48 Hours in Oregon

Earlier this week I decided to book an impromptu trip to visit my friend Traci in Oregon and had the best time! It was a short trip but it was definitely not short on fun. My flight leaving Phoenix stopped in San Francisco before moving on to Portland, and I was so excited to fly over the city! It's been at least 10+ years since I've been to SF, so it was really nice just to be able to see it, even if only for a moment. 

The view from my airplane window. You can just barely see the Golden Gate Bridge peeking out from the fog. So magical!

When Traci picked me up from the airport we were both craving sushi, so we headed to a revolving sushi bar where they just happened to be giving 20% off that day! Score! Next, we perused some shops and local eateries on Hawthorne Blvd., a quaint district just outside of Downtown Portland. We couldn't help but stop to get a donut from Blue Star Donuts, and it definitely landed in my top 3 donuts I've ever eaten! After we walked off our donut, we stopped in for some refreshments at the Portland Cider House. I'm not really an alcohol drinker, but this place had 28 ciders on tap, and a huge variety of flavors! We decided to get a flight which allowed us to sample 5 different flavors, since I knew I couldn't drink a whole glass on my own! We tried a Pinot Rose flavor, as well as a Strawberry and Pineapple. My favorite one had hints of lavender and blackberry. I also learned some new beer terminology, like "hoppy" and what "IPA" stands for haha. We ended the night at an awesome bar/restaurant in Salem called Archive. The interior was decorated beautifully, and we shared their house fries (which were only $1!) and a scallop risotto while we played cards. It was such a great way to end my first day in Oregon!

On Tuesday we spent most of the day at Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City, which is right on the coast. It took us a little over an hour to drive out there from the town Traci lives in, but we had tons of gorgeous scenery to look at! We drove past farms, orchards and through winding roads surrounded by lush trees until we reached the coast line. We climbed along the cliffs right next to the ocean and took in the beautiful sights as we braced ourselves against the strong winds and cool temperatures! Despite how cold I was it was definitely worth it. After a couple hours we headed to the local brewing company for some fish and chips and steamed clams--seriously so needed to warm us up after our adventuring! 

I flew back home Wednesday afternoon (& almost missed my flight!) and I so wished I could have stayed longer! Oregon is such a beautiful state and I know the next time I visit will be longer and full of even more adventures with my friend! Have you visited Oregon before? What are some of your favorite things to do there? Let me know in the comments! I hope you have an amazing weekend filled with your own summer adventures! xo

Blusfhully, 

Belle