Planning a birthday trip to Portland? Our recent family vacation and birthday trip to Portland, Oregon was filled with connection, delicious eats, and unexpected delights.
My stepson's 21st birthday was the initial spark, a joyous occasion that brought the whole family together. The cherry on top? My in-laws traveled from Paris to Seattle and took a road trip to Portland to meet everyone. Our cozy Airbnb in Portland's Williams district became our warm haven, a central point for memories brimming with connection and a newfound sense of community.
My amazing husband set up a wonderful surprise dinner and the trip was nothing less than spectacular. Here's why Portland should be your next family vacation destination:
Cozy Comfort & Local Gems
Stay in the heart of it all at an Airbnb in Portland's charming Williams district. Explore hidden gems and unique neighborhoods at a leisurely pace.
Embrace Slowing down
We didn’t pack our schedule but took time to enjoy the warm sun through walks in neighborhoods and parks which was, from what we heard from locals, surprising since the last two weeks were full of rain and dreary, gray weather.
It was a conscious decision to embrace slowing down, to truly savor each precious moment. We explored Portland at a leisurely pace, allowing the city to reveal its hidden gems and unique character. Visiting the International Portland Rose Test Garden gave us moments of peace with beautiful cherry blossom trees blooming and petals gently falling through the sunlight. And while there were no blooms in sight yet (peak season typically starts in May, the grounds were beautiful.
A Culinary Adventure Through Portland
Food became a beautiful exploration of diverse cultures and gave us a glimpse of the Portland food scene.
JinJu Patisserie (Korean French)
In about a 2-minute walk from our Air bnb, one morning I went to this quaint unassuming patisserie to continue our morning tradition of getting croissants.
This haven for Korean-French fusion offered an array of unique pastries from grand, buttery light croissants to a collection of delectable chocolate bonbons like Lime Yuzu. I was excited to try these pastries and happy to hear the owner had just recovered from surgery and is now back in business. The staff was warm and friendly and the experience of eating these croissants was met with ‘mmmmmms’ and ‘delicieuxs!’ from my in-laws and son Clovis (a discerning croissant lover!).
Broder Soder (Nordic)
Crisp flavors and minimalist elegance transported us to Scandinavia, with every dish was a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients. There, we found a unique resident: Ole Bolle, a giant troll sculpture created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Crafted from recycled wood, this 19-foot tall troll kneels on the campus of Nordic Northwest in southwest Portland, playfully peeking into a small red house. Ole Bolle is actually part of a larger public art project called "Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King," with five other troll siblings scattered throughout the Pacific Northwest. Luckily for visitors, Ole Bolle is free to see during daylight hours, adding a whimsical touch to any exploration of the Nordic Northwest campus. We loved admiring the impeccably made art work and excited to find them in other parts of the world!
Olympia Provisions (European Salumeria)
Surprise! Said my friends as I entered we entered the European-style salumeria, which became a portal to Spain, France, and Italy in three, artfully curated charcuterie boards. We savored cured meats, cheeses, and accompaniments, each bite a taste of European tradition. We happily shared each board and passed it along and shared our experiences (my in-laws from France said it takes a long time to make rillettes which is delicious!).
The Spanish board includes cured meats like chorizo and salami, jamón (sweetheart ham), fried almonds, piquillo peppers (a type of small red pepper), and possibly miticaña (a type of cured sausage).
The French board features various sausages (saucisson, garlic sausage), pâté, rillettes (spread made with shredded meat), creamy cheese (brie fermier), pickled vegetables, and grain mustard.
The Italian board has cured meats like salami, mortadella, and capicola, another type of sausage, taleggio cheese, a salad with fennel parsley, and olives.
Vietnamese home cooking
Our culinary adventure wasn't limited to restaurants. We also enjoyed a delightful family meal at my high school friend's house where her cooking NEVER and I mean NEVER disappoints. . She made us Bánh Xèo, a traditional Vietnamese dish of crispy crepes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. It was a fun and interactive experience, a celebration of food and connection in equal measure.
The reward? Crispy, golden crepes wrapped in lettuce leaves with fresh herbs and dipped in a tangy nuoc cham sauce. It was a delicious taste of home and a wonderful way to connect with loved ones.
These culinary experiences were like vibrant details, each adding a layer of richness and depth to the overall experience of the trip. But the most enduring memories came from the connections we forged. Sharing laughter with family, both new and old, created an undeniable warmth that filled the air.
Witnessing my stepson enter adulthood, surrounded by love and support, was a moment I'll treasure forever. It was a testament to the beautiful tapestry our family had woven, a testament to the enduring power of love and connection.
This Portland adventure transcended a mere birthday trip; it became a celebration of life itself. It served as a vibrant reminder of the joy found in slowing down, appreciating the simple pleasures, and indulging in the unexpected delights life throws our way. We returned home with hearts full of love, bellies full of delicious food, and memories that will forever be etched in our minds, a testament to the magic that unfolds when family comes together.
Unwind and Recharge
The trip wasn't all sightseeing and restaurant hopping. I also managed to squeeze in a wonderful spa day with my friend Chi at the Ritz-Carlton Portland over the Easter weekend. It was the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge after all the birthday festivities. We indulged in relaxing massages and emerged feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle the rest of the trip.
Is Portland on your travel wishlist? Do you have a special family trip coming up? Share your travUnforgettable Portland: Family, Food, and Birthday Fun!