i’ve got travel on my mind again – probably since i’m planning a trip to portland – it’s been on my list of “places to visit before i die” for awhile now so i’m excited to check it out!! i’m a planner when it comes to traveling – i like to get an idea of the places i’d want to see (hello, cool boutique shopping!!). but beyond that, i try to stay open to the unknown…just wandering around and coming across places on my own or by talking to locals. those, more often than not, end up being my favorite moments when traveling! and trust me when i say that traveling is one of the only times i can actually STAY in the moment! (how do i bring that feeling back as a souvenir??)
even when it’s a trip for business (the trip to portland is for a conference), i find that enjoying the moment, not having every second planned out like clark griswald (remember his clipboard schedule??), makes it much more fun, less stressful and usually gives me a story to share! or ends with finding the BEST “insert cafe/park/view here”!
has anyone been to portland? any recommendations for places i need to see or visit?
[images above from top left: ole:); unknown source; 3lambsillustration; *nargiz]
I’ll be traveling to Portland at the end of May with my husband. We’re looking forward to the Columbia River Gorge, and Mt Hood National Forest. As well as the local breweries. Four nights in Portland and three nights in Cannon Beach. We are SO looking forward to it. I’ll keep an eye out for your posts … Safe travels!
i need a trip asap. i’m headed to the beach at the end of May!!
Of course a little planning always comes in handy to avoid wasting precious time trying to figure things out, definitely not exactly a strict itinerary
What’s the fun in that! Have fun in Portland! It’s one of those cities I’ve always imagined relocating to someday…for real!
Love the pics (as if this is something new–you always find the most amazing images)! Have fun in Portland. The only thing I can think of is POWELL’S! BOOKS!!
You will ADORE Portland! Gah! It’s one of my most favorite cities. I’ve written so many posts about it, but here’s my favorite. Susan just captured the city so well. http://dancingbranflakes.blogspot.com/2012/01/portland-i-want-to-go-where-cool-people.html
I went to Portland a few years ago and I was blown away with that part of the country! It was my first time in the Northwest + I fell in love – I’ve been dying to go back ever since. Downtown Portland is so cute – and of course you have to visit Powell’s bookstore!
I love wandering around. We normally go on holidays to cities, so I normally plan one thing to do each day (gallery/ event etc) and then just take it as it comes. I love wandering around different neighbourhoods!
I would love to go to Portland!
I totally know the feeling. That’s probably the thing I crave the most, my mind is always wandering, dreaming about all these places that are yet to be visited, adventures to be lived… but I guess we all have to be patient
Lovely collection of images, by the way!
hi piper, i feel like it’s been too long since i stopped by your sweet little space. i’m not a traveler but i do get wanderlust. and i’m with you about the visit to portland. i’ve never toured the city but would absolutely love to someday. do return and share the great places + finds. have a wonderful trip!
allyn
hi piper!
i don’t know if you’ve been to portland yet, but if not, i’ve got a few suggestions for you!
you must visit betsy & iya… beautiful jewelry, lovely little shop and super sweet people. then for food… i loved the bakery near betsy & iya: st. honore bakery. best. croissants. ever. ooo… and if they have the grapefruit tart (or any tart), that was divine as well. both of those places are in the northwest district.
also, i highly recommend tasty n sons for brunch, whiskey soda lounge for the awesomest limeade and interesting thai tapas (ike’s vietnamese fish sauce wings are yummy!), the frying scotsman for fish ‘n’ chips (food cart), nong’s khao man gai (also a food cart), and silver dollar pizza co (don’t pay attention to reviews… the pizza is awesome! we had the six shooter, i.e. combination). oh, and i loved the taoist delight noodles at the teahouse inside the lan su chinese garden. the garden itself is a sight to see.
i hope this helps (rather than overwhelms) you! there was so much more i wanted to see/eat, but so little time. however, these are my must-visit-again places if i’m ever in portland again.
PS: ah! i almost forgot! salt & straw is a must for awesome small-batch ice cream!
Please tell me you’re going to Portland for WDS?!? We NEED to hang out again!
yes, yes!!!! so excited we’ll get to hang out again – so much to catch up on