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| Lexy and me with fish and chips, curry, and ginger beer from Borough Market. Pink tables by Southwark Cathedral. |
Since she's a local, of course she has all sorts of great ideas of things to see and do in Portland, but other than the famous tourist sights in Seattle, we are both at a loss in that area. So as part of my trip research I want to hear about what other people have enjoyed at my planned destinations. Please regale me with your tales of Portland and Seattle and what you loved doing in these places. I think we're both pretty much up for anything, but I'm very fond of art, generally local-y stuff over tourist-y stuff, and non-mainstream shops, especially if they include fabric.
I'm also watching loads of Portlandia to prepare. That's realistic, right?
Um...I have a bunch of Portland suggestions but Lexy has probably already suggested most of them. Oh well, you're getting them anyway.
ReplyDeleteVoodoo Doughnuts is very Portland but they usually have a line that goes on for hours. http://voodoodoughnut.com/index.php
Powell's City of Books (on Burnside) is a must for anyone who likes books.
http://www.powells.com/locations/powells-city-of-books/
I associate Portland with McMenamin's and their Kennedy School location is just a short walk from my grandma's. They're a pub but at the same time they're a movie theater and a restaurant, sometimes an Inn and other stuff. It depends on the location.
I think right now the International Rose Test Garden is in full swing and it's free. I've only been once and I'm not really a rose person but...my sister and mom sure like it.
http://www.rosegardenstore.org/thegardens.cfm
I've been to the Chinese Garden in Portland but I recall it being more expensive than I thought it was worth. They did have fantastic tea though. I went shortly after it first opened so it may be much better now. http://www.portlandchinesegarden.org/
I've been eyeing going to a store called The Button Emporium & Ribbonry but I can't recommend it since I've never been there, I only bring it up because I know you sew and I always have a heck of a time finding the perfect button for my projects, personally.
http://www.buttonemporium.com/
New Seasons is a local chain grocery store, nearly always crowded and kind of like Whole Foods but smaller. Their French bread is amazing and it's a good place for lunch as they have a lot of to order things in their deli.
http://www.newseasonsmarket.com/
Portland is known for food carts. I haven't partaken in very many of them but there's supposed to be some amazing ones around. I'd google it if you are interested.
Fabric Depot isn't in the heart of Portland and it isn't that impressive if you've been to the garment districts in New York or L.A. but it's big and puts Joanns or Hancock to shame. They have a website if you want to look into it: http://www.fabricdepot.com/
I've never been here but where there's one indie specialty shop there's others: http://flutterclutter.com/
Portland Art Museum: They have a mix. Again, I've only been once and it was during a Monet special exhibit.
http://portlandartmuseum.org/page.aspx?pid=291
There's also OMSI which I love but haven't been to in a long time.
http://www.omsi.edu
Portland Saturday Market: Local and art? Yep.
http://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/
For Seattle the only suggestion I have is Pike Place Market and that's totally the touristy must stop but...I mean...it's Pike Place Market.
Wow! That list is above and beyond the call of duty! Thanks, Sara!
DeleteNo problem! It gave me an excuse to procrastinate housecleaning.
DeleteMartha, I'm from Portland! You should definitely check out Voodoo donuts. There are two locations. The location in NE Portland isn't as crowded as the one near Burnside. The Japanese Gardens (not to be confused with Chinese Gardens) is gorgeous. I always try to stop in when I'm home visiting family. Take a walk down Mississippi Ave--there are tons of cool shops, restaurants, vintage/thrift stores.Hawthorne is another cool street in SE portland with fun, quirky shops and restaurants. I went to Portland recently with Jacob and we ate at this small Swedish restaurant called Broder. It was delicious! Sellwood is also a really fun area with cool antique shops. Reed collage is nearby, and it's a gorgeous campus surrounded by lush, old money neighborhoods. Portland is the best--I'm excited for you!
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