Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Portland - day 1

Sun morning we got up at 7:45 am PT (10:45 am ET) and had coffee and talked about what to do on our first day in Portland.

First we went to Voodoo Donuts, a local favorite. They make all kinds of crazy donut flavors although the donuts are really good. We decided to buy a bucket o' donuts. Yes, you read correctly, a bucket of donuts. For just $5. you can get a bucket full of day old donuts of all taste varieties. It was such a bargain that we couldn't resist. We ate some there in the delightfully wacky, pink store and took the rest home for future consumption and enjoyment.

Next the Newlyweds drove us in their convertible east to Skamania Lodge in Stevenston, WA for a great brunch. The lodge is a place where weddings, receptions, conferences, and corporate events are held. They have hotel rooms and banquet facilities. Its an absolutely gorgeous setting with magnificent views. The brunch was awesome too. After eating we went a walk around the grounds.

Then we went for a drive along Columbia Gorge Scenic Hwy. We stopped a few beautiful waterfalls, the most notable being Multnomah Falls, the 2nd highest year-round waterfall in the US. We learned that in 1995 a wedding party taking wedding photographs were drenched when a 400-ton boulder fell into a pool! Isn't that crazy? What a memorable wedding day those folks had!

Next we stopped at Edgefield complex, a former poor farm/mental institution, now operated as a winery, brewery, restaurant, bar, hotel, spa, entertainment complex. They did a beautiful job restoring and transforming the elegant old building.

The last stop of our mini road trip was at Vista House. What gorgeous views from the mountain top vantage point!

Once home we relaxed for a while until Steven & Rolfe came over for cocktails and conversation on the patio. Michael whipped up a batch of marionberry martinis using berries from the tree in their back yard. Each time anyone mentioned the marionberries, I kept thinking of the infamous former Mayor of Washington DC, Marion Barry! Then it was on to dinner at Thai Moon where we all enjoyed tasty Thai dinners. Spouse had Pad Thai and I had Massamun curry, along with a tasty cocktail called Thai Me Up. Hmmmm....

Then we went to C.C. Slaughter's for their Sun evening drag show. It was fun, and since there's no smoking in Portland restaurants and bars, it was actually quite enjoyable to be there. We watched the show for an hour or so and then headed home and chatted for a little while before bed.

Our first day in and around Portland was really fun, and I will upload photos to this post next week.

Crush du Jour: Freddie Stroma

11 comments:

Will said...

The husband and I spent a delightful evening with Stephen and Rolfe about a month ago when we were visiting in Portland. There are lovely people out there and the countryside is spectacular.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great first day! Voodoo Dounuts looks wonderful. I'd love to go there for a food review on my blog!

Larry Ohio said...

It sounds so wonderful there. Can't wait to read more.

A Lewis said...

Wow, you're really getting around to all of the hot spots....there are so many choices here, that it's difficult to show everything off in good measure.....and I'm more than happy that we get to have coffee this morning! I can hardly wait...

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Unknown said...

Such a traveler you are! I hope your are back in time to see you & hubby this Saturday!

cb said...

Voodoo donuts sound GOOD!!

MadeInScotland said...

Do not mention donuts!!!

We have them every Friday in the office, and I in pyjamas to avoid.

ahoj

Mistress Maddie said...

Sound like your having a good time out there, now, slowely, back away from the dounuts! And I love me some CC Slaughters! Is Bolivia Carmichaels and Ginger Lee still performing there? Last I knew I think they still were. A great show. And sorry to hear of your bad trip out. Next time you fly your going with us!

Princessa lil mexico said...

Portland is a fab city! So much to do here and so little time! glad you got to experience some of what Portland has to offer!

tornwordo said...

You mean there's still places where you can smoke in bars and restaurants? I thought that was universal now.