I'm fortunate enough to live in Portland, Oregon, a city chock full of natural beauty, intimate dining, and incredible food. I’ve compiled a list of a few of my favorite restaurants, coffeeshops, local hikes, and even the best farmers market (they allow dogs!) for you to get an idea of how I like to spend my time when I'm not at the shop.
City Guide: Portland
By Brookes Boswell
Hiking the Marquam Trail
The Marquam Trail is a hidden gem in Portland. If you like Forest Park, you'll love this network of trails that pop in and out of neighborhoods, navigate the slopes of the west hills and can even connect Tryon Creek with Forest Park and the Wildwood trail. I spend weekday mornings with my dog hiking various sections and I especially love it in winter when the west hills are coated in fog and drizzle and we have the trails to ourselves.
Roseline Coffee
I'm a sucker for a mid-morning caffeinated beverage and I especially love the new Roseline space on NE Davis Street. It's charming, has a great patio and I can't resist the Nouvre pastries that stock their bakery case.
Someday Bar
In the winter I’m a big fan of cozy, warm and candlelit comfortable spaces. Someday exists somewhere between a restaurant and a bar, which makes you feel welcome to have a snack with your cocktail or a full-blown meal and linger over a glass of wine without feeling rushed. Plus in the summer their patio is the best in Portland.
Bauman's on Oak
Bauman's Cider's restaurant is a new favorite. The food is top notch, it’s fun to try a cider tasting, their outdoor patio is great in the summer and it’s usually pretty chill in the restaurant. I’ve yet to try their pizza on Sundays, but I hear that it’s to die for.
Hollywood Farmer's Market
Saturday mornings is where I go to stock up on produce for the week. This particular market is on the smaller side, there’s quite a few serious produce farmers, but best of all they allow dogs after 10 am, so our whole family can tag along.
Bosky Dell & Cistus Nurseries
If the weather isn’t conducive to working in my garden on the weekends, then I like to visit nurseries. My two favorites are Bosky Dell Natives in West Linn and Cistus Nursery on Sauvie Island. Bosky Dell is a really fun nursery to poke around, if you’re into native plants. They always have a great selection, are nice and helpful and they have a small native garden for inspiration. Cistus Nursery has rare and interesting plants that are selected for growing well in Portland. Their garden is also incredible. In the summer, it’s nice to pair this nursery visit with a swim on the island.
