GO AHEAD, TAP THAT CLASS
GO AHEAD, TAP THAT CLASS
Portland, Oregon, is the 26th largest city by population in the United States and the sixth largest on the west coast.
When I shared with friends that I was traveling to Portland, I was often asked if I was traveling to Portland, Oregon, or Portland, Maine. I didn’t think I needed to be specific about the state, but obviously, I was wrong. But even more weird is that on this trip, I learned that Portland, Oregon, is named after Portland, Maine, and it was all decided on three coin flips. Francis Pettygrove and Asa Lovejoy were the city’s founders, and each wanted to name the city after their hometown. Pettygrove was from Portland, Maine, and Lovejoy was from Boston, Massachusetts.
So, like any rationale adults would do – they decided to allow three coin flips to determine what their newly founded city would be named, and obviously, Pettygrove won – WELCOME TO PORTLAND, OREGON.
Accommodations: For this trip, I was traveling for work, so I had to pick a place that was discretely BOUJEE, and I think I did a pretty good job selecting a place. I wanted to stay in a walkable area to shopping and restaurants, so I decided on the Canopy by Hilton on Pearl Street.
I loved the decor of the hotel. It was modern with just the right hint of rustic to it. I even loved the fact that the entrance to the lobby was secure. You had to use your room key or have the valet bellman allow you into the lobby. It was extremely safe!
The room was so pleasant and clean. I loved the fact there wasn’t an awkward closet; instead, in the entryway, there was a hanging rack where you could also put your suitcase. It was fantastic, and other hotels should take note of this to have it in more hotels.
There were two large sliding barn-style doors in the hotel room. One divided the sleeping space from the entryway and bathroom sink, and the other created a private toilet and shower area.
Portland is known for being very focused on sustainability; therefore, you won’t find water bottles in your hotel room. Instead, there is a glass container and glasses in your room that you fill by using the water and ice station in the hallway. It was the first time I experienced something like this, so it was a new experience!
And don’t tell Rudy, but dogs are warmly welcomed at Canopy by Hilton. If you bring your little fido with you, they will hang this cute little sign outside your door, and inside your room, a dog bed and dishes will be waiting for your travel companion. Portland is similar to Colorado in that they welcome dogs almost anywhere.
Nob Hill is an adorable place to go shopping at local boutiques – with a few national places thrown in, like Cotopaxi. Nob Hill is home to many Victorian-style homes converted into restaurants and boutiques. They are unique and have a ton of character to them. The bonus is that it is walkable from the Pearl District, where the Canopy Hilton Hotel is located.
I could spend hours shopping in little local boutiques in any city – plus, supporting local business owners is essential to me.
One of my favorite shops was Hip Hound Barkery. If you are a fan of BEING BOUJEE, I shouldn’t have to say more than just the store name to know why I loved it. Rudy was spoiled by my shopping experience there.
I am not a massive fan of Keen Shoes, but their headquarters are in Portland, Oregon, and their flagship store is in Pearl District. I didn’t go into the store, but it looked massive.
The “We Stand Together” message outside of their building concerns their commitment to stand with the people of Ukraine. I love a company with a passion, so I might have to check out a pair of Keens shortly.
When shopping, chips and queso always hit the spot, so when I saw a Mexican restaurant when exploring Nob Hill, I had to refuel. Was it memorable? Eh. But it hit the spot for me at that moment. How can you screw up chips and queso, right?
This is a counter-order restaurant, and they bring it to your table. Connected to the restaurant is a bar with TVs, so if you want to get caught up on a sporting event, this would be a spot to do it on Nob Hill. Plus, there are picnic tables outside on the sidewalk so that you can enjoy your food and the fantastic weather simultaneously.
Are you looking for one of the best ice cream places in Portland? You don’t have to travel far if shopping on Nob Hill because you will find Salt & Straw there. If you stop by there and the line isn’t wrapped around the building, you are fortunate. Each day, they have a variety of flavors available – the day I stopped by, there wasn’t anything that called my name, so I didn’t try any, BUT from the line of people, I am confident in declaring it one of the best in Portland.
If you are looking for a delicious – and I mean delicious – woodfired pizza, you must check out Vaux. Vaux is located in the Canopy Hotel. It was so yummy! It’s so yummy! I have yet to learn what else was on the menu because I stopped looking when I saw woodfired pizza.
LeAnn is a mentor and the ultimate BOUJEE glamour gal. When she left daily drudgery behind in favor of following her own personal path to joy, she made a promise to herself that she would help others do the same. All she’s ever wanted is to do is stay healthy, live her best life and give back to others by introducing them to their inner BOUJEE.
