Wow! You want to see us get married, and that makes us very happy indeed! Here’s the itinerary for the big events. But a wedding only lasts so long . . . What else should you do in the City of Roses? If you’re coming from out of town, we’re including an extra page of information. We want to show you the best Portland has to offer: places to stay and eat, things to do and see.
Places to Eat
Portland is brunch-city! Here are a few of our favorite places to devour french toast, drink coffee and fresh OJ, and sip on Mimosas! Don’t be surprised if you have to wait—weekend brunch is extremely popular. All of these places are open until late in the afternoon, and all but Helser’s, Zell’s, and the Bijou serve dinner.Places to eat!Near the Kennedy School on Alberta you can choose from Helser’s (recently voted Portland’s Best Breakfast by Citysearch, they have a delicious eggs benedict), or the Tin Shed (try one of the scrambles or the sweet potato french toast). Near the Jupiter Hotel there’s Colleen’s Bistro (excellent crumpets), the Doug Fir, or Zell’s (get the Dutch Baby pancake). If you are staying downtown, you should check out the Bijou Café’s delicious fluffy omelettes.
Out shopping on Alberta Street? Walk up to La Sirenita or La Bonita for some muy buen comida. Enjoying Mississippi Avenue’s boutiques? Get a beer and a sausage at Amnesia Brew Pub, travel to Italy at Lorenzo’s, eat three tacos at Porque No?, or grab a slice at Mississipi Pizza Pub. If you want a high-class environment for a little less dough, try eating at the bar at Higgin’s or SouthPark. The same kitchen makes the food, so it’s just as yummy.
Searching for something sweet? Check out Pix Patisserie (two locations)! Amy worked there for a long time, and she highly recommends it. Don’t pass up the chocolates—or the cocktails! Next door is the 5th Quadrant, which has some amazing beer and meatloaf.
Coffee? Stumptown Coffee Roasters has a shop downtown, right next to the Bijou Café, as well as two shops in Southeast. We also really love the Albina Press (near our house), Random Order (they have some good sandwiches here), Tiny’s Coffee (one near the Jupiter and one near our house), and the Fresh Pot (one shop in Powell’s on Hawthorne, one on Mississippi).
Places to Stay
The Jupiter Hotel — Feeling hip? This boutique hotel is best for the younger, rowdier set. It can get noisy at night, seeing as how it’s right above a bar/restaurant/music venue. However, it’s a very fun place for an after party! You can get the most delicious chicken fried steak or one of their infamous “Fir Burgers” if you’re hungry. The other benefit is that it is very close to the Holocene (walking distance) but more of a jaunt to our house.
http://www.jupiterhotel.com or (877) 800-0004
The Kennedy School — This former elementary school has been converted into a hotel, bar, restaurant, movie theater, and soaking pool all in one prototypical Portland Experience. This is a great spot to get a peaceful night’s sleep. The comfy guestrooms are fashioned from former classrooms (complete with original chalkboards and cloakrooms, private baths, telephones and modems). There’s a lovely park nearby, and it’s close to Alberta and Fremont, two of Portland’s hippest streets.
http://www.mcmenamins.com or (888) 249-3983
Hotel Lucia is one of Portland’s more luxurious hotels. It’s a little pricier, but it’s got tons of amenities. It’s a quiet oasis in the middle of downtown, close to Pioneer Place Mall, movie theaters, and the Saturday and Farmers Markets. It’s not far from the wedding, and it’s a five minute drive or fifteen minute bus ride from our house. Rooms are available at a reduced rate.
http://www.hotellucia.com/ or (877) 225-1717
If none of the hotels at which we’ve reserved rooms tickles you fancy, you can always stay at the Heathman Hotel. This classic and classy Portland hotel is known for its service. You can choose the types of bed and pillows you want (seriously!), and if you want to bring Fluffy or Fido along, this is the place for you! They have a world-class restaurant which is worth checking out.
http://www.heathmanhotel.com/
Things to do
Portland is surrounded by wondrous beauty! One of our favorite spots is the Columbia Gorge and Multnomah Falls, about a 45 minute drive east of town on I-84. Perhaps a group of you will make the excursion on Saturday morning. In town outdoorsy options include Mt. Tabor park in Southeast, and the always beautiful Rose Garden, just up the hill from downtown.
Want to shop? Try Mississippi Avenue, Alberta Street, NW 23rd, Pioneer Place. . . or better yet, support local artisans by browsing the Saturday (and Sunday) Market or the Farmers Market, both located downtown. Big readers can’t visit Portland without seeing Powell’s books (Downtown or on Hawthorne).Places to stay!Chris and Amy have picked out three wonderful places for you to stay. Be sure to mention our wedding to get reduced rates.