January Destination: Portland

My 2018 New Years Resolution is to travel more. As I enter the last year of my 20's, I realize how little I've seen of the world. I've held back in order to save money or to accommodate other's schedules. This year, I decided to just go for it. I need to get outside of the Los Angeles/Orange County area each month. This city really gets to me, and I notice how much I yearn for nature, green foliage, and wide open space! I definitely took it for granted the first 22 years of my life living in Indiana.

I absolutely love Portland. This was my 4th time visiting the city, and it never gets old. I've visited during November, May, August, and January. Portland has a similar climate to Seattle. However, I don't mind the mild, rainy weather. It is definitely a refreshing change from the desert climate of LA. Rain fell all 4 days I visited Portland this month, but it was on and off and usually light rain. Portlandians pride themselves on never using an umbrella. I tried being 'hip' and went sans-umbrella my first trip to Portland, and regretted it completely after becoming drenched while waiting outside for 30+ minutes for the the infamous VooDoo doughnuts.

1. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Starting just 30 miles east of Portland, the Columbia River Gorge offers amazing vistas, hiking trails, and more than 90 waterfalls! Cruise down the I-30 towards the Bridal Veil Rd exit and turn onto the gorgeous Historic Columbia River Highway to find the famous Multnomah, Bridal Veil, Latourell and Horsetail falls just yards or a short hike from the road.

Columbia River Gorge | Waterfalls | Trails | Map

2. Powell's City of Books
This is my favorite bookstore, ever. It is the largest new and used bookstore in the world taking up an entire city block. I love spending hours getting lost in the multi-level book filled sanctuary. It even has a Rare Book Room housing books dating back to 1480.

Powell's City of Books | 1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209 | @powellsbooks

3. VooDoo Doughnut
Portland is known for 3 things: Doughnuts, Coffee, and Micro breweries. I only like 1 of those things, so I highly recommend visiting VooDoo Doughnut. It is the most iconic doughnut spot in the city, but the locals will recommend Blue Star Donuts. I've tried both, but any place that puts Oreos on top of a donut is speaking my language. It's more my style - colorful, crazy, and delicious. Blue Star is more modern, sophisticated and fancy. I don't need fancy doughnuts - I grew up on Dunkin' Donuts.

VooDoo Doughnut | 22 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204 | @voodoodoughnut

4. Pittock Mansion
I only recently visited the Pittock Mansion this month, and I completely regret not visiting sooner! Pittock Mansion is a 16,000 square foot French Renaissance style home built in 1914 for Henry Pittock. He wanted an architecturally impressive house with the latest technology - and an breathtaking view. This guy picked an amazing hill top spot for his home and had it designed to capture the view of downtown Portland and the Cascade Mountains.

Pittock Mansion | 3229 NW Pittock Drive Portland, OR 97210

5. Forest Park
Naturally, Portlandians are big tree huggers, but understandably so. The city is filled with gorgeous parks, perfect for hiking, walking the dog, or finding an escape. Forest Park is constantly voted Portland's #1 Hiking Spot and is located on the Northwest side of the city. It is the largest wooded urban park in the United States and is filled with more than 70 miles of walking and hiking trails! Sadly, the only time I have visited the park was my very first time during November 2014. We walked the popular Lower Macleay Trail in the freezing rain. Did I love it? Yes.

Forest Park | Lower Macleay Trail - NW Upshur St, Portland, OR 97210 | Trail Map

6. Aerial Tram
Another way to see spectacular views of the city is by riding the Aerial Tram. I'll be honest, I knew about this from watching The Real World: Portland. Ha. A round trip fare is $4.70, but check the website before you go! The tram is closed on Sunday, most holidays, and has limited hours of operation. I hopped on the tram during the month of May and was able to see Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, and a little bit of Mt. Reiner hiding behind Helen. Pictures do not do them justice. You must see them for yourself!

Aerial Tram | 3303 SW Bond Ave, Portland, OR 97239

7. Street Art Tour
I'll be honest, I've never been on the Street Art tour, but I want to! Just driving around Portland you will see dozens of painted murals walls that are a part of the Portland Street Art Alliance. Lots of Instagram worthy photos to be taken!

Portland Street Art Alliance | Tours | Map

8. International Rose Garden
I've never seen so many different types of roses in my entire life. I recommend visiting between Spring-Fall. I visited the garden in May with my old roommate, Kathryn. It is free to get into the park. It is quite big and gorgeous, so just enjoy the views as you search for a parking spot and trek towards the roses.