Guess who is back on InnLove? You guessed it! Christi!
This time we will be traveling to the West Coast, my favorite, but more specifically, the PNW! First stop, Seattle, Washington, a city filled with Ferry Boats, evergreens and rain. Let me just start off by saying this was my first time in Seattle and I had a HUGE list of things I wanted to see and do in the 1 day I had to spend there. NOT. ENOUGH. TIME. I will be going back to venture throughout Washington and the National Parks.
Things I recommend if you have never been to Seattle:
WALK! I recommend this because you can hit up so many places you wouldn’t even see if driving. You should definitely take in the touristy areas: Pike Place Market (where you can find the Original Starbucks! Opened in 1971. Don’t tell anyone but I didn’t want to stand in line, I just went to the Starbucks across the street. You can also find a place called Beecher’s Handmade Cheese. Go in! and eat the Mac and Cheese, even if you are lactose intolerant, just do it! Pike Place Market you can plan to spend hours at just taking it all in.), The Space Needle at Seattle Center (if you get the chance, eat at SkyCity Restaurant, if not, just head on up to the Observation Deck and take in the sights of Seattle from 520 feet up! It was windy for sure, but I captured picture after picture and even had a glass a wine at the top.) and the Seattle Great Wheel (for a different viewpoint of the city).
I hope you have more time than I did to take in all the unique and beautiful things that make Seattle great, but I was on to my next destination as quickly as I arrived. PORTLAND, OREGON. Now this is a place that has captured my heart.
Let me just start off by saying, I was like a little giggly girl on my drive from Seattle to Portland! WATERFALLS, MORE EVERGREENS, MOUNTAINS, OH MY! This girl was InnLove and the giggling did not stop until I arrived at the airport for my flight home… 5 days later. I just love Portland. This however was not my first time in Portland.
I picked up a friend (Lauren) at the airport and then we were off to explore! On this trip, we got a fill of all different types of hospitality. From the great customer service at the Courtyard Portland City Center, to the extra-large room and cookies at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland- Beaverton, and my all-time favorite, Caravan- The Tiny House Hotel!
The Caravan- The Tiny House Hotel- Let me just start off by saying WOW. If you ever find yourself in Portland in the Alberta Arts District, find this place and stay in it! But you must book in advance because they are a popular commodity. If you don’t get the chance to stay, go take a tour! This is the COOLEST little community of 6 tiny houses! We stayed in The Tandem, a beautiful 160 sq. ft. tiny house with a homey, comfortable vibe and any amenity you may need for your stay! The other tiny houses are The Caboose, Pacifica, Rosebud, Skyline and Kangablue. All have their own unique look and design but from the outside, I found the Pacifica breathtaking with its stained glass and unique cedar-shingled exterior! I plan to return and try to stay in it or one of the others. They even had outside seating and a fire pit with a SMORE STATION. People, let me tell you, they thought of it all. Such a unique and memorable experience.
While you’re in the Alberta Arts District, make sure to make your way to Pine State Biscuits (although there are multiple locations around Portland besides this one, but if you see a line don’t hesitate to wait! You won’t regret it.), Salt and Straw (which most likely will also have a line) or stop by The Bye and Bye and sit on the patio for a tasty cocktail and a comfortable vibe. While I love me some Portland in general, Alberta Arts District is a favorite for certain.
Downtown is where you will find the newly renovated Courtyard Portland City Center where we spent two nights of our trip. The staff was exceptionally helpful, the décor and art fantastic, the beds cozy, and the location was in walking distance to everything. March 17… Some of you may know what this was this year, St. Patty’s Day! My friend Lauren loves St. Patty’s Day and wanted to get a traditional Portland St. Patrick’s Day experience, so we found our way to Kells Irish Pub! If you happen to find yourself in Portland, Oregon on St. Patty’s Day 2018, go to Kells. Luckily, we had insider scoop to go early and stake out a table because the place got PACKED. It was such an awesome atmosphere and there was no need to worry about having too much green on. The Irish in me came out when Beglan & Murray would play their traditional Irish songs (I find them fascinating) and I even got up for a quick dance with the Irish Dancers. The whole thing was an experience I won’t forget, I was even reunited with the same Kells’ Bagpipers 2 days later at my 15k Shamrock Run! (Of course I had to plan a trip around a race and this was a hell of a one to choose, we ran up a mountain. I honestly don’t know why I was surprised though.)
You may have guessed March 17, but I’m sure many of you don’t know what March 18 happened to be. I bet you won’t guess… National Corndog Day, which was started in 1992 in Oregon! We had the chance to experience firsthand an Oregon Corndog Day party with lots of March Madness and Nike galore. (speaking of Nike, if you ever get the chance to tour the “campus” it is spectacular! I mean what other company has a slide coming off of their second-floor parking garage, Nike does!)
Of course, I could go on and on. But I’ll leave you with a few of these other hits in and around Portland area: Voodoo Donuts! Powell’s City of Books! (If I were a store, I’d be Powell’s, 100%.) Tax Free Shopping! (So much shopping, but Boys’ Fort had a wide range of unique gifts.) Many, many parks and sights! (Forest Park, Mt. Tabor, Washington Park and Pittock Mansion were a few we took in. Those views though.) Golden Valley Brewery! (Of course, there are a bazillion in and around Portland but this is one of my favorites in Beaverton) Jim and Patty’s Coffee! (try the hipsters delight) Helvetia Tavern! (for a delicious burger and a beer) The bridges! The waterfront and waterfalls! And the White Stag Portland Sign!
Lastly, if you get the chance, drive out to the coast to Cannon Beach. If you are like me and love the outdoors, it is sure to be a trip you won’t forget! So beautiful.
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”