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Ditch the Grind, Unwind in Coffee, Snowy Peaks & Sunsets 🌿

Day 1: Downtown Wandering + Coastal Sunset | Kick Off the Chill with Brunch & Golden Light The second you land in Portland, toss aside the “hurry-up” mindset—first stop: Proud Mary Cafe for a lazy brunch to set the vacation tone đŸ„ž. Order their signature ricotta hotcakes (crispy outside, fluffy inside, slathered in lemon ricotta sauce) and a pour-over Ethiopian coffee (bright acidity with jasmine notes). Even the foam on the coffee rim feels intentional. A local guy at the next table said, “This brunch cures a week of stress”—and he was right; the first bite melted away all travel tiredness. After eating, wander downtown’s quiet streets. Twisted Croissant & Patisserie is a carb lover’s dream: fresh-baked croissants crackle with every bite, and the almond croissant’s glaze is sweet (not cloying) with nutty crunch. Pop into Muji (housed in a charming old building, quieter than big-city locations) and Kiriko Made (a tiny Japanese craft shop with lovely glassware and linen scarves)—even window-shopping feels calming. For your afternoon caffeine fix, hit Less and More Coffee and try their signature “injoelme latte”: rich espresso mixed with oat milk and a hint of vanilla syrup, perfectly balanced. The biggest surprise? Adidas Employee Store! Book ahead via the app, grab a discount code at the door, and get 50% off everything—sneakers, apparel, you name it. They have way more styles than downtown stores (vintage runners, trendy dad shoes
), and everyone in our group left with 2 pairs—total steal 👟! In the evening, drive to Cannon Beach for sunset. Spot the giant Haystack Rock rising from the ocean as you approach; the sun dips low, painting the water gold and pink 🌅. Sit on a rock, feel the salty breeze on your face, and watch the sky fade from orange to purple. Every phone photo looks like a movie still—moments like this make “doing nothing” feel perfect. Day 2: Mt. Hood Scenic Drive | Breathe in Mountain & Waterfall Fresh Air No early alarms—start slow with breakfast from Tanaka (thick-sliced roast beef + melted cheese in a fresh sourdough roll, spiced with a zesty mustard sauce—juicy enough to lick your fingers đŸ„Ș). Grab two cold brews from Case Study Coffee (Colombian beans with nutty, chocolatey notes) for the road—refreshing and not bitter. First stop on the Mt. Hood loop: Multnomah Falls. Step onto the viewing platform, and mist from the double-tiered waterfall hits your face—cool and invigorating 🌊. The green pool at the base glows in the sun; stand on the wooden boardwalk, listen to the water rush, and even your voice softens. Next, Little Crater Lake (nicknamed “Mini Jiuzhaigou”) lives up to the hype: crystal-clear blue water shines like a sapphire tucked in the forest. Picnic at the nearby campground—spread out your snacks, let sunlight filter through the trees, and suddenly a simple sandwich tastes amazing. By afternoon, reach Trillium Lake on a sunny day—Mt. Hood’s snow-capped peak reflects perfectly in the lake. White mountains, blue water, green pines—every casual photo looks like a postcard đŸ”ïž. Walk half the lake’s loop, breathe in the pine-scented air, and watch anglers cast lines—time slows down here. End the day back downtown at Afuri Ramen. Order the signature Yuzu-Shio (yuzu salt) ramen and Yuzu-Tsuyu (yuzu dipping) ramen—thick dipping noodles coated in rich yuzu sauce (seafoody and bright), while the ramen broth is light with tender chashu pork. Pair with icy yuzu limeade—all day’s tiredness melts away with every slurp 🍜. Day 3: Japanese Garden Stroll + City Walk | Wrap Up with Coffee & a Feast Take it even slower on day 3—morning at Portland Japanese Garden, the city’s most peaceful spot 🌿. Raked white sand in the zen garden looks like waves, cherry blossom shadows (if you visit in season) dance on stone paths, and the rustle of bamboo feels like a whisper. Sit on a wooden bench, watch light shift over moss, and just daydream—no plans needed. Noon means “coffee & bakery hopping”: Abba Coffee Roaster: Their salted cream latte is a game-changer—creamy, salty, and balanced with espresso’s bitterness ☕. The black sesame latte tastes like “liquid sesame paste” (in the best way)—rich but not heavy. Sterling Coffee Roaster: A tiny spot with 3-4 tables—their cold brew has a faint berry tang, perfect for sipping by the window. Ken’s Artisan Bakery: Don’t miss the peach tart—thin, crispy crust, fresh juicy peaches, and light cream (not too sweet). We ate two slices without stopping đŸ„§. End the trip with dinner at Lechon, a Latin fusion spot that sends you home happy đŸ„©. Their signature roasted pork shank has a crackly crust and tender, pull-apart meat—pair with tangy pineapple salsa to cut grease. Try the corn tortillas with slow-cooked beef (fall-off-the-bone tender, wrapped in warm tortillas). By the end, we’re all full and grinning: “This trip fed both our tummies and souls.” #Portland #PortlandTravel #PortlandEats #PortlandScenery #Oregon #WeekendEscape #MtHood #CoastalSunse

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Camille Dubois
Camille Dubois
3 months ago
Camille Dubois
Camille Dubois
3 months ago
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Ditch the Grind, Unwind in Coffee, Snowy Peaks & Sunsets 🌿

Day 1: Downtown Wandering + Coastal Sunset | Kick Off the Chill with Brunch & Golden Light The second you land in Portland, toss aside the “hurry-up” mindset—first stop: Proud Mary Cafe for a lazy brunch to set the vacation tone đŸ„ž. Order their signature ricotta hotcakes (crispy outside, fluffy inside, slathered in lemon ricotta sauce) and a pour-over Ethiopian coffee (bright acidity with jasmine notes). Even the foam on the coffee rim feels intentional. A local guy at the next table said, “This brunch cures a week of stress”—and he was right; the first bite melted away all travel tiredness. After eating, wander downtown’s quiet streets. Twisted Croissant & Patisserie is a carb lover’s dream: fresh-baked croissants crackle with every bite, and the almond croissant’s glaze is sweet (not cloying) with nutty crunch. Pop into Muji (housed in a charming old building, quieter than big-city locations) and Kiriko Made (a tiny Japanese craft shop with lovely glassware and linen scarves)—even window-shopping feels calming. For your afternoon caffeine fix, hit Less and More Coffee and try their signature “injoelme latte”: rich espresso mixed with oat milk and a hint of vanilla syrup, perfectly balanced. The biggest surprise? Adidas Employee Store! Book ahead via the app, grab a discount code at the door, and get 50% off everything—sneakers, apparel, you name it. They have way more styles than downtown stores (vintage runners, trendy dad shoes
), and everyone in our group left with 2 pairs—total steal 👟! In the evening, drive to Cannon Beach for sunset. Spot the giant Haystack Rock rising from the ocean as you approach; the sun dips low, painting the water gold and pink 🌅. Sit on a rock, feel the salty breeze on your face, and watch the sky fade from orange to purple. Every phone photo looks like a movie still—moments like this make “doing nothing” feel perfect. Day 2: Mt. Hood Scenic Drive | Breathe in Mountain & Waterfall Fresh Air No early alarms—start slow with breakfast from Tanaka (thick-sliced roast beef + melted cheese in a fresh sourdough roll, spiced with a zesty mustard sauce—juicy enough to lick your fingers đŸ„Ș). Grab two cold brews from Case Study Coffee (Colombian beans with nutty, chocolatey notes) for the road—refreshing and not bitter. First stop on the Mt. Hood loop: Multnomah Falls. Step onto the viewing platform, and mist from the double-tiered waterfall hits your face—cool and invigorating 🌊. The green pool at the base glows in the sun; stand on the wooden boardwalk, listen to the water rush, and even your voice softens. Next, Little Crater Lake (nicknamed “Mini Jiuzhaigou”) lives up to the hype: crystal-clear blue water shines like a sapphire tucked in the forest. Picnic at the nearby campground—spread out your snacks, let sunlight filter through the trees, and suddenly a simple sandwich tastes amazing. By afternoon, reach Trillium Lake on a sunny day—Mt. Hood’s snow-capped peak reflects perfectly in the lake. White mountains, blue water, green pines—every casual photo looks like a postcard đŸ”ïž. Walk half the lake’s loop, breathe in the pine-scented air, and watch anglers cast lines—time slows down here. End the day back downtown at Afuri Ramen. Order the signature Yuzu-Shio (yuzu salt) ramen and Yuzu-Tsuyu (yuzu dipping) ramen—thick dipping noodles coated in rich yuzu sauce (seafoody and bright), while the ramen broth is light with tender chashu pork. Pair with icy yuzu limeade—all day’s tiredness melts away with every slurp 🍜. Day 3: Japanese Garden Stroll + City Walk | Wrap Up with Coffee & a Feast Take it even slower on day 3—morning at Portland Japanese Garden, the city’s most peaceful spot 🌿. Raked white sand in the zen garden looks like waves, cherry blossom shadows (if you visit in season) dance on stone paths, and the rustle of bamboo feels like a whisper. Sit on a wooden bench, watch light shift over moss, and just daydream—no plans needed. Noon means “coffee & bakery hopping”: Abba Coffee Roaster: Their salted cream latte is a game-changer—creamy, salty, and balanced with espresso’s bitterness ☕. The black sesame latte tastes like “liquid sesame paste” (in the best way)—rich but not heavy. Sterling Coffee Roaster: A tiny spot with 3-4 tables—their cold brew has a faint berry tang, perfect for sipping by the window. Ken’s Artisan Bakery: Don’t miss the peach tart—thin, crispy crust, fresh juicy peaches, and light cream (not too sweet). We ate two slices without stopping đŸ„§. End the trip with dinner at Lechon, a Latin fusion spot that sends you home happy đŸ„©. Their signature roasted pork shank has a crackly crust and tender, pull-apart meat—pair with tangy pineapple salsa to cut grease. Try the corn tortillas with slow-cooked beef (fall-off-the-bone tender, wrapped in warm tortillas). By the end, we’re all full and grinning: “This trip fed both our tummies and souls.” #Portland #PortlandTravel #PortlandEats #PortlandScenery #Oregon #WeekendEscape #MtHood #CoastalSunse

Portland
Proud Mary Cafe
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