We realize that many of you will be traveling to join in our celebration.  In order to help with that, we've blocked off some rooms at a few hotels (check out When & Where- then scroll to the bottom), and want to encourage you to see a few of our favorite places and spaces in the area! 

Our Recommendations 

In Portland:

Pizza Schmizza- seriously the best Pizza around, especially if you like a nice crispy crust.  Also, perfect slice sizing.  I usually go with standard pepperoni or the delicious Don Ho. Dab the grease, fold in half and enjoy!

Saturday Market- the best way to get an authentic "Portlandia" experience is to hit up the Saturday Market at Waterfront Park under the Burnside Bridge.  It's open all weekend and a great place to see what local vendors have to offer- it's like if Etsy had a shop.  I love to see the creativity and photography especially, and it's some of the best people-watching around.  You might also get a contact high. 

Powell's City of Books- the largest independent bookstore in the nation is easily one of my favorite places to kill any free time I have in Portland.  I've never left without a large stack of books, and what I love the most is the large selection of used books- meaning I can see what other people liked too!  It also has a ton of magazines and Portland gear in general, and the coffee shoppe inside makes a mean hot chocolate.

McMenamins Real Apple Cider- I actually love a lot of things about McMenamins... the many unique restored locations, a nice Ruby after a long day, the various places to sleep that "used to be a _____", the way it always reminds me of my childhood after WLHS basketball games and the trips with my dad- but what I love MOST is the real apple cider.  It is so so good. Their tots are pretty good too, if you must eat food to properly enjoy this deliciousness. 

Around Oregon:

If you're going to be in town for more than a few days, I definitely suggest renting a car to see the great sights outside of the city limits! 

Cannon Beach- The Oregon coastline is like no other in the US, at least that I've seen, and Cannon Beach is the easiest place to visit from the city.  Not your typical layout-and-get-tan kind of place, you'll probably want a sweatshirt and you'll definitely want a sense of adventure.  There are multiple places to hike if you're not interested in strolling the beach, and the Outdoor School Counselor in me insists you check out the vast array of wildlife in the tidepools.  CB also has a cute downtown that sells delicious salt water taffy. 

Tillamook Cheese Factory- while you're over near the coast, you have to stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory to grab a scoop of Udderly Chocolate (formerly Brown Cow) and try some tasty cheese curds.  I also cannot recommend their vanilla bean yogurt enough- it is literally the best yogurt I've ever had in my life.  I may or may not also be guilty of ordering some of their beef jerkey on Amazon so I can enjoy it on the east coast.  

Columbia River Gorge- Probably my favorite place in Oregon, if not the while US. (<-- probably why I'm getting married there) It is so stinking gorgeous in the gorge, no matter what the time of day, activity or weather.  I also have very fond memories of driving cross country on I-84 and I feel at home as soon as I hit the gorge.  There are a million hikes to be taken, and if the weather is good, I suggest Oneota Gorge- but be prepared to get wet! Also, please stop and take full advantage of Multnomah Falls.

Mt. Hood- It's hard to describe how I feel when I turn the corner and see Mt Hood in all her glory.  I don't even have to be on the mountain- in fact, I've spent relatively little time there- but knowing she's there and watching over me fills my heart with peace.  On the mountain, the Mirror Lake trail is one of my favorites, and Timberline is always a sight to behold, even if there is very little snow left in September.