• Fashion
  • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Wellness
    • Travel
  • Beauty
  • Home
  • About
  • Services
    • List
    • Testimonials
  • Contact

Girlfriend Trip Travel Guide: Portland, Oregon

October 23, 2019

Portland Girlfriend Travel GuidePortland Radisson RED HotelPortland Oregon Travel GuideShopping Recommendations Portland OregonOne of the perks of living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest is the proximity to mountains, beaches, and several bustling metropolises.  For instance, in a less than 4 hour drive south of Seattle, you can find yourself in Portland, Oregon.  Aptly named “The Rose City,” Portland is known for a chicken named Colin (Portlandia reference here)…but in all seriousness, an excellent food scene, hipster styling, tax-free shopping, strong coffee, and 12 bridges that straddle the Willamette river, which divides the city.

Recently, a couple of girlfriends and I headed to Portland for weekend getaway to enjoy good food and taking advantage of tax-free shopping; escaping the weekend soccer mom drill to reconnect with each other and let our hair down.  Leaving early on a Saturday morning with plans to return mid-afternoon on Sunday, we refined our itinerary to make the most of our quick trip.  I’m sharing our top picks below:

Olympic Provisions PortlandBrunch at Olympic Provisions PortlandUp first…Brunch at Olympia Provisions

An absolute MUST…this stop was a crowd favorite.  After our trip south, we were famished and luckily had the foresight to have made a reservation for this popular charcuterie spot in NW Portland.  Even with our table reserved, we had to wait probably 15 minutes to be seated (sadly, such is the food scene here in Portland).  But the food was well worth the wait!  We shared the Spanish charcuterie board filled with Spanish salami, ham, and chorizo.  While the others enjoyed an eggs benedict (which they continue to dream about), I had a delicious hash of sausage and delicata squash topped with the most perfect poached egg.  The wait staff definitely knows their stuff, as our waitress helped us navigate a menu with many delicious options.  This is probably one of the best brunches I’ve enjoyed in recent memory!

Pearl District Portland OregonAnthropologie Flagship Store PortlandStumptown Coffee Portland OregonThen meander thru Northwest Portland & the Pearl District

In addition to saving 10% in sales tax, Portland has some fantastic shopping.  The Pearl District and Northwest neighborhoods are host to a number of great options; both small and large retailers alike.  Right off of Burnside (the main east/west thoroughfare), you could spend hours browsing the shelves of Powell’s Books, Portland’s famously huge independent bookstore.  I would suggest first grabbing a coffee across the street at Stumptown Coffee.  You may see their nitro coffee on the shelves of your local Trader Joe’s or grab their beans at your favorite grocer, but this is an opportunity to have a barista craft your coffee in the Motherland.

From there, we headed into the Pearl District.  You can find local fashion and houseware boutiques such as House of Lolo (premium denim, luxe cashmere, and refined basics), local designer Bridge & Burn (a quintessential NW fashion house filled with plaid, beanies, reusable designer coffee mugs, and perfect flat-brimmed hats) and Porch Light (air plants, unique handmade jewelry, cards, glass and tableware).  I would also recommend a trip through Anthropologie here.  I know, you likely have an Anthropologie store in your backyard, or at least are familiar with their offerings via their website.  However, Portland is home to one of only two “Anthropologie & Co.” stores in the nation, which are more like a department store; offering a wide selection of home furnishings, a BLDN bridal boutique, a shoe section as well as their assortment of unique fashion finds.  In addition to two floors of beautiful home displays, the downstairs also features a boutique with apparel and jewelry unique to the Portland store.

Mediterranean Exploration Company Portland OregonPortland Oregon 24 hour Travel GuideThen dine at Mediterranean Exploration Company

Or try one of the other restaurants within the Toro Bravo restaurant group (these include the famous Tasty n Alder and Toro Bravo, among others).  Renowned for their fusion flavors combined with seasonal PNW flare, you cannot go wrong with any of these unique culinary experiences.  At MEC, we were recommended the yellow tail carpacacio (pictured) and I was skeptical when I was told that the octopus is a staff favorite.  Ordinarily I find octopus to be chewy, but this was smoky dish melted in your mouth.  Quite honestly, the best octopus I’ve ever tasted!  I would order it again.  House made labneh (a cauliflower-based dip) with two orders of pita…also a must.  The table next to us highly recommended sharing a Turkish coffee after our meal, we’re just old ladies that can’t drink caffeine that late!

Although we didn’t make it this time, I would highly recommend making a reservation at the Voicebox, which are private karaoke suites complete with bottle and food service.  While I would never be brave enough to belt out tunes in front of a bar full of people, I have a running list of my favorite songs (mostly 90’s favorites like “4 Non-Blondes”) in preparation for a private concert among friends.  In addition to a full bar for courage, they also serve delicious late-night snacks like tater-tots and buffalo cauliflower.  Reservations are recommended and there is are minimum requirements for weekend nights.

Downtown Portland Hotel Raddisson RedGirlfriend Guide to Portland OregonRadisson Red Hotel Downtown PortlandRest at the Radisson Red

With a central location and unique, pop decor, The Radisson Red is a fantastic stay in downtown Portland.  Central to most everything (located in the downtown core), the hotel offers both hip vibes and the comforts of home.  We loved all of the fun photos ops with pops of color everywhere and interesting murals around every corner, the devil is in the artistic details at this hotel.  Yet, at the end of a long day spent exploring all of Portland’s offerings, we snuggled into plush down comforter laden beds and slept in peacefully.  For comfort paired with a cool, downtown vibe (and an insta-worthy venue), look no further than the Radisson Red.

Also, we got around Portland really easily using Uber.  Rather than spending time navigating an unfamiliar city and parking at various locales, we choose to rely on Uber to transport us.  This was probably the best idea we had; we shopped, dined and explored without a care as to where to leave the car, who was driving and how to get there.  And I experienced my first Uber Tesla ride in Portland!

Another genius idea?  I ordered Uber Eats when returning home Sunday evening.  With my family at home awaiting my arrival, the last thing I wanted to do was prepare a last minute meal.  Instead, I found our favorite local Indian restaurant on Uber Eats and had it delivered to our doorstep shortly after I walked through the door.

Foot Bar Portland OregonGirls Weekend Portland OregonReflexology Massage at Foot Bar

You cannot visit Portland without a trip to Foot Bar.  My close friend lives in Portland; she turned me on to this gem years ago and I seriously visit every time I find myself in the Rose City.  I even have an account there!  This natural spa focuses on reflexology massage that will change your life.  Relaxing vibes start with armotherapy and tea service (although you can order wine as well).  I would suggest at least a 75 minute massage and, yes, it may “just” be your feet, but you will feel the benefits throughout your body.  In particular, when planning a girlfriends’ trip, this spa is the ultimate in relaxation because you can both unwind yet sit side-by-side and chat.  In addition to foot baths complete with scrubs, masks and the massage, they also offer non-toxic polishes for a true pedicure.

Girlfriend Weekend to Portland Oregon

Travel and time with loved ones are two priorities for me; both are accomplished with a quick girlfriend weekend getaway.  Even with hectic schedules due to work and family commitments, it’s possible to make even a short amount of time to explore and reconnect.

Portland is a gem of a city to visit.  With more time the city offers plenty of additional activities for outdoor and cultural enthusiasts alike with Forest Park and the Portland Historical Society located close to downtown.  There are also many delicious restaurants to try and a fantastic vintage shopping scene still left for me to explore.  Luckily, with Portland’s proximity to Seattle and with close friends living in the Rose City, I’m already planning my return!

Thank you for reading.  Please leave me any Portland recommendations or, if you’re planning a trip to Portland soon, request any additional recs in the comments.  Happy travels! ~Jenn

A special ‘thank you’ to Radisson Red Hotel Portland and to Uber for partnering with me on this post.  While this post was sponsored in part by both the hotel and the ride delivery service, you can always expect all opinions expressed on this blog to be entirely my own.

Comments: 1   //   Category: Lifestyle, Travel

Share this post:

Comments

  1. Angelina

    October 24, 2019 at 9:24 am

    Love! Visit again soon!! Thank you for sharing!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Instagram post 17855446087664865 Heading back down to the “Rose City” in a couple of days. Have you all been? Tell me your favorite things  to do in Portland? And if you haven’t, what are you waiting for?? Check out my recent travel post on a quick 24 hours well spent eating and shopping our way through this gem of a city. #keepportlandweird #portlandia #putabirdonit
Instagram post 17853219727715132 I can’t stop listening to “Circles” and now have a lot of questions about face tattoos. #postmalone
•
•
Completely unrelated note: I posted yesterday about sustainable style. More of the same here with a designer consignment find. Fashion recycling at it’s finest...(more) affordable and saving clothes from landfills. #winwin Not that Ulla would ever be sent to a landfill! #sustainablestyle #consignmentfinds
Instagram post 17842653562848622 You know what you’ll regret even more than a parking ticket?? Missing out on this jumpsuit at 20% off! •
•
Seriously, @amourvert gets me every time. I’m thrilled that sustainable style can also be incredibly chic! And this jumpsuit is so versatile. I’ve worn this out to celebrate a friend’s 50th @canlisrestaurant last month (only Seattle’s most dressy fine dining establishment)...yet dressed it down for work today paired with booties and a moto jacket. Get the most of your wardrobe by investing in well-made, sustainable pieces. And at 20%...til midnight!! #amourvert #getyourshopon #cybermonday #gifted
Instagram post 17868235957543724 Two words I strongly dislike: influencer and follower. Both have such odd connotations but are common social media terminology. Instead, I understand that this is a community. One in which I share, participate and learn...I’ve made missteps, shared frustrations, and celebrated victories. All this to say THANK YOU. For sticking with me! For your kind words of support (and joining me in outrage) as I struggled with @instagram “technical difficulties” that left me unable to post for a week. I’ve missed being able to like and comment more than I’ve missed sharing. And I’m returning more inspired to rejoin this community and appreciate this connection (however, tenuous it may be!). •
•
PS. This is a photo was taken a week ago after the girls’ piano recital, when I discovered I couldn’t post! #thanksinstagram #seattlemom #momofgirls
Instagram post 18114915724058918 Hey! I want to tell you all the story behind my favorite earrings. (Because who doesn’t love a good story...and this one is particularly compelling).
•
•
I bought my first pair of @dearsurvivor earrings this past summer @queenanneframe (of course). Made from recycled leather and responsibly sourced 14k gold fill, they’re light weight in addition to an ultra chic design and sustainable production. They just seem to go with everything! Well, the up-cycled cork earrings pictured are my 5th pair, not including the countless pairs I have gifted.
•
•
It was only after my last purchase that I learned, in addition to a portion of proceeds being donated to help support survivors of sex trafficking, these earrings are produced right here in Seattle by @refugeesarts. Small accessories can have a big impact...and this is proof! @dearsurvivor earrings are made uber locally and help refugee women support their families as they transition to life in the United States. Seriously, I could not love these gorgeous earrings more! #dearsurvivor #fashionforgood #sustainablestyle
Instagram post 17882494972459777 Think outside the box when dressing for all of those holiday soirées! I like to add a statement piece to spruce up my everyday wardrobe workhorses. And this look can easily take you from “desk to drinks” with a simple shoe and accessory change! In fact, I wore the sneaker look to a casual, shopping party and plan to trade in the heels for a date night look later this week. •
•
Speaking of outside the box, have you ever considered a wardrobe rental service for your holiday dressing? I was recently impressed when I discovered Seattle-based @armoire.style - an online styling and rental service. Aside from Armoire’s wide selection of designer and on-trend pieces that you can easily swap out as much as you please for your monthly rental fee, the sustainability aspect of renting really appeals to me! Especially for special occasion. Rather than buying a dress that you’ll rarely wear (if ever more than once), you can rent fun pieces for all of your holiday parties! AND, if you’re in the Seattle area, you can now try on pieces IRL in one of their two boutiques. Or, work with an online stylist to find your perfect statement party piece! #collaboration #armoirestyle #partyready
Instagram post 18112847584059391 Wearing less black and grey this season. What are your style goals this time of year? I know this may seem like a small thing, what colors you’re wearing. But I truly think that how you dress can affect your mood and confidence. It’s getting dark earlier, the temperatures are chilly...I need a colorful boost. #styletheeveryday #colorfulcloset
Instagram post 17901815452389655 I have two favorite veterans...but many others to thank as well.
•
•
It’s impossible to truly understand the sacrifice these men, women AND their families make in an effort to preserve our way of life here in the United States. My husband was deployed for the first 16 months of our marriage. I will always remember the awe, respect, and gratitude I felt towards the young soldiers he led and the many families and children left to live with the absence of their parents or spouse...their loved ones. (I also felt very lonely, worried, and frightened during this period of our life). And I still think of the opportunities John would have had to sacrifice had he not returned home as he did. Many young people don’t come home to raise families and have full lives. I’m so proud of my veteran and our service. And very grateful that we get to raise our family and grow old together in a country where we can be free. THANK YOU to all veterans and their families. I think of you many days throughout the year. #hugavet #thankyouveterans 🇺🇸
Instagram post 18075219496181110 Thank you to the person cleaning out their closet with great taste in @isabelmarant. I may sound like a broken record here...but over the past year or so, I have been changing my shopping habits. Far fewer late-night online splurges, less big-box retailers and fast-fashion. Instead I’ve been curating a unique look by shopping consignment and thrift stores. And, also very important, I’ve been shopping small businesses within my community. I have to tell you that these changes make me feel better both about where my shopping dollars are being spent and how my shopping habits impact our environment. An added bonus? I’m not seeing my outfit on other soccer moms and bloggers. •
•
The other day, someone stopped me to ask where I shop in Seattle. Drop me a DM...I have many faves and ideas, depending on what you’re looking for. This new outfit is compliments of @the_refindcloset. #shopconsignment #consignmentfinds

welcome to my blog

Thanks for reading! I began this blog in early 2014 as an outlet to share my styling tips and tricks, and disseminate shopping wisdom. I am honored when readers make a connection; whether it’s learning how to make the latest fashion trend your own or finding the perfect new addition to your wardrobe. Thank you for stopping by and spending a few minutes of your day sharing in my passion for fashion and style! ~Jenn

Search Posts

Subscribe to Posts

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive posts by email:

Categories

  • #InstaSTYLE
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Friday Favorites
  • Giveaway
  • How To
  • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Travel
    • Wellness
  • Outfits
  • Wellness Wednesday
  • What I'm Lovin
    • Gift Guide

Archives

  • October 2019
  • August 2019
  • June 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014

Update your wardrobe with the latest women's clothing from NORDSTROM.

All Content ©2017 - Jenniferlovin.com
Website by Made to Thrive

Copyright © 2019 · Jennifer Lovin on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

  • Fashion
  • Lifestyle
  • Beauty
  • About
  • Services
  • Testimonials
  • Contact