portland can’t be pinned down to a single scene, but this patchwork city is quickly evolving into an idyllic destination for the health-minded. There’s plenty of TCM-approved gems to discover in the various neighborhoods, and more natural goodness to fall in love with just outside of the city borders where nature reigns. It’s only a matter of time before this simmering wellness scene rises to a rapid boil.
With one-way tickets from L.A. going as low as $35, it’s easy to pop up to Portland for a weekend of exploring – and we highly recommend you do. Portland is a place just begging to absorbed into, walked around and picked apart piece by piece to land on the little un-commercialized treasures that make it so wonderfully quirky, and life there so uniquely well. Whatever your flavor of wellness, check below for some of our most loved spots…
Where To Stay
The Ace Hotel | The Portland outpost of this boutique hotel franchise is a flawless blend of cosmopolitan trendiness and Pacific North West edge. Decorated with recycled metals, antique furniture and art from local artists, it’s the perfect cozy-cool space to stay. LEARN MORE
The Nines | The Nines offers a delicious contrast to Portland’s pervasive folksy-charm with classic ‘big city hotel’ luxury. Their rooftop asian-fusion restaurant and bar, Departure, has vegan and a gluten-free menus in addition to their regular one; even if you’re not staying there be sure to pop by for a cocktail, small bites and an incredible view of the city. LEARN MORE
Airbnb | The best way to get a taste of Portland’s, well, Portland-ness, is to hit up Airbnb. There is an abundance of pretty apartments and townhouses, but for an even more unique experience consider renting out a tiny home, or settle down in a yurt on an urban farm for a glamping experience like no other.
Where To Shop
Echo Natural Beauty | This airy Pearl District storefront has one of the best collections of natural beauty products in Portland, featuring all the TCM faves as well as a full menu of beauty services that use them. Rainy day throwing off your plans? Pop into Echo for a customized facial, sugaring session, or a May Lindstorm total-glow skincare experience. LEARN MORE
Union Way | Across from the famous Powells bookstore is the stylish Union Way shopping arcade, lined with light wood and a handful of stores like Steven Alen and Spruce Apothecary. It’s small but definitely worth a stroll through, even just en route to the other cute boutiques scattered around the neighborhood.
Menagerie + Work/Shop | Menagerie is not your average natural beauty store. Housed in a vintage air stream, this chic mini-shop can be found amongst a flock of food carts (an uber-classic Portland dining experience). Menagerie’s sister store, Work/Shop, is a brick and mortar botanical gift shop and collective creative space, curated and designed with the same good taste. As the name implies, they also offer cool, crafty workshops we love.
Where To Sip
Kiva Tea Spa | There are plenty of amazing tea spots in Portland worth checking out, but this one stands out for the unique experience you can get there: stop by for a soothing cup of something and sip away while getting a massage in their bliss-inducing “foot sanctuary”. LEARN MORE
Prasad | Attached to Yoga Pearl, this plant-based cafe offers an extensive smoothie menu that features all the wellness-y add-ins we love. If you’re looking for something to snack on, order up a plate of vegan vanilla bean waffles or a steamed greens and grain bowl. LEARN MORE
Ardor Natural Wines | This cute spot is the perfect place to cozy up when weather is happening – which is often. Their globally sourced selection of natural wine and rotating menu of small seasonal bites is everything we want on a rainy day. LEARN MORE
Where To Eat
Farm Spirit | A notable shift in the Portland food scene is the one from crunchy vegan holes-in-the-wall to more high-end foodie experiences. Farm Spirit opitimizes that with their beautiful 12-course tasting menu, acclaimed for pushing the limits of how creative and luxurious vegan food can be. Seats are very limited, so be sure to book one in advance. LEARN MORE
Tusk | This new Middle Eastern-ish restaurant has been dubbed the “most beautiful salad bar in Portland”. Ironically, salad is the least notable thing on their inspired menu of flatbreads, skewers, veggie platters and beautiful craft cocktails. Stop by for the food, stick around for the gorgeously designed interior. LEARN MORE
Bamboo Sushi | Bamboo is the first certified sustainable sushi restaurant in the world. Everything from the fish they serve to their biodegradable to-go containers and compost program falls in line with an intention of leave the smallest eco-footprint possible. LEARN MORE
What To Do
Get Outside | One of the best parts of Portland is the stunning natural setting surrounding the city and woven throughout it. A short drive gets you to incredible spots for hiking, biking and checking out breathtaking waterfalls. If you don’t want to venture too far (or get too active), just pick a neighborhood and walk around – there is so much to explore!
Powell’s Books | This Portland classic is the size of a small city (or at least it feels that way). It spans an entire city block, and contains every book you could ever want to peruse. It’s a must-see. LEARN MORE
Portland Saturday Market | Get a taste of the wonderful, characterizing weirdness of Portland without getting too lost in it at this weekly market where local makers come to showcase their crafts. You’ll find art, food and some epic people watching. It’s only a short walk away from a popular weekly farmers market if ogling at produce is more your thing.
Japanese Garden | Beautiful doesn’t even begin to cover it. The perfectly manicured gardens are a dreamy place to get lost or get inspired – maybe both. LEARN MORE
What are your top picks for a weekend in Portland? Let us know in the comments below!
