Portland Travel Guide

If you’re looking for a quick getaway, head to Portland this Summer!  It’s only 3 hours from Seattle and has just the right combo of adventure and leisure…with more food than you can handle.  And the best part – it’s fun for every age.

We had the opportunity of staying at River’s Edge Hotel & Spa, which is a gorgeous boutique hotel nestled on the riverfront, only a few minutes from downtown.

Our room had a beautiful balcony overlooking the Willamette Greenway Trail…

The hospitality and nature of their staff is kind and attentive.  If you’ve read my previous travel posts, you know I love getting to know the front desk or concierge – they can make your trip much easier with tips and deals.  Always be gracious to them and they will do the same.

Upon arrival we were greeted with a sampling of their best amenities – Local Wine, Chocolate-Covered Strawberries, and Cookie’s for the girls.  It’s the little things that make a hotel more than just a ‘place to stay.’  You should feel comfortable, welcome and always a little spoiled when on vacation and they perfected it.

We arrived on Friday evening, just in time for Happy Hour at Aquariva – the farm-to-table, artisan restaurant adjacent to River’s Edge Hotel.

We enjoyed cocktails and oysters on the terrace (which is riverside), followed by a delicious (& plentiful!) meal.

The contemporary award-winning Portland restaurant serves cuisine that is both seasonally inspired and beautifully presented. – River’s Edge Hotel

And for the littles…

We finished the evening with a ride along the Greenway…Fun Fact:  River’s Edge Hotel provides complimentary bike rentals during your stay!

The next morning we returned to Aquariva for breakfast…

Then ventured to the Saturday Market downtown Portland…

This is the largest continually operating outdoor arts and crafts market in the nation. Located in Portland’s historic Old Town, the Market is the most popular shopping destination for local handcrafted goods.

We offer a unique opportunity for people to meet over 350 local NW artists and craftspeople who create the art they’re selling. Live, local music and a plethora of exotic foods top off this remarkable Saturday and Sunday event. – Portland Saturday Market

Then a walk along the waterfront…

Followed by a bike ride to lunch → Elephants on Corbett…

Regarded as Portland’s finest specialty food shop and deli, Elephant’s on Corbett came highly recommended (& so close to our hotel!).  A definite gem in the South Waterfront District.

I suggest trying the new Elephant’s Bloody Mary & a local, craft beer (because Portland is known for their breweries!).

Since the weather was fantastic all weekend, we opted for another patio meal – perfect when you have kiddos!

And if that wasn’t enough, the Brunch Chef surprised us with their infamous Dutch Baby for dessert.  #WhenInPortland!

OH MY GOODNESS….amazing!

In lieu of this delicious culinary escapade (aka a typical day in Portland), I opted to spend our last morning in the Spa & Fitness Center at River’s Edge.  They offer complimentary Group Fitness Classes daily, so after a relaxing hour of yoga, I enjoyed a dip in the private jacuzzi and a few bonus minutes in the steam room.  The trip made a full circle and ended on a beautifully, rested note.

I hope our adventure has you eager (& hungry) to venture to the City of Roses – Portland, Oregon.  p.s. It is one of only three states of the contiguous United States to have a coastline on the Pacific Ocean.  Whether you prefer mountains, forests, waterfalls, beaches or lakes, Oregon should be at the top of your road trip list this Summer!

Here’s a round-up of our Portland Travel Guide:

Best Hotel:  River’s Edge Hotel & Spa

Best Breakfast:  Aquariva (Also try Slappy Cakes)

Best Brunch and/or Lunch:  Elephants on Corbett

Best Dinner and/or Cocktails:  Aquariva

Best Spa:  The Spa at River’s Edge

Favorite Pasttime:  Riding bikes along the Willamette Greenway Trail

Must-Do Weekend Activity:  Portland Saturday Market

And if you’re looking for a new road trippin’ ride – check out the Toyota 4Runner.  We borrowed the TRD Pro, which is their adventure series, for our drive to Portland.  It fit our family of 4 + tons of cargo space (including 4 bags + 2 kid bikes!).

Happy Travels!

XoXo Portia

Disclosure:  River’s Edge Hotel & Spa, Elephants on Corbett, Toyota & The Patchery graciously provided product/services to try and review.  The opinions expressed here represent my own, which I take great pride in providing pure honesty…because I’m OBSESSED with sharing the Good!