Early this summer, it had been at its lows in my life, and I really needed to get away. Nothing crazy, nothing too complicated, but to be in good company and to just get away.  Besides, I knew the next few months were going to be busy with my weekends full of events. The first thing that came to mind was ..Costa Rica! You know, to lounge, to bum, to sip on some margaritas without a care in the world. Tropical is my favorite type of vacation.

Of course, I had to be realistic and semi-responsible.  With the short notice and required too much planning, I looked at other options and then it was decided, Portland, Oregon. It was perfect as I have been trying to plan for a while to visit a dear friend who lives there. In addition, I heard the food there was great, and super sunny  overcast [insert sarcasm]. With some invitation to friends at such late notice, I was grateful for my friend Jon to join me on this NorthWest adventure!

Foodcarts seem to be a huge deal in Portland. So of course we jetted down to downtown Portland, where the main hub parked. Many were closed and others sold out on food?!?, but we were able to snack on some. We discovered this to die for lamb over rice dish. Never really seeked it out, but o.m.g., the meat was tender, like seriously tasty tender, and they topped it off with their house spice. So good. too good. Egyptian Food food cart.

Then not long after we met up with JT at McMenamins Edgefield Home. Such a Gooorgeous place, I am super sad I didn’t take more photos. Was too busy chatting and catching up! This home is surrounded with ultimate green lush. With a winery for the winers, pubs for the beerers, restaurants, outdoor concerts, gardens, endless. I really felt like I was in Ireland far away from the normal local town.The next day, was focused on Multonamah Falls, a popular and must see waterfall. Although a short hike and a total tourish spot, it really is a spectacular waterfall to visit. Bur, before we did that. JT recommended Tasty n Sons for breakfast. So great to have her recommendations as Portland had so many eateries and we just didn’t have enough days, or stomachs that is. But, Tasty n Sons did not disappoint. Its unique dishes were delicious and definitely tasty, son! (okay, perhaps not the best use of the name, but you get what I’m saying son?! did you get it this time? okay). p.s. Great mimosas and bloody marys!

After Tasty n Sons, and still before the Falls, we discovered the Bike Bar. Jon is into Bikes and owns his own business of bike frenzy Plenty of Bikes. I saw this and we had to go in, besides I thought it was such a witty name. Bike Bar. It’s a bar, and it also decorates with actual Bike Bars! Okay, I’m quite easily fascinated. They also had bike machines outside, where if you biked for 15 minutes, they gave a few dollars off your bill. I didn’t make it to 15 minutes.

The next day we drove some hours out to the coast (two hours for the beach!! no way jose…), where we discovered a beautiful trail that lead to a beautiful hidden coast.
Our last day was devoted to Touristy stuff. Including Portland Museums, Bike riding around the city, the infamous Powells Bookstore, infamous Voodoo Doughnuts, sipping on some coffee at a local cafe, walking the streets like a local etc etc. Before all that, we squeezed in a walk at Forest Park to check out the Stone House. I really wish I planned for more time at the parks, they seem to be heavenly beautiful. We stopped by Deschutes Brewery and ended the night with a meal at the Breakside Brewery. They say breweries are a must visit when in Portland, and there’s two for you!Last but not least, bakery stop before we flew out! Ken’s Artisan Bakery.