A Perfect Portland Day
I’ve lived in Portland for the majority of my life, and throughout the years I’ve thought long and hard about how I would spend my time to create a perfect day in the city. Let’s begin!
It is time to start the day in the same way all perfect days begin: brunch. In all my time in this city, I have never stepped foot in a brunch restaurant so fabulously delicious as La Petite Provence. The original and most beautiful location is found on Alberta St. However, for the sake of convenience, let us head down to Division St. The core beauty of this establishment lies in the butter croissants, which I believe are on par with those found in Paris. When enjoyed with their house jam, you really can’t go wrong. Try their hot sauce, too, while you’re at it.
If you’re a cheap nature lover like me, there’s only one way the day can go. I find the best thing about Portland is how well the beauty of Oregon has been integrated into the city, and there’s nothing Portlanders love quite as much as getting their park time in. As far as parks go, there are three main contenders. First, Mt. Tabor Park: beautiful, sprawling, and steep. You can climb all the way up to the top, but the most beautiful view of the city is certainly found near the reservoir, next to the longest set of stairs possibly ever made by man. If you’re feeling energetic, you could also head downtown into Forest Park. Take the Wildwood Trail, and you will find yourself deep in the forest, with no indication you’re in the city at all. Finally, if you’re sleepy, head to Laurelhurst Park. Another beautiful, sprawling park, but unlike Tabor this one is level, and perfect for laying around and soaking up your last bits of freedom before classes begin. A few honorable mentions include: Lone Fir Cemetery, Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Sellwood Riverfront Park, or Cathedral Park.
For the rest of the day, I’ll throw out a few more options. You could go shopping: Hawthorne Blvd is great, but also check out Hollywood Vintage, Village Merchants, or Woodstock’s very own Red Fox. You need to go to Powell’s before you graduate, so if you would like to get a head start, you can head downtown to the mothership, or visit her less intimidating counterpart on Hawthorne. If you like movies, Hollywood Theatre cannot be beat: cheap tickets, insane architecture, and unique movies. Other options include Laurelhurst Theater, Studio One, or Clinton Theater for lovers of Rocky Horror.
As far as lunch and dinner goes, it’s really hard to go wrong. Portland boasts some great cuisine, and I can’t help but agree! Some of my favorites include Pho Hung, Killer Burger, ¿Por Que No?, Paadee, or Pastini. But, once again, if you’re cheap like me, Taco Express by campus will never do you wrong, neither will a trip to some food carts.
If you’ve saved room for dessert, you need to try Salt & Straw. It’s one of those things that’s popular for a reason, especially if you try the snickerdoodle flavor. Feeling romantic? Head to Rimsky’s, and share an ice cream sundae with that special someone. Other honorable mentions include Cheese and Crack, Tart Berry, or Nectar.
If the sun hasn’t set, head back to campus and catch the last bits of daylight on the Great Lawn. Otherwise, it’s time to end this perfect day, so you can start a new one in our beautiful city!