Portland & the Oregon Coast

Going to Portland and the coast had been something on our "Really, Really Want To Do Soon" list. So when John got a training opportunity in Portland, OR, they quickly incorporated Sarah meeting him there into that plan. They spent a few days in the Portland area, and then headed on a whirlwind coast adventure.

Portland Hi-lights:

1st) Doughnuts and Coffee--I feel like this is just self-explanatory.

Fun Fact:  John LOVES doughnuts (especially Long Johns).  There was no doubt that Voodoo Doughnuts would be his first stop--literally! — Fun Fact: John LOVES doughnuts (especially Long Johns). There was no doubt that Voodoo Doughnuts would be his first stop--literally!

2nd: Surprise "Spoil Sarah" day! John happens to be an expert in surprising and dating his wife. So when she got off the plane and saw him waiting with flowers, a sign, and a small package--she was thrilled. He's truly her perfect match.

If you're in Portland, and would like a spa day, Sarah highly recommends: Blooming Moon Spa (no, we're not getting paid for this, don't even fret). Sarah spent her surprise day there, thanks to John, getting her first facial and pedicure. Oh, wine was included! And her pedicure lasted after multiple sandy beach days. She was impressed and would visit again.

3rd: International Rose Test Garden: FREE. Smells delicious, too! We weren't sure what to expect and are not avid gardners, but it was truly beautiful to enjoy at sunset. We were both in awe of the colors and the pungent rose aroma. Plus there was a beautiful view of Portland. Bonus date idea: Take a picnic!

Travel Tip:  Make taking your selfies look really hard, people will have pity on you.  Or, ya know, just ask someone to snap a quick photo. — *Travel Tip: Make taking your selfies look really hard, people will have pity on you. Or, ya know, just ask someone to snap a quick photo.*

4th: Eat. Portland has TONS of happy hours. We checked out Portland City Grill for a late happy hour dinner. We loved that there was a beautiful, high up view of the city. Then, we had a fun adventure trying to find our Italian dinner. We accidentally walked the wrong direction...for about 1/2 a mile. Thankfully, we have experience with this--so we laughed and hustled back. Finally we reached Piazza Italia: so, so, so delicious and totally worth the walk! (We recommend making reservations) We started with some house wine and delicious Caprese! John chose the pesto (note: no chicken at this place) and Sarah got pappardelle al cinghiale--with homemade noodles. We topped it off with some tiramisu and a joyful walk to the car.

5th: Arcade Bar! While neither of us are crazy party scene folks (hello 9:00 bed time), we did have a blast at Ground Kontrol! The arcade games are only $.25-.50! We had so much fun competing and reliving our childhood (or our parent's childhood).

5th: Powell's Books - This is one of Sarah's favorite places! She could (and probably has) spend hours in here. We came out with a fun book:

Off to the Coast
(Astoria to Yachats)

After some fun times in Portland, we headed to the coast. We reserved a room at a bed and breakfast, Thyme and Tide near Tillamook, OR. First off--the bed was incredible, and getting the room with a balcony is a must. We loved watching the sunset out there and hearing the ocean waves crashing. The best part: we got o have oatmeal and salmon frittata for breakfast! Note: So. Much. Sarcasm. Tough lesson: Always put your dietary preferences, even if you don't think it's applicable. We didn't put that we weren't big fans of oatmeal and seafood because Sarah didn't think it was necessary when she was filling out her reservation. That was rough. However, the eggs that we cut around the salmon were delicious. And this had nothing to do with the hosts, they were wonderful. Completely our fault--so just be sure to be honest and detailed if staying at a B&B.

Coastal Highlights:

Lil' Life Lesson: Make sure you check times on things you want to do! We tried to fit as much as possible into a weekend. While we succeeded, there were some crazy moments. Also, if you're hoping for gourmet food at the Tillamook Factory, lower your expectations (lactose intolerant Sarah just really loves her mac n' cheese), but do check it out. Hooray for cheese!

Petere Iredale's Ship Wreck & hang gliders

Astoria & Cannon Beach: Goonies! 'Nuff said. Just kidding. We didn't make it to Astoria because the Goonies Festival was there, which made it packed. Instead we saw the Wreck of Peter Iredale, did the automobile turn around in Seaside, and then headed to Cannon Beach, which was surprisingly empty for such a touristy/ritzy area. John loved that beach, and we had a great time just walking along and exploring.

We tried to do a whale watching tour in Depoe Bay, which sadly got canceled (Sarah shed a tear, truly!). We made the best out of it by seeing Thor's Well, and spotting a Noble Estates tasting room in Yachats ! Ok, to truly understand this significance: first time Sarah ever visited Portland she went to a beer and wine festival and tried the world's best muscat--from Noble Estates. John tried to find it when he arrived in OR, but couldn't. Sarah googled where the winery was, but was sad to find it was located in Eugene. So when they drove past a sandwich board sign that said "Noble Estates," Sarah about pulled a "jump n' roll" move from the moving vehicle. Instead, they waited until they were almost out of gas on their way back, and decided to problem solve by stopping for a tasting. $5 for 6 wines?!?! Uh, yes. Also, since it wasn't packed (meaning it was us and another guy), we all made friends. Remember: get a bottle to go.

We stumbled upon Oceanside Beach & Cape Mearas, located within 5 minutes of our Bed & Breakfast at sunset. We had so much fun hiking, taking pictures, and playing on the beach. It was beautiful. Then we came and enjoyed our balcony view with some Noble Estate wine and homemade cookies from hosts of the B&B (don't worry, they didn't have any seafood in them).

The morning before we left we woke up at 6 and...went whale watching! We were impressed with this company that we met the day our tour got canceled. They let us call at 6 am to make sure it wasn't canceled, and we learned a lot about grey whales. While we weren't able to see whales while out at sea, when we came back we heard they were spotted from Boiler Bay look out. So we drove there, and saw grey whales..for free. Then we headed to Portland to fly home, on Sarah's new favorite airline: Alaska Airlines (free wine, free luggage cart check, AND snacks. All for only an hour flight).

We barely scratched the surface of all Portland and the coast have to offer. We can't wait to go back. If you can go to a beer and wine festival there, Sarah highly recommends it! What are some of your favorite things to do there?

Chasing Time Zones,
J&S