A Fun Weekend in Portland

Weekend getaways are like mini adventures packed with excitement, and Portland, Oregon, offers a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be uncovered. Here’s a summary of what we did. I’ve grouped our activities by theme to help you plan your own Pacific Northwest adventure.

Where We Stayed: The Duniway – A Hilton Boutique Hotel

Our basecamp for this escapade was The Duniway, a Hilton Boutique Hotel, nestled in the heart of Portland. This chic retreat not only rolls out the welcome mat for our four-legged friends but also spoils us humans with a plethora of top-notch amenities.

An Inviting Lobby

Upon arrival, we were immediately drawn to the hotel’s cozy lobby, adorned with plush seating and a welcoming bar—an ideal spot for unwinding after a day of exploration. The Duniway also boasts a well-equipped gym, an indoor pool, and a serene open seating area named Abigail’s Hideaway, where I spent an afternoon lost in a good book, basking in the fresh air.

Spacious Comfort

Our room was a sanctuary of spaciousness, featuring a king-sized bed, a comfortable seating area complete with a couch and a workspace, a sleek bathroom, and awe-inspiring city views. Moreover, it came complete with convenient in-room amenities such as a safe, a fridge, and a coffee maker. Housekeeping was available upon request, but they were quick to provide us with extra towels when needed

Dining Delights

During our three-night stay, we took advantage of breakfast and dinner credits, redeemable at Mayrose, the onsite restaurant, or Hop City Tavern, tucked away in the Hilton Hotel across the street.

Food and Drink: Satisfy Your Culinary Cravings

Ken’s Artisan Pizza

Ranked the world’s #2 pizza joint, Ken’s lived up to the hype. We waited about 30 minutes for our table, but time flew as we sipped Pinot Gris in the cozy waiting area. For dinner, we couldn’t resist their pizza and ordered a Prosciutto and a New Yorker pie.

Fifty Licks Ice Cream

While not a must-visit, this ice cream shop is a short walk from Ken’s Artisan Pizza and a decent spot for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Mayrose

We kicked off our days here with breakfast, and let me tell you, everything on the menu looked delicious. We tried the Keto Breakfast Bowl, Open Faced Breakfast Club, Homegrown Granola with Greek Yogurt and Berries, Blueberry Crumb Cake, Eggs Benedict with Lox, and Eggs Benedict with Sweetheart Ham – all on different days, of course!

Rimsky-Korsa Koffee House

If you’re up for a late-night coffee run, this quirky spot is a must-visit. Don’t forget to check out their unique upstairs bathroom!

Capital One Cafe

Among the many Capital One Cafes I’ve visited across the country, this one stands out. With two stories and a fall drink menu that had me hooked, I couldn’t resist the Pumpkin Pie Latte.

Muji

A Japanese retail store offering clothing and home goods, but the real star here is Artly, the robot barista. While it might take a bit of time to get your order due to Artly’s solo act, the experience is worth it.

Ramen Ryoma

If traditional ramen is what you crave, Ramen Ryoma delivers an oh-so-good experience.

Hop City Tavern

Utilizing some of our dining credits, we discovered that Hop City Tavern is the perfect spot for sharing appetizers and drinks with friends.

Sushi Ichiban

At Sushi Ichiban, the sushi rolls travel on a circular chef counter via a toy train. It’s a whimsical twist on dining that adds a unique flavor to your sushi experience.

Voodoo Doughnut

Synonymous with Portland, Voodoo Doughnut is another sweet spot that’s perfect for indulging your sweet tooth.

Bluestar Doughnut

Located conveniently near the Portland Aerial Tram (see below), Bluestar Doughnut is an ideal place to grab a gourmet doughnut and a cup of coffee. Their mission is to craft gourmet doughnuts with fresh herbs, spices, fruits, and liquors in unique combinations, offering a doughnut experience unlike any other.

Activities: Dive into the Portland Vibe

Swift Bird Watch

Prepare to be awestruck as swifts have been roosting in the Chapman Elementary School Chimney during their migration south since 1982. Although our visit in early October last year still showcased a few thousand birds, September is the prime time to witness this spectacle. During our visit, over 11,000 swifts descended for the night. You truly have to experience it in person to comprehend its magnificence. Plan your visit accordingly, arriving a couple of hours before sunset, especially on weekends, to secure a prime viewing spot. Don’t forget to pack a picnic dinner and be ready to be amazed! The Audubon Society is on hand to answer all your swift-related questions.

Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade

Step back in time to the ’80s at Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade, where old-school video games and pinball machines await. There’s even a bar and food available. Everyone’s welcome, but after 5pm, it’s a 21-and-older affair.

Portland Aerial Tram

Take a quick and easy ride to catch breathtaking views of the city and beyond. Keep in mind that you can’t enter the hospital unless you have a reason (like being a hospital staff member or visitor), so plan accordingly. I recommend going early to beat the crowds. We went up at 9am on a Saturday, and by the time we descended before 10am, there was already a line forming.

Portland Timbers Game

If you happen to be in town during soccer season, don’t miss the chance to experience the energy of a Portland Timbers game. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local sports culture.

Shopping: Retail Therapy

Staying in the downtown area offers a plethora of opportunities for indulging in retail therapy. Muji, as mentioned earlier, is a fantastic place to explore and perhaps pick up a few unique items. Additionally, you’ll find several nationally recognized retail chains nearby.

Portland Saturday Market

This bustling market is home to an array of local vendors offering artwork, jewelry, bath products, and more. It’s not just about shopping; there are also delicious food and drink trucks, and some vendors even offer mouthwatering samples.

Getting Around: Convenience is Key

For transportation, we relied on Uber, the streetcar, and did a whole lot of walking. It’s a great way to explore the city and soak in its unique charm.

So, what have you done in Portland that we should add to our list for next time? Share your Portland adventures and let’s keep the weekend getaway inspiration rolling!

If you’d like a budget-friendly one-day guide to a day in Portland then check out this post.