Portland Promises

Sitting on the Columbia and Willamette rivers, Portland is a city recognised for its art, breweries, coffee, cuisine, greenery and music scene.

Starting with coffee, Less and More’s magical creation is the best way to start off your day in downtown Portland. For local history, Pittock Mansion transports you to 1914. It’s a 23 room museum with furnishings from the past war era. Remember don’t touch but take your three quiet steps and learn about that period.

The breakfast bites should be Blue Start Donuts. There are a variety of flavours: Blueberry Bourbon Basil (say that five times fast), The O.G., Maple Glaze, Apple Cider Fritter, Chocolate Bergamot and more. Next up, the Portland Art Museum is located on 1219 SW Park Ave. The museum showcases permanent collections spotlighting American, Asian, European and Native American art and and special exhibitions with fashion and rock themes and a range of artistic innovation. In addition, there are museum screening and activation experiences.

In the historic Sentinel Hotel, Jake’s is a classic American grill restaurant that works well for lunch. The chef recommends steak frites however there are oysters, crab, calamari, soups, entree salads, sandwiches, pastas and of course an array of meats from the grill. To walk off that lovely meal, the nature goals include the Forest Park, International Rose Test Garden,, Portland Japanese Garden and Washington Park.

Although cold, Salt & Straw is amazing! I would imagine loads of curiosity and experimentation went into the ice cream selected such as Chocolate Malted Potato Chip Cupcake, Coffee and Stone Fruit Marmalade, Salted Grapefruit Coconut Julep, Banana Parsnip Sherbet, Cinnamon Snickerdoodle, Honey Lavender and the list goes on. Then Away Days Brewing Co, Little Beast Brewing and TPK Brewing Co are cool places to sample flights. Cheers!

Downtown dinner at Q Restaurant is a great option. The family-owned restaurant makes you feel welcome. From draft beers, cider and cocktails to vegetarian, pescatarian and meat favorites, there are delicious dishes to enjoy. And your fun fact of the day, there’s no sales tax. Imagine that. That alone may even persuade you to visit Oregon.