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| "To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all." - Oscar Wilde |
I've been hearing about the Pacific North West (or the PNW if you're in the know, you know) for years, but I hadn't ventured into Oregon or Washington at all. Needless to say, I was excited for this trip, y'all. Excited.
Gluten Free Dining in Portland
Brunch Box
- This place has my new favorite breakfast sandwich. It was so good, I considered eating it for dinner the next day...and breakfast the day after that. (I didn't, but I thought about it long and hard.)
Salt and Straw
- Yes, it's popular and yes, it's good, but to be honest, I wasn't as blown away by it as I was expecting to be. Maybe it had just been built up way too much, I don't know. The line was incredibly long, but it moved fast, and the service was great. It still didn't see like the most amazing ice cream ever, which I did end up discovering later on during this trip, as you'll see below. That being said, very close by is Tea Chai Te. They have an excellent and huge selection of teas, plus a cozy little place to hang out and relax for a bit. Definitely worth a visit, tea friends of mine.
- You must go here. I had one of the very best breakfasts ever, as did my non-gluten free husband. Plus, in the same building you'll find Altar, a super chic little store with clothes, lotions, jewelry, and crystals galore.
VooDoo Donuts
- While they (still) don't offer GF donuts, it is a must for anyone you might be traveling with that doesn't have a gluten intolerance. Let's be real- our friends and family always have to plan their meals around our allergies, so we owe it to them to let them have their own delicious experiences, even if we don't benefit. Very often my hubby and I check out my GF spots and his non-GF spots, so everyone gets a little something-something.
Portland's food carts or pods (as they're called)- There is a rather large selection of GF options at various pods throughout the city, so just do some research before hand so you know which ones to look for and where exactly to go. I tried the Grilled Cheese Grill and, unfortunately, felt a little ill afterward. Be careful when you're out there and lookout for cross contamination.
Le Pigeon
- An incredibly cute, cozy, and elegant establishment with a rather large selection of items. The duck salad is absolutely worth ordering. I would've ordered three of those and just called it a day if I'd know it was going to be that good.
Petunia's Pies and Pastries
- Holy taste buds! This is a must...for dinner. The name doesn't explain it, but they offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is all vegetarian, so heads up for my meat loving friends, but my veggie pot pie was unfathomably delicious. I would pay a lot money to have that baby shipped to my house. Yes, yes I would.
Things To Do In and Around Portland
Powell's Books, y'all.
- GO HERE. If you enjoy reading, if you enjoy browsing, if you just want to see a ginormous book store, go here. I'm still floating on cloud nine after visiting this place. There are different levels, which are separated by different themes, there's food and shopping, and oh so many books. It was love at first sight.
The Meadow is definitely worth a visit.
- This little store offers big things in the ways of salt and chocolate, plus some. I've never seen so many chocolate bars in one place, or so many kinds.
- Portland has a lot of street graffiti (aka awesome murals) all over the city, so be sure to check them out. You'll almost always stumble upon one without even trying. The giant lovely lady you see to your left will be vanishing soon. Apparently, something is going to be built that will block most or all of her, so go check her out while you can.
Nature
- We spent a lot of time in the downtown area, but we also purposely rented a car to get out into nature. It turned out to be a massive fail, but at least I can warn you.
Our plan was to visit Multnomah Falls and then hike through Oneonta Gorge. Such a bad idea, you guys. First of all, it was crowded. Disneyland crowded. There was no parking and we got stuck in a ridiculous line of cars for a solid hour. What I thought (based on what I'd read) would've been a nice, easy visit took hours. HOURS. And honestly, it didn't feel worth it after everything was said and done. If you've seen one waterfall, you've seen them all.
The gorge was the one item I'd really been waiting for. If you google pictures of it, you'll see what I mean. It's a photographers dream. But here's the harsh reality that I was completely unaware of until we got there: It's not meant to be hiked. At least, not a certain part of it (right off the main road) according to the park rangers and the folks in charge of the area.
When you arrive, you literally walk into what appears to be Mother Nature's attempt at blocking you off from entering. You are greeted with the remains of a rock/log slide. Giant boulders and huge chunks of trees block off the entrance to the gorge. And they're not stable, gang! No, no. They wobble when you're on them, they get super slippery and wet from the kazillions of people trying to cross, and it's just down right unpleasant.
Honestly, it felt like Mother Nature was saying "Listen, mother effers, you are not welcome here." The hubs and I got halfway through and decided this was all wrong, so wrong, so, so wrong, so we got the heck out of there. Apparently (and not at all surprisingly, based on what I saw) people have broken body parts trying to get to the gorge through this path. Oh, and someone died. So yeah, not exactly what I had in mind. I think there's another entrance somewhere, but I'm not a navigation/hiking/wilderness expert. You'd think if you saw hundreds of people gathered around a certain area that would mean this is the entrance, no? No. Whatever the case may be, it's not safe and you should know that in advance.
Cathedral Park and St. Johns Bridge
- Basically as cool and beautiful as every picture on Pinterest leads you to believe. Forest Park is also right across the way and far more worth your time (if you ask me) as far as a hiking place to check out. It's just more convenient and you still get some serious views with amazing greenness all around you.
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| Powell's |
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| The Meadow |
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| The waterfall that took forever to get to. |
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| The gorge. See what I mean? (Sorry it's blurry. My life was flashing before my eyes.) |
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| St. John's Bridge |
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| Forest Park |
There is nothing I love more than abandoned things, except maybe abandoned things covered in graffiti. It's super easy to find, too. Just plug in Vernonia Lake, park in the parking lot at the entrance, and then walk 10 minutes around the path and you're there.
Cannon Beach
Our next stop was Cannon Beach, where we spent the afternoon. It was jam packed, but gorgeous nonetheless. The beach, the buildings, the shops- everything is beautiful at Cannon Beach.
Wayfarer is a great choice for food. I had an awesome salad and got some killer views of the beach, all in one. We also stopped and got some ridiculously good ice cream at Schwietert's. I'm talking some of the best ice cream of my life. Save the calories you would have used at Salt and Straw and go here instead.
The last piece of Oregon you'll experience is Astoria (you know it from Kindergarten Cop) and it's magnificent bridge. Gorgeous.
We kept the rental car to drive along HWY 101 to Seattle and, I have to say, this was one of my favorite things about our trip. The sunset + the forest + the water = picture mania.
(Warning: Prepare to be bombarded with photos of aforementioned beauty.)
Overall, we really enjoyed our time in Portland and all around Oregon. I would definitely go back again to find some new adventures in this gorgeous part of the country. And for the crazy good food. Mmm...food.
Seattle, WAIf you're a fan of 10 Things I Hate About You, then you're probably my kind of person and we should be friends. That's beside my point, so let me re-focus. If you saw the movie (and fell in love with Heath Ledger like millions of other people did) then you also probably fell in love with Seattle, at least what you saw of it in the movie.
I've been waiting that long to come check it out, and it finally happened.
*throws fists in the air triumphantly*
Gluten Free Dining in Seattle
- GF biscuits and gravy? For reals?! Yes, guys. Yes. Biscuit Bitch is a must, but get there before they run out of GF biscuits and before the lines get crazy.
Shaker + Spear
- An excellent choice for a night out on the town. I am a die hard seafood fan, so I was rather elated to see grilled octopus on the menu. My taste buds were also elated.
Pie
- Located not too far away from the lovely Fremont Troll, this was a nice happenstance after a long day's adventure. They have one savory and one sweet GF option every day, so you'll have to do some advance research to see if the flavors they're offering are of interest to you.
Pike Place Chowder
- They offer two GF options, but I wasn't a big fan of either. That being said, this is another one of those great places "normal" people should check out. My hubby thoroughly enjoyed his chowder and sandwich.
Macrina Bakery
- They offer two to three delicious GF items. The fruit that's on/in them changes daily, but you'll always get roughly the same pastry options. I had the strawberry biscuit and my mouth is watering thinking about it now.
Elliot's Oyster House
- This awesome restaurant is located right on the water in the very popular pier area. I had an excellent salmon dish with equally excellent fresh veggies.
Rocco's
- Not only is the decor awesome, but my GF pizza was excellent. EXCELLENT. The customer service was also pretty doggone impressive.
Steepologie
- Thirsty? Then hit up this refreshing tea store. The options are endless and the service is great.
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| Rocco's GF mushroom pizza |
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| Steepologie |
Things To Do In and Around Seattle
Pike Place Market, y'all.
I know, I know; it's the most obvious and touristy thing you can probably think of, but it is awesome. We went back several times, that's how much there is to see and do...and eat!
- Tiny's Organic is my new favorite of all favorites. The apple cider is to die for. They have regular apple cider, blackberry apple cider, peach, pear, and - my favorite - cherry apple cider. I went to this place so many times I made friends with the guy running the stand. This seriously needs to be at the top of your list, gang.
- Chukar Cherries: Almost every single thing is GF and you can try almost every single thing. Delish cherry products, that is no doubt. Plus, the folks running the counter are hilarious and might even tell you a story while you're there.
- Sunny Honey Company has the cutest and biggest selection of flavored honey sticks! I have a few honey lovers in my family, so these made perfect little surprise gifts.
- Moon Valley Organics has some seriously amazing lotions and potions. Plus, the owner is super sweet. Just meeting her and chatting with her was worth a visit.
- Cinnamon Works is right across from Pike's Place and is a gem. There's an entire section of their display window dedicated to GF baked goods. Definitely check them out!
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| My new BFF with my favorite apple cider. |
- A sight to see if you're in the area and want a quick peak. If you're a Harry Potter fan, then you definitely want to check it out. Trust me.
Olympic Sculpture Park
- Nice sculptures and good for a nice walk, but not a must see if you only have so much time to spare. That being said, there is a really cute beach down below the park where seals sometimes hang out, which is adorable.
The Space Needle
- No need to visit it directly, folks. There are views of the city everywhere you go because Seattle is hilly as hell. If you're dying to go up to the top of the needle, go for it, but it's not necessary in my opinion.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
- The glass art work is absolutely stunning, but it does cost a pretty penny to get in and the place is a lot smaller than one would think. If you aren't a glass lover, then skip this and use your time elsewhere.
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| Downtown Seattle |
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| The beach near Olympic Sculpture Park |
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| Chihuly |
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| The Pier |
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| Suzzallo |
- Gasworks Park (where they filmed the paint balloon scene) it actually rather cool. I didn't think I'd dig it as much as I did, but once you're there, it kind of hits home how unusual and weirdly awesome the place is. Unfortunately, with all of our travels in and around the PNW this year, there was a boatload of smoke due to the terrible fires. I'm talking ash falling on us kind of smoke. I'm guessing Seattle (and Portland) are probably even more gorgeous with clear skies. I truly hope the fires are under control and everyone is safe and sound.- Fremont Troll is a must. It's a troll under a bridge. Need I say more? Plus, when you're out and about on this side of town there's some rather excellent stores to check out. Start with the troll and then keep on going.
- Kerry Park: First of all, this is not a park. That is a bold faced lie. This is a strip of grass with a great view and a teeny tiny playground off to the side- but that's it. Honestly, the views aren't even that great if you ask me thanks to dozens of cranes all along the coast. There are a lot of good views of the city, so be open minded to other options.
Side Note: The amazing high school and the house from the film aren't actually in Seattle. For those babies, you'd have to venture over to Tacoma.
All in all, I would say our trip in the PNW was pretty amazing. You can never go wrong with great views and delicious food. I completely see the lure of these lovely places and why the PNW is a sought after destination.
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