Trip Report: Portland, Oregon, USA

Portland, Oregon – also known as the Brewery Capital of the world! The city of Portland has over 60 breweries, more than any other city in the world. The city is beautifully weird, if that is even possible. The State of Oregon was admitted to the union on February 14, 1859. Despite many people connecting  Oregon to the Oregon Trail, Oregon today is very accepting and open. Portland for example is one of the most homeless-friendly cities in the United States.

We originally decided to go to Portland to hangout with a friend who I have known for over 7 years but hadn’t ever met in person; it was a nice trip to begin the New Year. While there we rented a car for 2 days from Hertz. The Hertz office is easily accessible within the airport; just follow the signs for rental cars and it will lead you to their garage.

VOODOO DOUGHNUT:
Though expensive, the donuts are creative and unique. They have a great variety of donuts, anywhere from Oreo donuts, Captain Crunch, Fruit Loops to the standard donuts you can get anywhere else. The donuts are pricey; we paid around $20 for a dozen donuts – but the price is definitely worth it! You will probably have to make a line that sometimes spills to the outside. Voodoo Doughnut has two different locations within the city of Portland (below you can find their address), they have two other locations, one in Eugene, OR and the other in Colorado.

1. Original store: 22 SW 3rd Avenue Portland Oregon | Phone #: 503.241.4704
2. 1501 N.E. Davis St. in Portland Oregon | Phone #: 503.235.2666
*They are open 24/7, but closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. They ONLY accept cash, they have an ATM available inside their store.

Portland Living:
Portland is also known for its many waterfalls and parks. If you are up for a hike in the great outdoors of the northwestern United States, then we recommend that you take some time and visit some of the beautiful waterfalls and parks that surround the Portland metropolitan area.

As you can notice from the picture above, Oregon is a natural gem! The state is perfect for those who love the outdoors and like to fish, hunt, hike, camp or all of the above!

Saturday Market – Ankeny Square Plaza / Waterfront Park:
Ankeny Square turns into a “Saturday Market” on the weekends where you can buy authentic foreign food like Thai, get some Hanna tattoos, buy clothes or jewelry or woodwork. The Saturday Market event began in 1973 and relocated in 1976 to its current location. The market runs between March 2-December 24th and is open from 10am-5pm on Saturdays and 11am-4:30pm on Sundays. Portland Saturday Market estimates that it attracts some 750,000 visitors each year.

Website: http://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/Home.html
Phone #: 503.222.6072

Nature Parks/Trails:

• Wahkeena Falls
• Horsetail Falls
• Multnomah Falls
• Marquam Nature Park
• Powell Butte Nature Park
• Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

Recommendations:
We recommend that you visit the breweries around the city and a few good restaurants/western franchises.

• Voodoo Doughnuts (9.5/10)
• BurgerVille (8.5/10)
• Killer Burger (overpriced, but good – 8/10)
• Justa Pasta (7/10)
• Piazza Italiana
  • Make a reservation 48 hours in advance, they get very busy for dinner.