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Portland is a dynamic city, with fabulous boutique hotels, hip coffee shops, and a thriving urban scene. Yet it wasn’t until last weekend that I discovered just how great the shopping is!
Portland delivers a new type of shopping experience in distinctive neighborhoods buzzing with activity. These neighborhoods exude warmth and character, with friendly boutique owners, vintage furniture stores, microbreweries, yoga studios, and authentic restaurants. If you’re seeking an alternative to the typical shopping experience in malls, and want to discover the true heart and soul of Portland, then head to one of the “Top 4” best shopping destinations in Portland described below.
#1: NW 23rd Street on Nob Hill: Start at NW 23rd and NW Thurman
Nob Hill is one of my favorite destinations, due to the wide selection of shops along 23rd Street, nestled amongst a charming neighborhood with grand Victorian homes. Nob Hill is located on the west side of Portland, within a stone’s throw from the Pearl District and Downtown. Set aside an afternoon to explore 23rd Avenue. Some of my favorite shops include Sloan Boutique, Idom, Galore Department Store, Free People, Souchi, Brooklyn Industries and Prana. If you’re looking for the perfect gift or home accessory, stop by Manor Fine Wares. Some of the best picks for brunch include Besaws or Papa Haydn on 23rd, or friendly Melt on 21st with yummy cupcakes and waffles.
#2: North Mississippi Ave: Start at Mississippi & Fremont
Historic North Mississippi Avenue is located on the East Side of Portland, across the NW Fremont Bridge. This trendy shopping district is located on an attractive street, with shopping gems such as Pin Me Apparel, Jet, Zahara Boutique, and Manifesto Shoes. When you’re all shopped out, stop for a sweet treat at cute Ruby Jewel Scoops, or indulge yourself at the decadent Meadow Chocolate and Wine. North Mississippi is also a wonderful destination for dinner, including the atmospheric “Interurban Publican’s Table”, and Por Que No Mexican restaurant.
#3: SE Hawthorne Blvd: Start at Hawthorne & 38th
SE Hawthorne Blvd has a grittier, more urban feel than Nob Hill or North Mississippi Avenue, and includes iconic landmarks such as Powell’s Books on Hawthorne, and the Bagdad Theater. On a Saturday morning this busy street is bustling with people, enjoying the company of friends at pubs or cafes, or hoping to snap up a bargain at a vintage clothing shop. The Crossroads Trading Company (gently using clothing) is one of those rare finds, where it’s possible to find top name brands at a fraction of the original price, in great condition. Some other great retail options along Hawthorne Blvd include Sloan Boutique, Imelda’s or Mink
#4: NE Alberta: Between 15th and 28th
NE Alberta is perhaps the quietest of the four Portland shopping districts, also located on the East Side of Portland, within short driving distance of Mississippi Avenue. The shopping is more spread out, but there are some lovely shops including Garnish, Tumbleweed, Suite 6 Boutique, and Billy Goat Vintage. The exquisite range of hip clothing at Abrahams & Duffy also deserves a special mention. For refreshments, stop by the Random Order Coffee House & Bakery, with scrumptious handmade pies, muffins and pastries.
Plan a shopping weekend in Portland
Combine a shopping weekend in Portland with a stay at a boutique hotel; including the luxiourious Nines or De Luxe, or the trendy Ace Hotel for hipsters.
Take a 9 day roadtrip down Central Oregon. Visit volcanic areas, historic lodges, a Shakespearean town, caves, alpine lakes, craters, waterfalls, and wine regions.
Only recommended during Summer and early Fall (June to September). During the rest of the year some of this area is inaccessible
Day 1: Portland to Hood River [62 miles]
Day 1 of your road trip is along the magnificent Columbia River Highway. The most spectacular section is the 19-miles of historic highway between Troutdale and Dodson, starting just 20-minutes east of Portland at Troutdale. See breathtaking waterfalls and gorges, including the famous Multnomah Falls. Spend the first night at Hood River.
Day 2: Hood River to Timberline Lodge at Mt Hood [79 miles]
On Day 2, take the Hood River Winery Loop near Hood River, then travel to Lost Lake in the Mt Hood National Forest. Have a picnic on the shores of the lake, or rent a kayak or row boat from the Lost Lake Resort. It’s then another 1.5 hour drive down to historic Timberline Lodge at Mt Hood, a National Historic Landmark. Stay the night at Timberline Lodge (always book ahead).
Day 3: Timberline Lodge to Bend [111 miles]
On Day 3, continue 2.5 hours south to the lovely township of Bend in Oregon’s high desert. Enjoy upscale shops and restaurants in Bend. Visit spectacular Tumalo Falls just outside of Bend.
Day 4: Bend
On Day 4, explore the Cascades Lakes Scenic Byway loop just outside of Bend on Highway 97. Your loop starts at Mt Bachelor, and then winds its way around a series of stunning lakes. Have lunch on the patio at Elk Lake Resort, and then return to Bend for the evening. Please note much of this area is inaccessible during winter and early spring months.
Day 5: Bend
Explore the Newberry Volcanic Monument south of Bend along Highway 97. The Monument is home to the Newberry Volcano, an active volcano that last erupted 1,300 years ago. There are two key clusters of attractions at this monument along the highway. First, travel 20-minutes south of Bend to the Lava Lands Visitor Center, Lava Butte and Lava River Cave. Second, travel 1-hour south of Bend to the Newberry Crater including the Big Obsidian Flow, Paulina Lake and Paulina Falls. Much of this area is inaccessible during winter and early spring months.
Return to Bend for the evening.
Day 6: Bend to Crater Lake [145 miles]
Drive 3-hours from Bend to magnificent Crater Lake (this northern approach is closed during winter and spring). Crater Lake rests inside a caldera formed after the collapse of Mount Mazema 7,700 years ago. Take a trolley tour around the 33-mile road encircling the lake during summer, or book a boat tour. Visit the historic Crater Lake Lodge at Rim Village (open late May thru mid October), and stop by the Steel Visitor Center Park Headquarters. Stay at Crater Lake Lodge, or the cabins or campground at Mazama (always book ahead).
Day 7: Crater Lake to Ashland [97 miles]
Drive 2 hours from Crater Lake to the renowned cultural center of Ashland. Visit Lithia Park at Ashland, then dine at a creekside restaurant and enjoy the balmy weather during summer and early fall. Attend the Shakespeare Festival (mid-February to October), or visit the Oregon Cabaret Theater (February to December).
Day 8: Ashland - Jacksonville – Oregon Cave [97 miles]
On Day 8, drive 20-miles from Ashland to the 1850’s gold town of Jacksonville. Take the trolley tour, and explore old-world saloons. Head back on i5 then 199 to Cave Junction, then take the exit to the Oregon Cave. The Oregon Cave is located deep in the Siskyou Mountains (closed November to late March). Take a 1.5 hour cave tour, one of the best things to do in Oregon, then stay the night at the historic Chateau. If the Chateau is booked out, consider staying at Cave Junction.
Day 9: Oregon Cave to Brookings [87 miles]
On Day 9, travel 2.5 hours inland from the Oregon Cave to Brookings on the Oregon Coast.
If you wish to return to Portland by driving up the Oregon Coast, use the final itinerary in reverse: Oregon Coast – 9 days.
The Olympic National Park is a great destination in both summer and winter, with 60-miles of wild pacific beaches, 266 glaciers, spectacular mountains, alpine lakes, meadows, and old growth rainforest. Highway 101 is the main route around the park.
DAY 1: Port Angeles
On Day 1, travel to Port Angeles, the gateway to the Olympic National Park. Explore nearby attractions including Hurricane Ridge (17 miles south) and the Dungeness Spit (17 miles east), and spend your first night in Port Angeles.
DAY 2: Port Angeles to La Push [79 miles]
On Day 2, travel 30 minutes west of Port Angeles along Highway 101 to stunning Lake Crescent, and enjoy a coffee in the historic Lake Crescent Lodge (closed winter). Continue 15 minutes west along Highway 101, then take the exit to Sol Duc Hot Springs. After arriving at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, take a dip in the hot springs (closed winter), and then a short hike to stunning Sol Duc Falls. Your final destination is the coastal village of La Push on the Pacific Ocean, where you can stay at the Ocean Side Resort. Total drive time to La Push is over 1-hour from the Sol Duc Hot Springs. Take a 20-minute hike through coastal forest to breathtaking Second Beach just outside La Push.
DAY 3: La Push to Kalaloch Beach [51 miles] or to Lake Quinalt [82 miles]
On Day 3, drive an hour east from La Push to the magnificent Hoh Rainforest, and take the trail around the famous “Hall of Moses”. Drive 1-hour SW back to the Pacific Ocean to spectacular Ruby Beach and Kalaloch Beach. You can spend a 4th night at the modest Kalaloch Lodge, or travel another 40 minutes east to historic Lake Quinault Lodge at Lake Quinault.
DAY 4: Return
Mount Rainier offers incredible scenery, including glaciated slopes, old-growth forests and enchanting sub-alpine meadows. This 3-day loop takes you to the two most popular destinations; Paradise and Sunrise. Sunrise is only accessible during summer and early fall.
Day 1: Paradise
On Day 1, travel through the historic village of Longmire to Paradise, located on Mount Rainier’s southern slope. Enjoys viewpoints and waterfalls on the drive up to Paradise. Your first night will be spent at the historic Paradise Inn, considered one of the great lodges in the National Park system (closed in winter).
Day 2: Paradise to Crystal Mountain [47 miles]
On Day 2, explore the easy, paved trails directly outside the Paradise Visitor Center. You will then drive 2-hours to the north-eastern section of the park for overnight accommodation at Crystal Mountain. Ride the new Mt Rainier Gondola at Crystal Mountain for spectacular views of Rainier and the Cascades, and have lunch or dinner at the Summit Restaurant.
Day 3: Crystal Mountain to Sunrise [27 miles]
On Day 3 you will explore the second most popular destination at Mount Rainier, Sunrise. Sunrise is an easy 1-hour drive from Crystal Mountain (only accessible from July to September).
**The road from the Longmire to Paradise is open most of the year, however the road between Paradise and Crystal Mountain is closed during winter, and the road up to Sunrise is usually only accessible from July to September. ALWAYS check road status before leaving**.
[Click on any photo to start slideshow]
Bainbridge Gardens have been hosting the Pumpkin Walk for the last 17 years, and this year’s event was held on October 15 and 16.
An air of excitement greets you as the pass through the entrance of the gardens at sunset. The gardens take on the appearance of a fairy village, and children come dressed in their favorite Halloween costumes.
The actual Pumpkin Walk is a short trail at the back of the gardens, adorned with over 300 carved pumpkins provided by children. The crowd snakes along the trail at nightfall, stopping at regular intervals to admire the illuminated pumpkins.
Although the Pumpkin Walk is the main attraction, there are plenty of other activities for kids. These include the Harvest Hay Maze, and Inflatable Bounce House. Kids can also have their photo taken with the “Great Pumpkin” (a jolly guy in a costume).
This is a fun night out. Make sure you put it on your calendar for October 2012.
Happy Travels!
Fiona
Up until recently it was very difficult to reach Cape Flattery, but a new path and boardwalk now provide easy access. Below is a 2-day driving tour of this area.
Day 1: Port Angeles
On Day 1, travel to the city of Port Angeles in the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. Explore a number of great attractions around Port Angeles including Dungeness Spit, Olympic Game Farm, Lake Crescent, and Hurricane Ridge. Spend your first night at Port Angeles.
Day 2: Port Angeles to Cape Flattery [78 miles]
On Day 2, travel 78-miles west from Port Angeles to Cape Flattery along spectacular Highway 112 on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, passing through Clallam Bay and Neah Bay. Cape Flattery is the most NW point of the Continental US, and has incredible views along a dramatic headland. If time permits, visit Lake Ozette on your way back (46-mile roundtrip off Highway 112 just before Clallam Bay). The lake is ideal for swimming, boating or camping during summer. There is also a lovely coastal hike from the lake to wild Pacific Beaches (please ensure you have enough gas before driving out to Lake Ozette).
Relax in the lovely Victorian seaport of Port Townsend, and explore gifts shops, book stores and cafes along the historic main street. Visit the world's largest sand spit, and enjoy breathtaking views from an an old military fortress.
Day 1: Seattle to Port Townsend [58 miles]
On Day 1, take the 25-minute ferry crossing from Seattle’s downtown to Bainbridge Island. Explore upscale restaurants and shops at Winslow on Bainbridge Island, and spend a few hours in the magnificent Bloedel Reserve.
Drive 20-minutes northwest to the lovely Scandinavian town of Poulsbo. Stroll along Front Street, and then visit the excellent Naval Undersea Museum in nearby Keyport.
Drive another 25 minutes north to the new-england style village of Port Gamble, then another 45 minutes up the Olympic Peninsula to the Victorian seaport town of Port Townsend. Choose from a wide range of B&B’s and Inn’s at Port Townsend.
Day 2: Port Townsend to Dungeness Spit [38 miles]
On Day 2, don't forget to visit fascinating Fort Worden, just 1-mile north of Port Townsend. Then drive 50 minutes west to the spectacular 5.5 mile Dungeness Spit, and hike out along the spit to the lighthouse. Drive 5 minutes south of the spit to the Olympic Game Farm for a 45 minute tour, and then return to Seattle.
This 9-day driving guide along the Oregon Coast provides highlights of one of the world’s most spectacular coastlines
Day 1: Astoria
On Day 1, drive to the lovely seaport town of Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia River. Visit key attractions at Astoria including the Astoria Maritime Museum, Flavel House, and Oregon Film Museum.
Day 2: Astoria to Cannon Beach [33 miles]
On Day 2, visit historic Fort Stevens State Park north-west of Astoria, and then drive 40-minutes south along Highway 101 to spend the rest of the day at Cannon Beach. Visit Ecola State Park for spectacular views of the coastal stacks at Cannon Beach.
Day 3: Cannon Beach to Oceanside [50 miles]
On Day 3 visit Oswald West State Park directly south of Cannon Beach, and stop for lunch at the charming beachside community of Manzanita. Highway 101 then veers inland around Newhalem Bay, and back along the coast to Rockaway Beach. It then winds around Tillamook Bay through the fishing village of Garibaldi to the inland city of Tillamook. Take the exit off 101 towards the coast, to spend the night at the quaint seaside town of Oceanside.
Day 4: Oceanside to Lincoln City [46 miles]
On Day 4, travel along the “Three Capes Scenic Drive” to see Cape Meares, Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda. Drive 15 minutes north from Oceanside to Cape Meares, then walk out along the spectacular headland to the Cape Meares lighthouse (open April to October) and gaze out at the Three Arch Rocks. Drive 20 minutes south back through Oceanside to Cape Lookout to see incredible beach waterfalls, and travel another 30 minutes south to explore the tide pools at Cape Kiwanda.
Drive back onto Highway 101 to spend the night in Lincoln City. A colony of harbor seals is usually visible from Siletz Bay at Lincoln City. You might also find a hand blown glass float on the main beach (October to Memorial Day).
Day 5: Lincoln City to Newport [25 miles]
On Day 5, drive from Lincoln City to Newport along Highway 101 for three great viewpoints; Rocky Creek, the Lookout at Cape Foulweather, and Devils Punch Bowl. Upon arriving at Newport, visit Oregon’s tallest lighthouse - Yaquina Head Lighthouse. Spend some time exploring Newport’s historic NYE Beach District, then drive to Newport’s Bay Front area to visit tourist attractions like the Undersea Gardens and Waxworks. The Newport Aquarium across the river is also worth a visit.
Day 6: Newport to Florence [50 miles]
On day 6, it’s a 1.5 hour drive south along Highway 101 from Newport to Florence. Stop at Seal Rock along the highway, then travel past Yachats along a dramatic coastal road with numerous headlands, coves and sandy beaches. Continue south to Cook's Chasm at Cape Perpetua, and visit the spectacular cliff-top Heceta Head Lighthouse (open March to October for tours). Marvel at the nearby Sea Lions Caves just south of the lighthouse, then spend the evening in Florence and have dinner at the historic Waterfront District on the Siuslaw River.
Day 7: Florence to Bandon [73 miles]
On Day 7, drive along Highway 101 to the Oregon Dunes just outside Florence where adventure seekers can book a dune buggy tour. Continue on to the Umpqua Lighthouse just south of Reedsport, and spend some time touring the excellent museum there (open May through September). Your final stop is Bandon where you can browse gift shops and galleries or take a walk along the riverfront boardwalk. If you have time, stop by Bullards Beach State Park just north of Bandon to see the Coquille River Lighthouse (open May through October). The West Coast Game Park is 8 miles south of Bandon and definitely one of the most fun things to do in Oregon.
Day 8: Bandon to Brookings [83 miles]
Your final day includes a visit to Cape Blanco where you can tour the Cape Blanco Lighthouse and visit historic Hughes House (April to October). Port Orford is 20 minutes south of Cape Blanco, and has a superb museum that was previously the location for a Lifesaving Station manned by the US Coast Guard . The cliff top trail above Nellie’s Cove is simply breathtaking.
The main attractions from Port Orford to Gold Beach are the Humbug Mountain State Park, and Prehistoric Gardens. Hike to the top of the 1,756 coastal mountain at Humbug Mountain, and see life-size replicas of dinosaurs at the Prehistoric Gardens. Your next stop is Gold Beach where you can book a boat tour up the wild Rogue River. Tours take most of the day, so you will need to add another day to your trip if considering this. (Tours are also seasonal).
From Gold Beach to Brookings you will drive through spectacular coastline; including Pistol River State Park, the Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor, and Harris Beach State Park.
Your final night on the Oregon Coast will be spent in Brookings. Step inside the “Capella by the Sea” sanctuary at Azalea Park, built by the award winning Hollywood Producer Elmo Williams in honor of his wife. There is also a great kid’s playground in this park.
End of drive.
Day 1: Mukilteo Ferry to Coupeville
Take the short ferry crossing to Whidbey Island from the ferry terminal in Mukilteo. Travel north up Whidbey Island to Langley and enjoy incredible views of the Saratoga Passage from the main street on the bluff. Drive 10-minutes southwest to the Earth Sanctuary to explore a network of trails in a tranquil wetlands area, then travel another 10-minutes northwest to the lovely Meerkerk Gardens.
Greenbank Farm is 5-minutes north, and a great place to sample wines and purchase fresh produce. Your final stop is the charming historic seaport town of Coupeville. Find accommodation at either Coupeville or Langley on Whidbey Island.
Day 2: Coupeville to Deception Pass [38 miles]
On Day 2, your first stop is Admiralty Head Lighthouse at Fort Casey, just 10 minutes from Coupeville. Fort Ebey is another 15 minutes northwest, providing some of the most spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains from its beaches. Don’t forget to stop by the nearby Lavender Wind Farm.
The highlight of your trip is arriving at breathtaking Deception Pass, just 30 minutes north of Fort Ebey. Deception Pass is WA’s most popular park, with a dramatic bridge suspended high above the turbulent channel between Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island. Book a boat tour here. After visiting Deception Pass, drive back down Whidbey Island.
Washington State has some fabulous options for Day Trips with kids. Here are some recommendations:
#1. Museum of Flight, Boeing Field
- The Museum of Flight is just 15 minutes south of Seattle down i5. It houses an amazing collection of 150 aircraft and spacecraft in a spacious museum. Highlights include the Air Traffic Control Tower, Air Force One, Concorde Supersonic Jet, Flight Simulators, Apollo 17 Mission Models, Kid's Flight Zone, and World War I and II fighter planes.
- Visit the impressive Northwest Trek Wildlife Park with a spectacular setting in the shadow of Mt Rainier. See black bears, brown bears, foxes, wolves and cougars, and take a guided Tram Tour around the park. Eatonville is just over an hour's drive south of Seattle.
- This picturesque Bavarian-themed town offers bike rentals, hay rides and family kayaking tours in summer. Visit the Icicle Junction Kid’s Activity Center with mini-golf, a games arcade and movies. The Christmas Lighting Festival is a key highlight during winter. Your kids will delight in dog sled tours, sleigh rides and cross country skiing in this fairytale atmosphere.
- When visiting Snoqualmie stop at the fantastic Snoqualmie Waterfall. Your kids will be in awe of this 270-foot waterfall.
- The Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is a 1-hour drive south of Seattle, near Tacoma. The first thing that strikes you about this Zoo is its wonderful vantage point overlooking the water and Mount Rainier. The Zoo is spacious and well planned, with an array of fascinating animals like Polar Bears, Clouded Leopards, Malayan Tapir's and Simatran Tigers. The shark tank is very impressive and a little scary! Some fun activities for the kids include the Carousel and Camel rides.
- When visiting Point Defiance Park, don't miss the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum with historic re-enactments. Your kids will find it difficult to resist the TNT Family Go-Karts just near the entrance to the park. In summer, the lovely Owen Beach is also definitely worth a visit.
- The Wild Waves Theme Park near Seattle has literally dozens of rides; including rollercoasters, bumper cars, a pirate ship, a ferris wheel and special kid’s rides. This is one of the Northwest’s biggest Theme Parks.
- Remlinger Farms and Family Fun Park in Carnation is 30-miles from Seattle, and promises a great day out for younger kids (open May to October). Kids can ride on an old steam train or mini roller coaster, play in the family fun park, pick fruit in the fields, or visit a petting zoo. There are plenty of food booths, and a restaurant.
- In downtown Olympia, visit the Hands on Children’s Museum with educational exhibits, or the Painted Plate Studio where kids can paint their own their own pottery. West of the city, experience the excitement of “glow in the dark golf” at Shankz Black Light mini-golf the. Drive to Olympia's Regional Airport to the Olympic Flight Museum with a great collection of vintage aircraft. The Airport Golf Center has batting cages and pitch machines for the baseball fanatic in your family.
- Take a driving tour through the Olympic Game Farm to see zebras, elk, tigers, wolves, bears, yaks and a white rhinoceros. The Olympic Game Farm is over 2-hours northwest of Seattle, near Sequim on the Olympic Peninsula. Self driving tours usually take around 45 minutes. The Olympic Game Farm worked closely with Walt Disney Studios during the 50’s and 60’s on television shows like “Grizzly Adams”. You might also want to combine this with a visit to the nearby Dungeness Spit and Lighthouse. The remarkable 5.5-mile Dungeness Spit is the world’s longest natural sand spit and is truly spectacular.
- After entering Mount Rainier National Park through the Nisqually entrance, your kids will be in awe of the spectacular drive up to Paradise featuring glaciers, waterfalls and old-growth forest areas. Enjoy the cinema and upstairs exhibition at the Paradise Jackson Visitor Center. Always check road status before leaving.
- Visit the old lumber town of Elbe for a trip on the Mount Rainier Railroad. Travel through the foothills of Mt Rainier on a vintage steam logging locomotive. Advanced bookings are always recommended. Elbe is a 1.5 hour drive south of Seattle.
- The Scandinavian village of Poulsbo is just a short ferry ride from Seattle, and offers a wealth of FREE activities within close proximity. The nearby Naval Undersea Museum is a “must-see”, with fascinating torpedo and submarine exhibits. No entrance fee is required. The Poulsbo Marine Science Center on the waterfront is a fantastic activity for kids, and is also free! The key highlight is the touch-tank, where kids can handle brightly colored starfish and sea anemones. Further a-field; visit the 15-acre Sawdust Hill Alpaca Farm, where kids can get up-close to llamas and alpacas.
- Your kids will love the Oregon Zoo with a 1-mile Zoo Run railway. The Oregon Museum of Science and History features a planetarium, laser light shows and motion simulator ride. For best views of the city, ride the Portland Aerial Tram.
- The Washington State History Museum in Tacoma will keep your kids entertained for hours! The fun and interactive exhibits include a replica of a Coal Mine, Frontier Town, Native American Plank House, and Model Railroad.
- Wolf Haven International is a sanctuary for endangered Mexican Gray Wolves and Red Wolves, located 1.5 hours south of Seattle in Tenino. Your kids will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the thrilling sights and sounds of a wolf "howl-in".