Keep Your Weekend Weird.
The perfect weekend trip is in an easy location with close proximity to good food and drink. Embrace the “Keep Portland Weird” vibe and your weekend can’t go wrong…right?
Portland, Oregon is not only incredibly walkable but home to some of the finest happy hours and dining experiences. There is shopping without sales tax, late-night treats from Voodoo Donuts and unlimited options for stuffing your face. Here are several must-dos for your weekend in Portland.
Stay at the Ace Hotel.
Embrace your inner hipster and stay at the iconic Ace Hotel on SW Stark Street. It’s so cool you don’t even need to leave. Dark re-purposed wood lines the walls of the lobby and a doorway leads you to Stumptown Coffee Roasters for the best coffee in town. Kenny and Zukes Deli takes care of lunch and you’ll leave the family-seating layout of Clyde Common with a full belly and new friends. For a girls weekend, try the Basic Shared Triple room and draw straws for the top bunk. Yes, there are bunk beds. So hip it hurts.
Eat Dinner at Atauala.
Portland has its fair share of amazing restaurants but Ataula is currently the foodie favorite. Ataula serves decadent tapas, a seafood paella and desserts inspired by the chef’s childhood treats from his mom and grandmother. Chef Jose Chesa personally comes to every table in the restaurant to give the inside scoop on the menu and tells you how your meal is prepared. Delicious food, the chef’s accent and the fun atmosphere make Ataula a great location for a girls reunion trip. Be sure to make reservations!
Shop until you’re Hungry again.
If ever there was a justification to go shopping, no sales tax is it. Be sure to visit Powell Books around the corner from the Ace Hotel for a good read. The bookstore is the size of a city block and a lovely place to explore. Boys Fort , a “curated collection dedicated to ‘manthropology'” is a great place for decorating inspiration. Walking through the store is like walking through the Home Decor category of Pinterest. You may go into the store with the intention of getting a gift for your guy but walk out with something for yourself.
Get Late Night Voodoo Donuts
Hint, hint, the line at Voodoo Donuts isn’t long when you go late at night. It’s quite possible the Bacon Maple Bar tastes even better when it’s consumed after a night of bar hopping. Come prepared – all locations are cash-only.
Any other tips for an amazing girls weekend? Leave them in the comment section below.
*Photo credit to Ian Sane. Check out his Flickr account for beautiful photos of Oregon!
Happy travels,
@laurylkitson