While in Portland, the site my grandparents and mom wanted to see most was the Portland Japanese Garden. It's a popular attraction within the larger Washington Park, which sits above downtown Portland. … [Read more...] about Review: Portland Japanese Garden
Portland
Revisiting Tasty n Alder Portland for Dinner
When I travel, there are certain restaurants I always need to go to. So, revisiting Tasty n Alder Portland for dinner with my mom and grandparents was a priority for me. … [Read more...] about Revisiting Tasty n Alder Portland for Dinner
Review: Residence Inn Portland Downtown Pearl District
After hitting all our major sites in Seattle, we headed for Oregon, which is someplace my grandparents had never been to. And, for our base of operations while there, I chose the Residence Inn Portland Downtown Pearl District. … [Read more...] about Review: Residence Inn Portland Downtown Pearl District
Touring the PNW with My Grandparents – Trip Report Intro
Immediately following my Dismal Las Vegas Experience, I immediately jumped on a plane to begin Touring the PNW with my grandparents. So let's go over what I'll be covering in this next series. … [Read more...] about Touring the PNW with My Grandparents – Trip Report Intro
Amtrak Cascades
The morning after our friends tried to abduct us, we woke up early and headed to Portland's Union Station for the next leg of our journey on the Amtrak Cascades. Union Station is just a little over a mile from the Portland Marriott City Center, but I said screw it and caught an Uber. In about five minutes we arrived at the Station and were ready to embark on our first Amtrak … [Read more...] about Amtrak Cascades
Le Bistro Montage
Our last night in Portland meant one, final meal with our friends. They didn't tell us where they were taking us, said it was a surprise. The wife and I almost through we were being shanghaied because we they were driving erratically around some seedy looking areas! But eventually we arrived at Le Bistro Montage and Pix Patisserie, for dessert of course. Located in … [Read more...] about Le Bistro Montage
Olympia Provisions
Our final day in Portland was full of eating & shopping. We stayed within the city and only drove to go to Salt & Straw one last time, visit some shops around the famous ice cream shop, returned the car, did some shopping, had lunch at Olympia Provisions, and did more shopping. So after our Salt & Straw ice cream breakfast, we went to check out … [Read more...] about Olympia Provisions
Blue Star Donuts
On our third full day in Oregon, the wife and I were on our own. We had a LONG day planned in the Columbia River Gorge and the Mt. Hood areas. But first we needed some breakfast/snacks. The wife and I, despite its reputation for being more tourist trap than anything else, had planned on visiting VooDoo Donuts. But, with recommendations from our friends, and even some … [Read more...] about Blue Star Donuts
Nicholas Restaurant SE Grand
After snapping photos at Council Crest Park, we headed back to my buddy's house to hang out for a bit. Again we weren't terribly hungry and indifferent. My buddy works on the Southeast side of town, so he recommended we checkout Nicholas Restaurant SE Grand. All of the Nicholas Restaurant locations serve Lebanese & Mediterranean cuisine, with the SE Grand location … [Read more...] about Nicholas Restaurant SE Grand
Council Crest Park
After returning from the Coast, our friend (now driving our rental Prius) took us up to Council Crest Park. I had no idea this place existed, but to be honest, I didn't look into what to do/see in Portland before our trip! I'm glad our friend took us up here, though, as it's a really great park with tons to do and stunning views of Portland and beyond! Located in … [Read more...] about Council Crest Park