Portland, OR + Willamette Valley

Willamette Valley

There’s just something about Oregon pinots. And now I know why. The perfect summer temperatures, the beautiful landscape, and acres upon acres upon miles and miles of vineyards. Utopia.

We drove through the winding hills and sipped on so many amazing wines. Some of the vineyards included…

Argyle // known for their award winning sparkling wines, this winery did not disappoint.

Sokol Blosser // I didn’t think I could love this wine more. Until I did.

Erath // imagine sipping the smoothest pinots you’ve ever had, overlooking giant hills of vineyards

Durant Vineyards // part of Red Ridge, which includes olive oil, lavender, and so much more. The vineyard overlooked valleys of vines and Mt. Hood – breathtakingly gorgeous.

Hot Air Balloon Adventure

When I wrote about “being fearless” last week – and what that looked like when I found out about going on a hot air balloon ride – this is what I was talking about. I never imagined in a million years I’d have 1) the opportunity to go on a hot air balloon 2) the guts to actually do it.

Welp, looks like life is full of surprises. ALSO, it wasn’t even that scary you guys! Yes, my stomach was doing summersaults when I was getting into the basket, and then even more vigorously as we slowly rose off of the ground. I hardly left the center partition, but the ride was smooth, and the views were gorgeous.

Cool side note: the pilot touched the bottom of the basket down in the river! Yes, completely intentional. 😳

Vista Balloon Adventures // Amazing crew, and a gourmet breakfast was provided post-flight. Yes, mimosas included!

I’m still dreaming of sipping wine in the rolling hills of Willamette Valley, eating way too much ice cream (as if that’s a thing), and strolling peacefully through Japanese Gardens.

Highlights

Portland Japanese Garden // not only is spending the afternoon strolling through the garden as peaceful as can be, it’s also right next to the International Rose Test Garden which is absolutely gorgeous!

Multnomah Falls & Columbia Gorge // talk about the views and the <steep> hike to the top! SUPER busy… if you go, prepare to wait to park for a long while (having a box of Voodoo Doughnuts in the car helps).

Where We Ate:

Pok Pok // the chicken wing hype is real… an authentic Thai food experience! Part travel anticipation, part Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives bucket list.

Bollywood Theater // step into Bollywood utopia and eat to your hearts content… super cool little market, too!

Voodoo Doughnut // When in Portland…

Salt and Straw // We’re still talking about this ice cream. There were so many unique flavors that didn’t try too hard. For example, there was Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper… I was hesitant about it being too much POW (I am a strawberry purist) but each flavor was subtle – but not subdued – and they all complimented each other beautifully. It didn’t stop there though… goat cheese with blueberry and habanero, almond brittle with salted ganache, coffee cava with cocoa nibs… all in the most smooth, creamy ice cream you’ll ever have. YOU NEED TO GO. All I can say.