Day Trip Feature: Portland, OR
Not too far from Longview, about an hour by car, you’ll find Portland, Oregon. It’s a bigger, busier, and more electric town than Longview. It is packed with things to do, places to eat, and unique sights, but with a noticeably different energy compared to somewhere like Seattle. It’s less towering buildings, more character-packed neighborhoods, bridges, parks, and a vibe that’s both laid-back and weird, in a good way.
I’ve been to Portland several times, and each trip’s been solid. The drive’s easy, especially if you like road trips with good music and scenery along the way. As you get close, you’ll notice the skyline isn’t packed with skyscrapers, but you’ll spot bridges, murals, and a lively urban sprawl that signals you’ve arrived somewhere with its own kind of personality.
The city’s famous Voodoo Doughnut is a must-try food: a quirky doughnut shop known for wild flavors and even weirder names. Expect a line, but nothing painful, it moves fast. You’ll find everything from maple bacon bars to ones covered in cereal or shaped like a voodoo doll. It’s a total Portland staple and part of what makes the city proud of its offbeat charm.
Other essential spots are Powell’s City of Books, Portland Saturday Market, Pioneer Courthouse Square, Waterfront Park, and Washington Park.
Powell’s City of Books is exactly what it sounds like: the biggest independent bookstore in the world. It takes up a full city block, and even if you’re not a bookworm, it’s worth checking out just to see how massive and well-loved it is.
Portland Saturday Market runs weekends and offers local crafts, art, food stalls, and street performers. It’s right by the river, so you get a view with your shopping.
Pioneer Courthouse Square is known as Portland’s living room: an open plaza downtown where people gather, hang out, and enjoy events. Simple, but iconic.
Waterfront Park is perfect if you just want to chill by the Willamette River, watch boats pass, or catch one of the many festivals they throw during the year.
Washington Park is home to the Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon Zoo, and International Rose Test Garden. If you’re into nature, this place covers it, from hiking trails to scenic garden views.
Portland isn’t a towering city; it’s a spread-out, neighborhood-driven place full
of food trucks, craft coffee shops, breweries, tattoo parlors, and indie boutiques.
The people are friendly in their own relaxed, alternative way. Expect bike riders
everywhere, random art pieces, and probably someone in costume just walking around
for no reason other than it’s Portland.
You can make it a day trip, weekend, or a longer visit. Either way, it’s a good break from Longview’s quietness and a way to experience a city that does its own thing unapologetically.
You can make it a day trip, weekend, or a longer visit. Either way, it’s a good break from Longview’s quietness and a way to experience a city that does its own thing unapologetically.