My First-Ever- Solo Trip to Portland

My First- Ever- Solo Trip to Portland

I’m back and I’m better. Well at least better than I was a few a weeks ago. I started feeling really down and needed something to pull me out of what was much deeper than a rut. I felt randomly inspired by this book that I read and decided to take my first ever solo trip. This was honestly never a goal of mine at all but it suddenly became the top priority on my to-do list. The thought of Portland popped into my head one night. From that moment I knew I just had to go.

Leading up to this trip I was very nervous to go to a city I had not been to before. I also did not have much time to plan ahead to go somewhere unfamiliar to me. Due to work responsibilities and scheduling I had a few days to decide if this trip was going to happen or not. I am so glad I decided to go out on a whim and do something completely out of character for me. My trip was short and sweet. However it was everything I needed it to be. Now that I know that traveling alone is something I enjoy I will definitely do it again for a longer trip.

When I first arrived to Portland I found the city to be really beautiful. This was my first time in the Pacific Northwest and it kind of reminded me of Texas. I loved the big trees and all the water I saw. The weather was also a huge switch up in comparison to the desert. Next time I want to go when it is a little warmer so I can explore the outdoor activities. By the time my plane landed I was starving! The first restaurant I found was called Southpark Seafood. It was a bit pricey but it was the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of my trip.

I stayed at the Hotel Vance in Downtown Portland. I am still so obsessed with how beautiful the hotel is. The modern design of the hotel was alluring from the website. The actual room did not disappoint at all. It was really clean and beautiful. My room overlooked a few other buildings in the downtown Portland area. The location was perfect walking distance to many restaurants and attractions that I wanted check out. They are also pet friendly if you want to bring your four legged family members too. I ran into a few cute dogs in the elevator. The staff was helpful and friendly. I cannot wait to stay there again some day.

Also I have to admit it was also my first time sleeping in a king sized bed. I am still not sure if I’ve ever had such a good nights sleep. Besides the comfy bed and cleanliness the location of the hotel was perfect for me. Downstairs there is a Starbucks and a bar/restaurant. I went to check out the food on the chilly Sunday morning before exploring. The restaurant is called Oui Bar/ KTCHN. I had their Chicken and Mochi Waffles which was delicious to say the least. The mochi waffle had a slight sweetness and the house syrup complemented it perfectly. The chicken was fried to a perfect crisp and tasted great dipped in the hot sauce. I definitely would recommend trying it.

After my breakfast I headed out to the art museum . I was impressed by the museum’s size and the amount of exhibits. The particular weekend that I was in town there was a Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera exhibit. I wandered around taking in the beautiful art for as long as I could. I really enjoyed walking through the different displays. Later on I walked around town and checked out a few shops selling products made by locals. I was also able to visit the famous Powell’s Books. I stumbled upon NOLA Doughnuts so naturally I had to order the mini beignets before continuing onto to my other plans. All the while I kept thinking to myself ” Wow I am really doing this!” I truly enjoyed wandering around more than I expected. I only got a little lost for a few minutes which was better than I anticipated.

After finishing exploring around downtown I ubered over to The Rose Test Garden. I was looking forward to seeing the roses but they were not in bloom at all ! Just my luck. I did spot a few flowers but it was a late winter. Fortunately I was able to cross the street and experience The Japanese Garden. It completely exceeded my expectations. The scenery was gorgeous and peaceful. It is truly a must see when in Oregon. I had time to kill before heading back to the airport and there was a free shuttle to the zoo. I am hoping I just came on a bad day but most of the animals were in hiding. So I just walked around until it was time to head back to the airport.

This little trip was the perfect first solo adventure for me. I showed myself I was capable of functioning and having fun in a new place all on my own. Though that seems small, I was really proud of myself afterwards. If you haven’t done it before I challenge you to go on an adventure on your own, even if you start in your own city. I am already dreaming of a few other places I would like to visit on my own. Where would you go ?

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