Portland has been on my list of places to go for a long time. So I was excited when Junk Bonanza started a show there a couple of years ago. Some of my friends who also sell at vintage markets talked us into going and I’m so glad they did. Jordann had a list of things to do in Portland that she wanted to try but with the show and all the set up and tear down time, we only had one afternoon to go sightseeing. I listed the things we did first. We’re hoping to go back next year and try a few more. Have you been to Portland? Leave a comment and let me know what you think we should do!
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16 Things to do in Portland, Oregon
EAT A DOUGHNUT
I had heard about Voodoo Doughnut for years so that was our first stop on a rainy Thursday afternoon. I was surprised that the line was so short. It started at the door. But we could tell that they were set up for LONG lines!
And, yes, the doughnuts were worth standing in line for!
POWELL’S CITY OF BOOKS
Powell’s City of Books was another place I’d heard about for years and it exceeded my expectations. That place is HUGE!!! We could have easily spent a whole day just exploring this store. It was a whole block and I think it was 3 floors… might have been more.
COFFEE
Portland is the place to be if you like coffee! And there isn’t a shortage of coffee shops. Check out this list of shops. Stop at one, or two, or three… as you walk around downtown.
SHOPPING
After going to the book store and getting our coffee we enjoyed walking around downtown in the rain. There were lots of little boutiques and a huge Anthropologie — all within walking distance or Powell’s. Then we went on a hunt for thrift stores. There were a couple of HUGE Goodwill stores and we found some great stuff. I could have hauled back a Jeep full of jewelry cabinets if it wasn’t already full for Junk Bonanza!
MULTNOMAH FALLS
It was getting dark and still rainy in the late afternoon so we didn’t get any photos of Multnomah Falls. It’s just a short drive outside Portland and well worth the 30 minute drive.
MORE PLACES TO GO IN PORTLAND
We only had one afternoon but if you are in Portland for several days here are more places to visit. We’re hoping to hit a few more on our next trip.
- International Rose Test Garden
- Oregon Zoo
- Pittock Mansion – I love visiting historic homes and buildings!
- St. Johns Bridge – Portland has LOTS of bridges. This might be the prettiest!
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
- Pearl District
- Portland Aerial Tram
- Washington Park – The zoo, museums, and many gardens are here.
- Portland Japanese Garden
- Lan Su Chinese Garden
- Forest Park – Lots of hiking here.
We’re planning to go back in the fall so I’ll share our experience if we make it to any of these.
WHERE TO STAY IN PORTLAND
Full disclosure… I haven’t stayed at any of these hotels. Our market was actually just on the other side of the river in Washington so we stayed nearby. You can read about the hotel we stayed at HERE.
Kimpton Hotel Vintage – I’ve heard great things about this one! Reviews are good. Many say they have good views.
Radisson Hotel, Airport – A mid-range price (under $150 when I checked) with great reviews.
The rest of this list were under $100 as I’m writing this. Budget hotels with good reviews.
Best Western Inn at the Meadows
Nordic Motel – Old-school type motel close to the airport.
Monticello Motel – Reviews are good but say things like “good price”, “good location”, “good for the price”, etc. Close to the airport. Good if you’re on a tight budget.
Ramada, Airport – This was actually the cheapest option at the time I was doing my research — only $58! It might have been the time of year but definitely check this one out if you’re on a budget.
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If you know of something else we should put on our list, please leave a comment and let me know. Thanks!
‘Til the next market,
Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim
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Mother Deer says
Sounds like you covered the most important places to visit in Portland 🙂 I’m fascinated by the three-door elevator in Powell’s…supposed to be one of two in the U.S.. For your next trip, I would suggest vintage shopping on Hawthorne Blvd. with a stop at the Waffle Window.
Peter Korchnak says
Try Blue Star donuts next time you’re in town, they’re way better than VD, just ask any local.
ducttapeanddenim says
I’ll add that to our list of things to do next time. Thanks!