Portland is one of the great American cities, and it just keeps getting better. The city has a small town feel but with big city attractions. In addition, nature is a stone's throw away and an escape to the great outdoors is achievable with a short car ride making life here the best of all worlds.
Downtown Portland includes a segment of SW and NW Portland. It has a rich and colorful history which can be uncovered in a popular walking tour. Compact and walkable, downtown offers a variety of bigger retail stores and independently owned boutique shops. In the daytime it is bustling with working professionals and out of town visitors. In the evening the city becomes a dining, bar and nightlife destination.
And since we know you love jewelry, don’t miss Twist while you’re in Portland. It’s in the NW and, and it is one of our favorite jewelry boutiques with an incredibly curated selection of dreamy jewels.
PLACES TO EAT:
A quaint French/Norwegian inspired restaurant that focuses on creative luncheonette fare. The seasonal menu is beautifully handwritten and changes daily. Bring a few friends; the dishes are served family style. After indulging in the artisanal cuisine, leave room for the tasty pastries made fresh on site.
The cozy restaurant serves flavorful Israeli street food. Warm Castelvetrano olives, grilled Octopus salad, house made hummus and lamb chops seasoned to perfection are things to write home about.
The chef and creators of Shalom Y’all, The Mediterranean Exploration Company, Toro Bravo, Plaza Del Toro and Tasty and Daughters dish out the most well received restaurants in Portland. If you ask a local where to eat in Portland, they’ll likely mention Tasty N Alder’s. The brunch and dinners are so popular there is always a wait. Try the fan favorite steaks and radicchio salad.
Pine Street Market is a modern indoor food hall curated to please a crowd. Barista Coffee, OP Wurst, Marukin Ramen, Pollo Bravo, Bless Your Heart Burgers, Kim Jong Smokehouse, Kure, Checkerboard Pizza, Wizbang Bar soft serve ice cream by Salt and Straw are all conveniently under one roof.
MWL is an exclusive old school lounge. Members enjoy access to the wall of endless rare whiskies at this fine establishment. Not a whiskey enthusiast? MWL also offers other fine spirits on the menu. Non-members have an opportunity to dine and drink here, but only on a walk-in basis. Be prepared for a long wait though, unless you have a “Hall Pass” you might find yourself at The Green Room bar (also part of the MWL) downstairs.
Situated next to the Ace Hotel. It is a prime spot for people watching. Grab a cup of Joe and relax in the cozy Ace Hotel lobby.
If coffee isn’t your thing, the Tea Bar is the perfect place to get a Matcha Latte.
PLACES TO STAY
A boutique hotel centrally located downtown. The interior is eccentric and tastefully designed. The lobby appears to be inspired by The Royal Tenenbaums.
Luxury hotel in prime downtown location. Take the elevator to the 8th floor and dine at the Urban Farmer steakhouse known for classic Pacific Northwest flavors and local farm to table cuisine. The Nines Hotel offers an outstanding brunch and a Bloody Mary bar on the weekends.
The Hoxton is targeted to millennials. Opened in Portland in 2018, they have other locations in Europe, New York, and Chicago. The Hoxton Hotel boasts gorgeous eclectic and MCM inspired décor straight out of Architectural Digest. Tope and La Neta are topnotch destination restaurants at the hotel. La Neta is also part of the Submarine hospitality group that owns highly acclaimed and Portland’s finest Ava Gene and Tusk. After enjoying dinner, the bar lounge is the perfect amount of cozy for a nightcap.
PLACES TO SHOP
One of the few high-end boutiques in Portland. They carry designer clothing, jewelry, shoes and accessories. Hard to find labels in Portland such as Isabel Marant, Ulla Johnson, Raquel Allegra, A Detacher, Rachel Comey and Mociun are found here.
Not a comedy club, but a high-end boutique that carries flashy fashion forward designers and coveted brands. Stand Up Comedy styles and art directs with a sense of humor.
A boutique featuring independent and local makers. The shop is bright and airy even on a rainy day. They carry their own clothing line for women, babies and kids. Find accessories, home goods, jewelry, pottery, fragrances, candles and gifts here.
Recognized for its sustainable fashion. They carry carefully selected vintage clothing and accessories. Beautifully organized and thoughtfully color coordinated, Backtalk blends repurposed items with current emerging designers seamlessly.
A joy sparking mix of home goods, furniture, jewelry, toys and gifts in one shop.
A sophisticated shop and curated well. Features Portland local artists and fine goods from all over the world.
Located in Portland’s Chinatown, the shop is well known for their unique vintage rug selections sourced from Morocco. The artful rugs are showcased like works of art at a gallery.
THINGS TO SEE
The largest independent bookstore chain in the world!
Catch a flick at a living room concept movie theater. Unconventional casual seating. A vast gourmet dining and concessions menu with a full bar that can be enjoyed in the theater while watching a movie.
INTERNATIONAL TEST ROSE GARDEN
Get lost in this botanical garden with thousands of rose bushes and hundreds of varieties. When the sky is clear and roses are in bloom, the colors, smell and views from the perch is a sensory experience not be missed.
Across from the International Test Rose Garden, walk the meticulous and Zen grounds of the Portland Japanese Garden. Take in the fresh air and enjoy Japanese tea and light fare surrounded by serenity at the Umami Café. Reservations are encouraged as seating is limited.
