An Unforgettable Portland Adventure: Exploring the Quirky Charm of the Pacific Northwest

After soaking up the abundant sunshine and vibrant culture of Hawaii, our travel memories shifted to a notoriously less sunny, yet equally captivating, destination: Portland, Oregon. This trip offered a delightful contrast, brimming with unique culinary experiences, eclectic shops, and a distinctive local vibe. We’ve previously shared glimpses from our time at the Portland Home & Garden Show (you can revisit those memories here, and if you joined us for the evening meet-and-greet, a group photo might be waiting for you here – yes, that’s Sherry holding someone else’s baby and me sporting an apron meant for Clara!). Beyond our scheduled events, we carved out precious time to immerse ourselves in the city’s unique atmosphere. For anyone contemplating a visit to this gem of the Pacific Northwest, or simply curious about our escapades, here’s a comprehensive look at our Portland adventure.

Day 1: Arrival, Tacos, and the Sweet Dream of Salt & Straw

Navigating Portland with a Toddler

Our journey to Portland began on a Tuesday, with our arrival around 4 PM PST. Our little one, Clara, was undeniably exhausted. Having woken up two hours earlier than usual and with her East Coast bedtime rapidly approaching, she hadn’t managed a single nap on the plane. In fact, her only “wink of sleep” occurred just as we touched down at Portland International Airport (PDX). Traveling with a toddler and navigating significant time differences presents its own set of challenges, a topic we plan to delve into more deeply later on Young House Life. After ensuring Clara had a much-needed power nap to reset, we were ready to explore Portland’s famed culinary landscape.

A Taste of Portland: ¿Por Que No? Tacos

Our first culinary stop was ¿Por Que No?, a vibrant taqueria highly recommended by our fantastic readers. The atmosphere was lively, and the food was, as the name suggests, “muy delicioso.” While our iPhone photos may not fully capture the culinary magic, the flavors certainly did. Our absolute favorites were the succulent carnitas and the surprisingly delightful shrimp & pineapple tacos. It was the perfect introduction to Portland’s reputation for exceptional, locally-inspired dining.

Indulging in Culinary Art: Salt & Straw Ice Cream

Determined to make the most of our limited time and adjust to West Coast hours, we extended our evening for dessert. Our destination: Salt & Straw. This wasn’t just an ice cream shop; it was an experience, a true paradise for any ice cream aficionado. The challenge, however, lay in selecting from their array of incredibly distinct and innovative flavors. It was a delightful dilemma, a true moment of delicious indecision, as we sampled unique combinations like Pear with Blue Cheese and Arbequina Olive Oil. Ultimately, I settled on their most popular offering: Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbon – a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Sherry chose something equally divine, a rich almond ganache creation, and I couldn’t resist buying one of their incredibly soft, food-themed t-shirts (yes, my collection is expanding beyond soda shirts!).

The Unique Ambiance of Salt & Straw

Beyond the extraordinary flavors, Salt & Straw embodied much of what makes Portland special. The shop itself was a testament to the city’s commitment to eco-conscious living. Everything, from the cups to the spoons, was compostable – a refreshing reminder of Portland’s green initiatives. The interior design was equally captivating, featuring a mesmerizing flock of wire birds soaring across one wall, complemented by exposed beam ceilings, industrial lighting, and stylish stools. Rustic shelves, stocked with charming retro-looking products like artisanal soaps, stationery, and specialized straws, added to the shop’s unique character, truly “speaking our language.” We could have easily spent another hour or two soaking in the ambiance, perhaps even ordering a second scoop after digesting the first. However, we were beginning to push our luck with our youngest ice cream connoisseur, Clara, who gleefully devoured her Double Fold Vanilla and then, with surprising clarity, announced, “buh bye ice cream!” as we departed.

Day 2: Home & Garden Inspiration and Voodoo Doughnut’s Quirky Delights

A Day at the Portland Home & Garden Show

Wednesday, our second full day, was largely dedicated to the Portland Home & Garden Show. Thankfully, my parents had flown out with us to visit family in the area, providing much-appreciated entertainment for Clara while we attended to our professional commitments. Before the main presentations and meet-and-greets began, we had early interviews with a couple of Portland’s morning news shows (you can watch one of those segments here). During a brief respite between media appearances and the show’s opening, we seized the opportunity to visit the single most recommended spot by our readers: Voodoo Doughnut.

The Iconic and Eccentric Voodoo Doughnut

Voodoo Doughnut is more than just a bakery; it’s a cultural phenomenon in Portland. The line, often stretching around the block, speaks to its legendary status. Inside, the atmosphere is as quirky as the doughnuts themselves, with a dark, unconventional aesthetic that perfectly matches the “weird Portland” vibe. We were confronted with an overwhelming array of unusual and creative flavors, making us wish we had a secondary stomach for the day! After much deliberation, we selected a few unique creations: the famous Bacon Maple Bar (yes, a doughnut topped with real bacon), a Neapolitan (a chocolate doughnut with vanilla frosting, strawberry dust, and marshmallows), and an Arnold Palmer (vanilla frosting with lemonade & iced tea dust, inexplicably adorned with a solitary green Froot Loop). While all were delightfully indulgent, the Bacon Maple Bar truly stole the show. The combination of crispy bacon, salty sweetness, and soft doughy goodness was an absolute revelation – a true “awesometown” experience that perfectly encapsulated Portland’s playful eccentricity.

Embracing Portland’s Quirky Side

By this point, our initial impressions of Portland were solidified: it was undeniably green, incredibly yummy, and wonderfully weird. This quirky spirit was evident everywhere, from innovative ice cream flavors to bacon-topped doughnuts. Sherry fully embraced this local charm when she spotted a particularly eccentric sign in the background of one of our photos. She immediately struck a pose, aiming to fit right in with Portland’s unique character. I’d say she looked mighty weird, mission accomplished, Mrs. P! This playful acceptance of the unconventional is a core part of Portland’s appeal, making every corner of the city an interesting discovery.

Day 3: Breakfast Biscuits, Unique Finds, and Architectural Wonders

A Legendary Breakfast: Pine State Biscuits

Our final full day, Thursday, was dedicated to further exploration of the city’s hidden gems. We kicked off the morning at another highly recommended establishment: Pine State Biscuits. If it sounds like our trip revolved heavily around food, that’s because it largely did – and with good reason! Pine State Biscuits lived up to its reputation as a Portland breakfast institution. Sherry ordered their signature sandwich, “The Reggie,” while I opted for “The Chatfield,” a similar creation but featuring sweet apple butter instead of gravy. While our photograph might not do it justice, this was hands down one of the best breakfasts we’ve ever had. The biscuits were flaky perfection, and the combinations of flavors were simply divine. It was comfort food elevated to an art form.

Souvenirs and Local Art: Old School Stationers

While enjoying our breakfast, we discovered a charming aspect of Pine State Biscuits: they displayed and sold local art on their walls. We love when restaurants integrate local artists in this way, offering patrons the chance to take home a piece of the local culture. There was a fantastic selection of letterpress prints mounted on wood boards, each a miniature work of art. After much browsing, we settled on a particular piece that captured our eye. These unique prints are created by a local company called Old School Stationers and sold for a reasonable $25 each. We always appreciate finding such distinctive souvenirs, items that serve as tangible memories of our travels. (Full disclosure: Sherry has a childhood shot glass collection from every place she visited growing up, a rather unconventional hobby for a 10-year-old!). We’re excited to find the perfect spot for our new letterpress print in our home and will be sure to share photos once it’s proudly displayed.

Sustainable Shopping at The ReBuilding Center

With satisfied stomachs and a new piece of Portland art in hand, our next stop was The ReBuilding Center. Imagine our local Habitat for Humanity ReStore, but on an epic scale, complete with witty and “cheekier signage.” This vast warehouse is a testament to Portland’s commitment to sustainability and repurposing. We could have easily spent hours sifting through rows of salvaged lighting fixtures, unique tiles, vintage windows, and reclaimed lumber. However, given the logistical challenges of transporting such items back home, we exercised immense restraint – not to mention, it was quite chilly inside! We did, however, almost snag one of their clever picture frames, ingeniously crafted from scrap wood, showcasing their dedication to creative reuse.

The ReBuilding Center truly highlighted how deeply Portland values reusing materials. A prime example was a striking wall on one of their warehouses, ingeniously constructed from an assortment of random windows, creating a fascinating mosaic of light and history. It was a visual representation of the city’s innovative approach to design and resource management.

Creative Craftsmanship at Queen Bee Creations

After leaving The ReBuilding Center, a block of shops caught our attention. One, in particular, stood out, primarily because Sherry has an uncanny ability to spot anything related to bees! This led us to Queen Bee Creations, a truly unique retail experience. This shop wasn’t just appealing for its beautiful textiles, such as the exquisite patterns shown in Exhibit A and Exhibit B. What made it truly special was its integrated “hive” – the shop opened directly into their studio. This meant we could actually watch their products being made, from stitching to printing, right before our eyes. It was a wonderful reminder that the high-quality items available for purchase were literally handcrafted by talented Portland locals, adding an extra layer of appreciation to each piece.

Exploring Portland’s Neighborhoods and Architectural Charm

One of our most cherished experiences in Portland was simply driving through its diverse neighborhoods. The city boasts a truly eclectic mix of architectural styles, with a particular abundance of charming bungalows and elegant Arts & Crafts style homes, which we absolutely adore. Beyond the classic designs, many residents expressed their creativity through their home exteriors, showcasing a wide palette of fresh and inviting color choices. It was a joy to witness such individuality and care in residential design.

While we visited during a season when the landscape wasn’t at its lushest or most vibrant, the city’s inherent charm still shone through. We’re mostly convinced that the rumors about Portland being perpetually overcast and misty, except for a brief window in August, are quite accurate. Yet, even under the famous “Portland gray” skies, the city’s unique character and architectural beauty remained captivating. We managed to arrange a “House Crashing” visit during our stay, allowing us to admire at least one incredible home from the inside. We’re still sifting through those inspiring pictures, but here’s a sneak peek to whet your appetite. We hope to edit and share the full story by next week!

Discovering Design at Schoolhouse Electric

It was actually our generous House Crashing host, Kirsten, who recommended we visit Schoolhouse Electric. We were familiar with them from a giveaway we hosted years ago, but we hadn’t realized they had expanded their product line beyond retro-inspired lighting and hardware. Their showroom was a treasure trove of design inspiration, showcasing a broader collection of home goods and furnishings.

Sherry was particularly drawn to a large “House 5” sign, its bold design making a statement. We also admired their unique printed lamp shades, which added a touch of bespoke charm to any fixture. And the ingenious library-card-catalogs-turned-bench-seating were a brilliant example of repurposed design. We wished we could have also squeezed in a trip to Rejuvenation, another Portland institution known for its amazing lighting, but Clara was starting to get restless, signaling it was time for some toddler-friendly activities.

Family Fun and Farewell to Portland

Toddler Delights: Carousel and Children’s Museum

Fortunately, the mall near our hotel, though otherwise unassuming, housed a delightful carousel that Clara absolutely adored. She took great pleasure in carefully selecting which horse she wanted to ride, and for the entire duration of the ride, her face was a picture of pure joy and wonder. Her excitement was truly infectious. Portland also boasts a fantastic Children’s Museum, where we spent several engaging hours. It was here we discovered a giant Lite-Brite – a delightful throwback that brought out the child in us all!

True to her toddler nature, and often mistaken for a boy due to her short hair, Clara gravitated towards the trucks. She spent most of her time happily playing in the giant (and surprisingly soft) rubber gravel pit, completely engrossed in her construction adventures. These moments reminded us of the importance of balancing our adult explorations with activities tailored for our little one, ensuring everyone had a memorable and enjoyable trip.

A Warm Family Farewell in Beaverton

Our Portland adventure concluded in nearby Beaverton, where my cousin resides with his wife and two children. My aunt and uncle had also driven from Boise to meet my parents (who were then heading back for a larger family gathering in Idaho before we continued to Hawaii). This created a wonderful opportunity for a family dinner, allowing all of us to unwind and reconnect. We somehow managed to leave without taking any pictures – a testament to how absorbed we were in simply enjoying the rare chance to spend quality time with family we don’t get to see often.

A Quick Trip, Lasting Memories, and Future Plans for Portland

Despite our Portland trip being relatively brief, just two and a half days, we felt like we squeezed an incredible amount of “P-Town” into our visit. In many ways, it felt like the perfect taste, leaving us yearning to return and explore even more. Perhaps during our upcoming book tour in the fall? We certainly hope so! To all our Portlandian readers, could you perhaps schedule a few sunny days for us next time? We’d also love to hear more of your insider tips on what shouldn’t be missed during our next visit to Oregon. Your recommendations are invaluable, not just for us, but for anyone reading this who is looking for more Portland fun and unique experiences.