Portland and Seattle

I just confirmed plans to visit a friend that I haven't seen in two years. We went to London for six weeks in the same group and we had a smashing time, we did!

Lexy and me with fish and chips, curry, and ginger beer
from Borough Market. Pink tables by Southwark Cathedral. 

Of course I am very excited to reconnect with her, but my excitement is a scoach higher because she lives in Portland, Oregon. I've never been and I've wanted to go since for forever. Extra bonus: We are also doing an overnighter in Seattle, another one of my must-see places!

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?