Nine reasons (and counting) to love Portland, Oregon

J and I are on a kid-free trip to Portland, Ore., which is pretty much the perfect U.S. city. I lived here in the late '90s and have to get my fix at least twice a year. 

Here are a few of the many reasons why:

1. Food. Beautifully presented food. Around every corner. I wish I had a month here so I could eat at all my old favorite spots and discover the new ones. This lovely bread was at St. Honore Bakery, 24th & NW Thurman.

Some of our other favorite eateries: Kenny & Zukes, Oba, Mother's Bistro, Jo Bar.

And, my old stomping ground for breakfast ... Besaw's.

That there is prosciutto and sage eggs Benedict. And a mimosa. And this beast of a bloody Mary:

2. Drinks. And more drinks. Did I mention that the kids are with Nana and Papa? 

Drinks with views (those lucky drinks):

So many drinks the photos start to get fuzzy (which means, like, two drinks. For me anyway).

3. The many mustached men of Portland. I haven't built up the courage yet to ask one if I can take a picture. Mustaches are to Portland what cowboy hats are to Texas. Somehow, the dudes here can get away with it. 

4. People going green, everywhere you turn, even in the side yards of urban neighborhoods.

5. Dear old friends who make me laugh until my belly aches.

6. Mid-century modern at the coffee shop ...

7. Coffee at the coffee shop ...

 

8. Coffee in the hotel lobby, which is adjacent to the coffee shop ...

9. And, of course, the hotel itself. I blogged about the Ace Hotel when we stayed here for the first time last year. I'll spare you the repeated love fest, but it's still just as fabulous.

You can see for yourself:

 

I'm digging the heavy use of wool:

What other hotel provides a record player in the guest rooms, not to mention some pretty sweet records from which to choose?

 

Reduce, reuse, repurpose:

 

Not your typical honor bar:

The Ace has a photo booth in the lobby just like one I used to frequent with my sister at the downtown Bellingham Woolworth's.

  

We miss our girls like bananas but they're in excellent hands, and I strongly believe all of us parent-folks need to do this getaway thing now and then. 

OK. Time to go find tonight's dinner.

  
    

Comments

[Nicole (Frontier Dreams)]

Oh I need to check out all of the above! We just moved her in October and so far I have been stuck at home b/c it's so expensive out here but I need to get out!!

[Megan]

This is our big exotic vacation for the year, Nicole. We love Portland so much, it's worth saving up for. You're so lucky to have all this at your fingertips! Have fun!

[Nis]

We *just* got back from Hawaiian holiday... how did I miss that you would be here??!! Give a call if you have time. xoxo

[Megan]

We're still here, Nis! Until Tuesday a.m. When I saw you were going to Hawaii, I figured we'd miss you but maybe not! I'll facebook you.

[gladys hanning]

One of our favorite cities to visit! Sending warm thoughts for your trip!!xo Glad & Cel/Junebug

[shelli]

I grew up in Portland, and have lived in NYC since '89.

I LURVE me some Besaws.

Oh swoon.

[Megan]

Thanks, G & C!
Besaws is the best, Shelli. We actually went twice while we were there. Great service. Amazing food. I don't even mind when I have to stand outside in the rain and wait for a table.
Sigh. I miss it already.

[charith]

Just went through Portland last week. With kids. Hit the zoo and... Fabric Depot!! Holy cow, never been in such a big fabric store. My husband said I had 25 minutes. (impossible) I came out 70 minutes later. (not bad) I heart Portland.