Has anyone else been bitten by the travel bug now that cities and businesses worldwide are opening for visitors again? I know I have.
So I re-entered the world of travel with a jaunt to Portland, Oregon. Like countless cities across the globe, Portland and its local businesses were hit hard during 2020. Fortunately, it's safe to say that the city has emerged from the pandemic even stronger than it was before. Local businesses are experiencing huge comebacks after months of being shut down and the city is back to its vibrant, effervescent self!
Stay
The Kimpton Hotel Vintage is centrally located in downtown Portland, offering unique and upscale amenities that range from a private wine cellar to a luxury game lounge with shuffleboard, a pool table and more. Their lobby is nothing short of an ethereal experience, boasting a grand staircase that leads to the game lounge, an opulent bar area and Instagram-worthy modern decor.
The accommodations have been curated to provide each guest with their own little cocoon of comfort while offering street-inspired artwork, bold decor statements and luxe finishes. The Sky Loft Room is especially unique, affording its guests with 45-degree sky view solarium windows.
Eat
It's no secret that Portland is a gastronomic mecca. From the Cointreau Crème Brûlée donut at Blue Star Donuts to the impeccably seasoned za'atar fries from Tusk, there is simply so much to experience. Although COVID has forced many restaurants to reimagine their dining concepts, many of the city's highly revered eateries offer either takeout, delivery, patio or dine-in service.
Aside from trying the iconic Blue Star Donuts and Tusk, visit HunnyMilk for an unforgettable brunch experience, Pink Rabbit for some of the best cocktails in the Pacific Northwest, Alder Street Food Pods for a taste of a little bit of everything that Portland has to offer and Salt & Straw for the unbelievably creamy Arbequina Olive Oil ice cream.
Do
There is no shortage of things to experience in Portland. The City of Roses is recognized for its diverse arts and cultural scene, as well as its proximity to the great outdoors. It is home to a sprawling urban forest, dozens of verdant public parks, gorgeous gardens and a sparkling river that runs through the middle of the city. One such park, located northeast of the city center, is Washington Park, a luscious 458 acres of urban parkland that includes the exotic Portland Japanese Garden. The 5.5-acre territory includes eight unique garden spaces that demonstrate the extraordinary aspects of Japanese garden history and design.
Another signature outdoor experience is hiking. The Pittock Mansion Hike has been described as "Portland at its best," featuring trails through moss-covered trees, a storybook stroll by multiple miniature waterfalls and a finish at the historic Pittock Mansion for unparalleled views of the city and the option to tour the significant dwelling.
A few other Portland must-dos include picking up a new read from the iconic Powell's City of Books, people watching at Pioneer Courthouse Square, shopping in the chic Pearl District, meeting local makers at the Portland Saturday Market (open every Saturday March-December), sipping on an organic brew from Hopworks and strolling through the Portland Art Museum.
For more information about planning your trip to Portland, visit TravelPortland.com.
