Living in metro Atlanta for so long, you can often forget life outside the bustling city where something is always happening. You have to adapt to a fast-paced lifestyle very quickly and buzz through moments you wish you can savor before it vanishes. So when my family and I decided to vacation in Portland for a week, we were almost culture shocked at how unforgettable the experience was.
View from the plane
This was our first time ever venturing to the Pacific Northwest and seeing the stark contrast compared to our home state could not be put into enough words. Immediately, we were enraptured in a surreal world of greenery and nature we only dreamed of back home. A simple drive down the interstate gave you an overwhelming view of Mount Hood and surrounding rolling hills. The beautiful mixture of city life and scenery was perfection that couldn't be beat.
When we wanted to get away from the city, we were close enough to escape to what nature had to offer. Multnomah Falls, the Columbia Gorge, and Cannon Beach were all impeccable sights that can only truly be captured with the eyes. The air was fresh and the sky was clear, making those moments perfect to savor.
In the city, there were a lot of small shops and restaurants that lined the streets, from bridal shops to ice cream parlors, and we couldn't resist experiencing Salt and Straw. Such delicious ice cream it was! I didn't want to finish my ice cream cone. As we all ate our treats, we sat down and watched the city move around us. Everyone was vibrant and enjoying their day in no rush. It was so fun to people watch!
Haystack Rock
Tillamook Rock Light off in the distance
Since Seattle was not that far away, we decided to get in the car once more and head up north to Washington. Having a stroll through Pike Place Market and such an abundance of fresh seafood and flowers, I was amazed! Watching butchers throw fish into the crowd was a sight and sampling produce and other treats surprised me.
Being back home safely, we still cannot stop thinking about Oregon and Washington. We miss the views of mountains and seeing so many people biking through the city, but it made us appreciate the little things we forget to cherish in our town. Our vacation was a blast and we will definitely see the Pacific Northwest again!
I lived in Bend, Oregon for 18 years. It really is God paradise in the North West.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a fantastic time!! I haven't ventured that far North into Oregon or Washington, yet...but maybe one day. One thing I love about traveling is seeing how other places live / and are it makes you say what if, what if I lived here?
ReplyDeleteIt is very enjoyable traveling, seeing other places but it's always great to be home, too! Thanks for sharing your wonderful vacation with us, Brandi! I enjoyed your beautiful pictures and responses!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pics, Brandi! Come to Austin, Portland's sister city...not as far, super beautifu,l and WARM.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it. Our oldest son lives here and we have visited several times now. Each time we find something new to enjoy that is so different from the south.
ReplyDeleteWe drove that route every summer though Oregon and Washington when I was a kid, and I still dream about it! Amazing right?!?! :)
ReplyDeleteWelcome to Portland! OK, I'm a week late but the sentiment still stands. I'm so glad you all had a good time! I hope you all got a chance to go down to Haystack Rock at low tide and check out the tide pools. They are amazing! Our starfish population is really depleted right now but in a few years they'll be back. They are huge and bright purple and bright orange.
ReplyDeleteSo glad the city was good to you and the family and maybe we'll get you back!
These photos are gorgeous, Brandi. I am always truly amazed at God's beautiful creation. It looks like ya'll had a fabulous vacation.
ReplyDeleteOh, Brandi, you were just in my neck of the woods! Lovely photos - looks like you had a great time with your sweet family with beautiful weather, too. We used to vacation at Cannon Beach with the kids when they were young - haven't been in a while. My dream is to someday visit your lovely state! x Karen
ReplyDeleteI have heard it's beautiful out there! I am glad you all had a great time I think if I go I may want to stay lol.
ReplyDeleteI have never been but from photos and friends' experiences (including yours) I have always said that I would move there...truly sight unseen. Your photos are post just add to my feeling that I would love it!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you had a wonderful time with your family. I was in Seattle and Portland last Nov. I hated to leave. It's so beautiful and the people are way more chill than our NJ folks. No shade just sayin lol. Isn't Pikes Market the best? I wish I had taken my camera too. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful trip, it bought back a lot of great memories. PS I gained about 8 pounds when I was there, the restaurants are amazing.We ate constantly lol.
ReplyDeleteI'm new to your blog and was getting very discouraged over the last few weeks as I checked daily for a new post of your deliciousness when, lo and behold, today you post about one of my most favorite cities ever, Portland! Love, love, love that wonderfully vibrant, green, friendly, food truck infused, foodie of a city. Did you happen to visit their downtown public library? Architecturally stunning! And their weekend Farmer's Market is fabulous, with veggies I've never heard of let alone tasted! Their 10,000 strong, 5-7 mile long naked bike ride is quite entertaining too, although I'm much too conservative for that little venture! Glad you had a great time! Now, I can't wait to enjoy more of your style!
ReplyDeleteLooks so beautiful and amazing photos
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh. With this view and these lovely things you see on the road, aren't you glad you went out that door? It's amazing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great place to vacation with your family. Pike Place Market is one of my favorite places and I hope to take our kids there one day :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like y'all had a blast! My brother used to live near Portland and it's such a beautiful place. He's been to many of those places you mentioned. I would love their weather too. You took some gorgeous pics!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Now, I want to go. Glad you guys had a great time.
ReplyDeleteBrandi, what a great post and you took some really fabulous pictures. You and your family really had an amazing vacation and I'm sure the memories from that wonderful trip will last forever.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend... :)
Wow, what a lovely, lovely view! So glad you and your family were able to experience the other side of the world. :-)
ReplyDeleteDid I see your dogs vacaying too? How sweet! I'm glad you enjoyed your trip! And I agree, Atlanta is all busy and it's nice to relax every now and then.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great trip! Wonderful photos. Thanks for letting us go with you. :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous area the PNW is. Absolutely wonderful! Crossing fingers that we will be making a trip to the Portland area to visit dear friends in the Spring. : )
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful scenery. So glad you all had a wonderful trip. Your photos are fantastic.
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos of a fantastic state. As a born and raised native, the pride is inbred. Sorry to not have had a chance to meet up, but I know how it goes with those trips. Go, go, go. Next time! Happy to hear you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteLooks so beautiful! Great photos and I'm glad you had a fantastic trip! I've never been to Portland but it looks like a place we would love.
ReplyDeleteI was in Seattle about 4 years ago. Saw so many great sites. I think my favorite was Underground Seattle and the story that went with it. Glad you enjoyed it. So did I.
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