24 Hours in Portland, Oregon 🛶🌹🍦
One day in Portland: paddling, roses, food trucks, and ice cream.
Greetings, Pacific Northwest explorers, Portlandia pioneers, and wandering weirdos,
The arrival of summer in Oregon is like unwrapping a precious gift. After months of continuous rain, we shake off the gray shroud of gloomy clouds and wet coats. Much like a black Labrador shaking dry after a refreshing swim in the river, we rush outdoors to enjoy the vibrant colors of blue skies, red roses, and green leaves. Hiking trails and waterways burst into life, teeming with nature enthusiasts and their canine companions. Families enjoy paddling in the lake, and everyone stops to appreciate the gorgeous flowers, plants, and nature that have benefited from the rain.
Oregon transforms into a postcard-perfect scene as the calendar flips to early summer. The sky is so clear you feel you could reach out and touch Mt. Hood, our volcanic, snow-white covered mountain, still blanketed with snow and offering year-round skiing, reminding us again that the summer break is a precious time.
These sunny days seem like a special gift after the long gray months so recent and so soon to return. On days like this, it’s inconceivable to stay inside or work. It feels as though no business is being conducted in Portland now; it’s as if the entire state is on vacation.
Special Guide: 24 Hours in Portland
In a city that prides itself on its quirkiness with the motto “Keep Portland Weird,” let’s take a one-day journey that captures the uniqueness of this area. From paddling on a tranquil lake or river, to immersing ourselves in the fragrant beauty of the International Rose Test Garden, and finishing with a culinary adventure at local food trucks topped off with an ice cream treat, I’ve planned an exhilarating day for you. So, let’s dive into the weird and wonderful world that is Portland, Oregon!
Paddle on the Lake 🛶
Equip yourself with your life jacket, whistle, water bottle, sunscreen, and hat. Then, board your kayak for a serene paddle on Lake Oswego. The weather couldn’t be more perfect, with the early morning calm providing a smooth surface before the waterski boats stir up waves, laughter, and excitement.
As we paddle around the lake, take in the beautifully landscaped gardens that line the shore. We’ll then steer towards one of the narrow finger channels, where the views become even more intimate. Here, you’ll encounter ducks, geese, and a vibe reminiscent of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland.
Stop and Smell the Roses 🌹
Portland, the “City of Roses,” got its name in 1888 with the introduction of the French-bred rose, Madame Caroline Testout. The International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park, established in 1915 by rose enthusiast Jesse A. Currey, protected hybrid roses during World War I. Today, it’s the oldest public rose test garden in the U.S., housing over 10,000 rose bushes of more than 610 varieties.
Next, make your way to the International Rose Test Garden. In June, the garden is a riot of colors, with thousands of roses in full bloom. Stroll through the garden, let the sweet fragrance of roses fill your senses, and don’t forget to take beautiful pictures for your memory album.
Are You Hungry? 🍦
As the day winds down, head to Cartopia, a foodies’ paradise, with Thai cuisine, chicken dishes, Mexican food, beverages, potato-based dishes, pizza, shawarma, burgers, and vegan options in a cozy outdoor setting.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Chickens and Guns, known for their mouth-watering chicken dishes and potatoes. The food truck culture in Portland is a unique experience you wouldn’t want to miss.
And what better way to end the day than with a scoop of ice cream from Salt and Straw? Their innovative flavors are the perfect sweet ending to your day of adventure in Portland.
Known for its small-batch, chef-driven ice cream, and ever-changing menu, Salt & Straw uses local ingredients to create unique and delicious flavors. On the first Friday of each month, look for a new menu of seasonal and unusual tastes including an extensive range of vegan options such as Strawberry & Coconut Water Sherbet, Peanut Butter Brittle Caramel Fudge, Roasted Pineapple Coconut Sherbet, and Marionberry Coconut Sherbet. For dog lovers, Pup Cups are a special treat for your four-legged friends made with smooth coconut ice cream enveloping bits of crisp apples and carrots, with sweet potato ribbons swirling throughout.
So pack your bag with your paddle in hand, roses in sight, and food trucks awaiting, an unforgettable adventure is just around the corner because Portland is waiting for you! Let’s go to Portland! 🌹🛶🍦