I'm trying to spend more time with my Canon 5D rather than always reaching for my iPhone for a quick snap + edit. It makes me slow down and really take in what I'm about to capture.
I decided to take my big camera with me on our recent trip to Portland. I always do (take my camera) but don't use it often, again, favoring the quick snap of my phone. But I did take more care this time and ended up with some images that bring me right back to my favorite place.
The view from our window at the ACE hotel. I love city views when I stay at hotels. Although a little noisy in the early a.m., the view and rooms dark wall with that natural light were a good trade off for me. I wouldn't stay in this room with my family though.
One thing that has become some what of a travel tradition is having fresh flowers in our room. I picked up these gorgeous anomies from Hilary Horvath Flowers located inside Alder & Co which is just a few blocks from the ACE. That dark wall!
There's also Clyde Common that's connected to the ACE. I've eaten there several times before. Food is good although I didn't enjoy their current burger as much as the one I had a few years back. It wasn't bad, just not as good as I remembered.
Tasty & Alder is my favorite. I crave their version of bibimbap (which they call bimbop) a lot. How they get that bacon to taste just like bulgogi is a mystery to me but damn, is it delicious. I've tried several items on their menu which is easy to do since they serve "small plates". I've never had a bad meal at Tasty's and that's one thing I like about this place, consistency.
More food! This was a such a treat and highly recommended by Kelly. Cheese and Crack is a fun place to visit and you leave there feeling satisfied, not overly full which is perfect when you're out adventuring around the city.
They serve cheese and crack(ers) along with mini biscuits, a selection of cured meats, olives and cornichons and sweet treats as well. Man, I love a good slice of crusty bread slathered in cheese. My mouth is watering just thinking about that tray of goodies. And they serve RC Cola which I've never had and didn't think still existed until now.
Kelly drove us to this cute little neighborhood that housed a bunch of equally cute shops like Ink & Peat and Lark Press. Lark was by far my favorite shop we visited. So inspiring and so many visual treats to purchase and drool over. If I lived in Portland, I would come here first to find a special gift for someone.
So many little nooks and crannies with interesting details. I love shops that are inviting and hold lots of visual interest.
Lot's of photos taken here because, well…it was beautiful and inspiring. :) Kelly mentioned the owner being camera friendly which I always wonder about when entering shops. I've come across a few that are NOT camera friendly so be a good guy and ask before snapping away. I always do.
Another really good place to eat is Olympic Provisions but ya gotta like meat because that's basically all they serve here. I opted for the prime rib which was sooo good. Personally for me, a really good prime rib doesn't need anything but to be roasted in simple seasonings. No frills or fuss and it was just that. Served with the smoothest mashed potatoes I've ever eaten. Meat perfection here.
Another favorite was Schoolhouse Electric. Oh man, so many good things here. You can check my IG feed for other photos. I really like that they had an RR Coffee inside too. It was a good resting spot and place to chat.
This is what I love about meeting other creative like-minded people in real life. So many ideas bounced around and overall goodness shared and these two are incredibly good people. So happy I got a chance to hang with them in my favorite city.
Some other great shops and local eats to visit while in Portland….
Powell's // I've made it a tradition to bring back books for Tyler from Powell's. I also discovered that they carry vintage/used books as well. Brought back some great vintage children's books that I reference often when designing.
Porch Light // Jamaica and I visit this shop often. They have great little vintage treasures sprinkled throughout their stationary, succulents and pottery.
Dick Blick // I like to stock up on art supplies while I'm here. Dick Blick has great prices and items I can't find at my local art store.
Salt & Straw // Kelly's go to sweet shop. :) Such interesting and delicious flavor combinations. The best part is that you can take your time and try as many flavors as you'd like without feeling rushed. Be prepared to wait in line. It's worth it.
What are some of your favorite travel traditions when visiting a favorite place? I'd love to hear about them!
Tina