in Portland. In downtown Portland you’ll find boutique stores full of local designers’ goods, as well as the big favourites such as Macy’s, H&M, Zara, Nike, and Sephora.
Portland also has some great thrift stores where you can bag yourself an absolute bargain. You’ll find plenty of bright colours and Native American woven rugs, throws, and other home décor. Having to travel home on a plane is the only restriction to me going crazy and buying everything. Shame.
Out and about in Portland
Waterfalls
By making friends with a bartender we find out about some nearby waterfalls, just a 30-minute drive outside of Portland. The best-known falls, Multnomah Falls, are situated just off the freeway and are always busy with visitors. There’s a parking lot where you can get out and walk up to get some great pictures and even do some climbs to get a better view from the top.
Multnomah Falls
The better falls (in my opinion) are a bit harder to get to. Oneonta Falls and Gorge are a short drive further along the road from Multnomah. To reach them you have to trek about 0.3 miles from the road, first climbing over fallen pine tree logs and then swimming through ice-cold water, but believe me it’s well worth the trip once you make it. These are the falls that you’ve probably got pinned to your ‘Want to visit one day’ Pinterest wall. They’re breathtaking, and due to the obstacle course you’ll only share them with a handful of other visitors. Oneonta Falls are a definite highlight of my trip.
Oneonta Falls
Oregon state
I recommend driving around Oregon if you have a chance. The terrain is unlike any other state I’ve visited in the US, especially its neighbour California. Where California is flat and dry, Oregon is lush and green with beautiful tall pine trees lining the streets.
Not at all like California
On our trip we visit Seaside on the Oregon Coast, but I suggest bypassing the touristy Seaside for Cannon Beach, home to the famous Haystack Rock (again, check your Pinterest boards).
Seaside preparing for the Beach Volleyball Competition
We also drive to Seattle, which is definitely worth a mention. Not only are many of the streets towered by pine trees, but there’s a long bridge that connects Oregon and Washington together that’s pretty fantastic – the Astoria-Megler Bridge. It’s two lanes, stretches for 4.1 miles (6.6km), and provides lots of photo opportunities.
The Astoria-Megler Bridge
4.1 miles of photo opportunities
So next time you’re on the West Coast, take the exit to Portland, OR.
Do you have any tips for Portland? Share them in the comments below.
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