Charlotte, North Carolina to Portland, Oregon
Oregon’s largest city, perched on the Columbia and Willamette rivers, lives in the shadow of snow-capped Mount Hood. It’s a lush, green city with characteristic funkiness and flavor. But for all the talk of Portland’s “weirdness,” it’s also an incredibly welcoming, charming spot.
Direct flights to Portland are hard to come by, so I recommend adding an extra day in to fly direct to Seattle. It’s an easy 5 and a half hour direct flight and you get the bonus of spending a night exploring the charming city on the water. From Seattle, you can take an easy, scenic drive amongst the tall pines to Portland in just around 3 hours.
STAY
The Nines is an art-forward, luxury hotel located right downtown in the central business district.
Expect a huge atrium, incredible rooftop views, artwork in every room, two restaurants (one on the 8th floor, Urban Farmer, and one on the roof, Departure) and lots of event space for weddings, meetings and events.
The rooms are stylish and large, and if you can, go for a city view room.
Once outside, you’ll find boutiques, Pearl District dining, and easy use of the eco-friendly MAX light rail.
EAT
Kachka: This buzzy little spot features an award-winning menu of “post-soviet inspired” dishes. There are classics, like smoked fishes, caviar, and vodka flights, as well as new spins on Russian dishes, like the flatbread with sheep cheese spread. The cocktail menu is stellar.
Maurice: This lunch spot is one of PDX’s most well-loved. It’s a French + Norwegian pastry luncheonette with local seafood, fluffy quiches, and tarte tatins.
St. Jack: St. Jack has been called a “true taste of Paris in Portland” for good reason. Expect a neo-bistro take on French fare, with fresh vegetables, tender meats, and flaky pastries.
EXPLORE
Each of Portland’s six quadrants is home to a different, unique kind of neighborhood feel.
Enjoy a stroll amongst the many parks, bridges and bicycle paths. The iconic Washington Park is well-worth the visit: it encompasses landmarks like the Japanese Garden, Oregon Zoo and its railway.
Portland is also home to many different microbreweries and coffeeshops that are well worth drinking your way through. We liked The Dragonfly Coffeeshop and Heart Coffee. Beer-wise, Upright and Culmintation Brewing both had unique, local selections.
If you’re looking to relax, book the sauna and a facial at Loyly, with two locations, one Northeast and one Southeast.
Travel Booking
Want more tailored help making an incredible trip happen? We recommend The Constant Wayfarer and Jessica Drew Travel.
