Posts made in February, 2013
Hawthorne is old school cool.
Hawthorne is the granddaddy of cool Portland neighborhoods. Back when the Pearl district was just a gleam in some developer’s eye, Hawthorne was already attracting artists, trendsetters, and fashionistas to parade the streets and sell their wares. On the day I visited, a man was sketching portraits on the fly for a few bucks, and despite it cold, dreary weather a young couple had stopped to take him up on the offer. For all its bustle, Hawthorne offers more of everything that gives Portland its charm. Dining No matter what your dietary predilection, the Cup and Saucer Cafe as your brunch covered. The lines are sometimes long, but a hot, sweet, and slightly vanilla flavored scone will keep body and soul together while you wait. Vegan hotcakes with a side of tofu scramble? Check. Sustainable ethos and affordability? Checkity-check! Three Doors Down Cafe is another old school Hawthorne institution. With a relaxed vibe, but an impressive menu this is your go-to place for a special evening. Trendier restaurants have come and gone, but 3 Doors Down Cafe keeps its customers coming back for food that’s consistently delicious and service that is reliably thoughtful. Shopping Need a retro 80s hair metal t-shirt or bedazzled Christmas sweater for a theme party? Or perhaps you just like your fashion on the funkier side. The Red Light Clothing Exchange has proven to be something of a one-stop shop for used clothing, with an eye for quality and affordability. With a huge inventory in a wide-range of eras and styles, it is hard to walk out empty-handed. If it is true that there’s a link between your memory and your sense of smell, then you could say that Escential Oils and Lotions is a room full of delicious future memories. Get their custom scented soaps and lotions in travel size for an upcoming trip and relive those vacation memories any time in the shower. Or just mix up your perfect signature blend from the many perfume and essential oils. For the footwear connoisseur, Hawthorne offers Imelda’s and Louie’s Shoes, two shops that will give you plenty of “foot candy” to lust for. From shiny, leather boots to perfectly elegant pumps, there’s so much to see at Imelda’s. Louie’s, next door, offers the same quality of designer footwear to keep the men looking sharp too. Presents of Mind offers unique gifts for just about every type of person. A fun mix of clothing and accessories plus stationary, books and novelties, this shop carries a great selection of items made by local designers, so there are plenty of ways to show your Portland pride. Entertainment The Bagdad Theater and Pub represents the genius of the McMenamins chain: combining a historic building with food and brew. In this case, the building is a gorgeous Golden Era theater decorated in stunning Mediterranean designs and colorful mosaics, but if that’s not enough for you there’s always the $3 movies and beer. During the summer, the outdoor seating offers perhaps the best people watching in the whole...
Read MoreOregon is for lovers.
Valentine’s Day is almost upon us. If you haven’t yet made plans to wow your Valentine, here are some suggestions for a quiet and romantic evening in three uniquely Oregon settings, all about a one-hour drive from Portland. Multnomah Falls Lodge Judging by the popularity of Multnomah Falls Lodge as a wedding site, there’s something decidedly romantic about this majestic waterfall nestled in the Gorge. The lodge offers a special Valentine’s Day dinner menu, and this year the featured entrees include dry aged prime rib, wild Alaskan salmon with locally made crab and artichoke ravioli or an exotic Moroccan stew with butternut squash, almonds and apricots. Bonneville Hot Springs For something a little more indulgent, why not journey just a few miles up the road to Bonneville Hot Springs? They offer a number of romantic getaway packages in different price ranges. If you’re wanting “the works” then you’ll want to check out the Ultimate Romance and Spa Package that includes a dozen roses, a bottle of champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, an in-room massage for both of you, and breakfast in bed the next day. The Oregon Garden There’s nothing more romantic than a garden. A beautiful garden conjures images of by-gone era when love-lorn poets retreated to nature for inspiration. Treat the inspiration in your life to the Sweet Dreams Package at The Oregon Garden Resort which includes a night’s stay, admission to the garden, a 50 minute massage, desert to share, and a full breakfast buffet in the morning. A petit bouquet of roses and tulips, four French-milled heart shaped soaps, and a pair of Moonstruck chocolates will set the mood, and the late check-out will no doubt come in handy! Real estate can be romantic too! What could be more romantic than this NW alphabet district condo? Perfectly situated between Nob Hill and the Pearl District, you’ll be just a romantic stroll away from the best upscale dining, art galleries, and entertainment. Listed by Lisa Owens at Realty Trust Group. Contact Lisa by phone at 503.312.2330 or by email at lowens@realtytrust.com. Want to see for yourself? Contact me for a...
Read MoreThe Magic of Mississippi
Mississippi is gloriously eclectic, and far enough off the beaten path to make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a world where the city has merged with nature to become something beautiful and new.
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