Like me, you probably have an idea in your head about what Portland, Oregon is like… But after just getting back from a dream trip there, I can assure you it’s more magical than anything you could have ever imagined!
… And lucky for us Calgarians, you can now visit Portland easily as direct flights have just begun!
So what can you expect in PDX after a less-than-2-hour flight from YYC?
Below are my FAB suggestions to help you eat, shop, play and stay while in Portland!
STAY:
If you’re looking to stay steps from everything in a boutique hotel that has it all, then The Hoxton is exactly where you’ll want to be.
With other locations popping up around the world (Paris, Amsterdam, Brooklyn, Chicago to name a few), The Hoxton brand is changing the way travellers experience hotels… And I’m impressed!
From its warm, quaint and modern design to their policies to not charge guests extra for luxuries such as in-room water bottles and hand delivered complimentary breakfast; The Hoxton literally leaves you wanting for nothing.
In Portland, the hotel also offers unique weekly activities like a ‘plant swap’ and houses a plethora of food and beverage offerings.
A coffee shop, restaurant, lounge and even hidden speakeasy.
I’ve never expected much from a hotel stay, but The Hoxton has made me appreciate all that they do!
SNACK:
Portland should rename downtown’s 12th Avenue between Yamhill and Harvey Milk: ‘Sweet Street’ because the sugary confections offered over the 4 blocks is enough to satisfy every sweet tooth connoisseur, and there is something for everyone.
Ice Cream from Ruby Jewel, Cakes and Pies from Petunia’s Pies and Pastries, Cupcakes from Saint Cupcakes, Donuts from Blue Star Donuts and dozens of coffee shops and restaurants with delectable creations of their own!
VISIT:
When I heard all the rave reviews of Powell’s Books, I thought to myself: there is no way a bookstore is going to impress me or be at all exciting… I was wrong. This place was magical and overwhelmingly intense.
Powell’s is a vortex of time and space. You could literally spend a full day in there and not even scratch the surface of all it has to offer.
Giftables, games, toys… And of course, books.
And I mean ALL the books!
Books you didn’t even know existed or that you even wanted until now.
Powell’s is almost unexplainable and my advice (like everyone else’s): just go!
BRUNCH:
I take my breakfasts and brunches VERY seriously and so does Portland.
There are seemingly endless places to dine from sunrise to mid-afternoon and on the top of that list for me was Tasty n Alder.
And when I say “top”, this place could possibly have been the BEST breakfast I’ve had anywhere.
First up, their Biscuits & Gravy.
I fancy myself a biscuit expert and these are absolutely the most buttery, flaky, crispy biscuits I’ve ever had.
Then there was the Bim Bap Bowl with Crispy Rice and kimchi and the Radicchio Salad with 6 minute eggs and porchetta.
Both dishes were unlike anything I have ever had before and both so flavorfully memorable, I will be thinking of them for the rest of my life.
Honestly, brunch has never tasted so good!
ICONIC:
Established in 2013 in Portland Oregon, Voodoo Doughnut’s is as delicious as they are weird. They say “The Magic is in the Hole”, but for the customers, the magic is in their piled high toppings, ultra soft doughnuts, affordable prices and swoon worthy fritters.
With shocking names and shapes like Cock N’ Balls their rap inspired Old Dirty Bastard and Marshall Mathers smothered in M&M’s, it’s clear Voodoo Doughnut’s has fun with what they do and doesn’t take themselves too seriously… THAT’s the magic of a good business and doughnut.
SHOP:
Portland is filled to the brim with kindness and talent.
With every store I visited, I was greeted with friendly “Hellos” and introduced to unique and often one-of-a-kind goods.
At MadeHere PDX you’ll find a plethora of interesting locally made finds you’ll want to pack your suitcase full of; from food products to fashions and everything in between.
One of my fave finds were these hand blown drinking glasses by North Drinkware with notable Pacific Northwest mountains impressed into their bases.
NIGHT LIFE:
Gays are drawn to Queens like flys to honey and Portland’s finest couple of queens do not disappoint.
Going into their 13 year together, the Superstar Divas: Bolivia Carmichaels, and Honeybea Hart are the Laurel and Hardy of Drag.
Funny, Camp, Over the Top and Talented.
They know their words and they know how to keep a gaggle of gays entertained.
Their Sunday show at CC Slaughters not only sees them performing a variety of numbers that span decades of musical history, they also curate a wacky and entertaining array of Queens unlike any I have seen before.
The fast paced show kept me cheering, laughing, dancing and singing along for hours, all while being kept well hydrated by the friendly bar staff and their $4 well cocktails all night long!
With so much to see and do, you’re sure to make your own moments and memories, but to get you started, I hope you’ll enjoy some of mine!
You’re pretty FAB Portland
Mr. Fab PDX
