If you follow me on Twitter, you might have noticed that I’ve been planning a last-minute road trip to Oregon for this coming long weekend! We will be spending one night in Portland, and one night on the coast. I’m super excited because I’ve been wanting to do a road trip to Oregon for years … yet I feel a little bit guilty for not spending the whole weekend working or being productive. Still. I think a few days away from any sort of work is just what I need to recharge. It just means I have to work extremely hard until the weekend.
Usually I’m pretty good at figuring out last-minute trips, but this one was a bit tricky. Apparently trying to book accommodation over a long weekend in the summertime is kind of a pain. Especially when you try to do it a few days before you leave, and you don’t want to spend a lot of money. Every hostel was booked up. All of the hotels were ridiculously expensive, and both AirBnB and VRBO failed me. So we ended up booking a hotel outside of the downtown core, and we’ll either drive in or take public transportation. I didn’t look too much into it, but it seems that Portland has a decent light rail system.
I would estimate that the entire trip will cost me $350 for the 3 days we’ll be gone. Maybe it will be more, or maybe it will be less. It’s hard to say when you’re traveling with someone you’ve never gone on a trip with before.
Are there any must-sees in Portland, or along the coast?
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If you like seafood (I don't) you might be interested in Mo's, isn't a restraunt in Lincoln City, Cannon Beach, Otter Rock, Florence and Newport. They're the home of Mo's World Famous Clam Chowder, my family loves it.
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Sweet! Thanks for the tip. I do love clam chowder! :)
Portland has a great light rail system, and unless you're staying up in the west hills (not likely since there aren't many hotels there), you can probably get around by bus/max easily. Parking is also WAAAY cheaper than Vancouver, so driving into downtown isn't a big deal.
Don't miss Powell's (but leave your wallet at home) on 10th and Burnside. On the coast, the maritime museum in Astoria is really, really cool.
Awesome! I've heard via Twitter that the light rail system is a breeze. But good to know about parking. Downtown Vancouver is outta control, so I'm glad Portland isn't crazy like that. I think we will be driving through Astoria on our way home. Can't wait!
Waaay less crazy than Vancouver. Also, there are actual freeways in town so it's possible to get around.
I think I'm your new biggest fan. You inspire me. a) Because you make money writing and you're in your 20s, b) Because you write for Moneyville (Toronto Star!!!) and you're in your 20s, c) because you love travel and you DO IT, d) you live in Vancouver, the most inflated cost of living place ever, and you're writing a personal finance blog, and you're in your 20s!, e) you do freelance graphic design. I write a personal finance blog in Toronto, I'm in my 20s, I don't technically make money writing but I do freelance graphic design and I work as a Communications Specialist. So ya, thanks for sharing your mad skills at achieving goals, it reminds inspires a P like me. (What's your myers-briggs?)
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Thank you so much for your lovely comment. :) I think it's awesome that you're freelancing and writing about personal finance – pretty much exactly what I'm doing. My Myers-Briggs is INTJ. :)
In Oregon, I would: take a picture of myself at Starbucks (not Seattle but close enough), buy local chocolate and wine, look for riot grrl souvenirs, and gaze at gorgeous coastal rocks :)
http://www.powells.com/
LOVE THIS. Thanks! :D
Whoops, I swear there was more to that comment than just the link, but oh well. You get the idea. :)
If you get a chance, could you try out Pine State Biscuits? I've seen it on one of the food channels and it looked amazing.
Um, that place looks amazing!!! And, now I'm hungry.
I am going to Portland this long weekend too. We are leaving Sat and coming back on Mon.
Staying in Tigard.
We bidded on Hotwire and hotel room is U$53 per night.
I am going to try some food carts in Portland. http://www.foodcartsportland.com/
Ohhh, thanks for the link to the food carts! I wish we were spending more time in Portland – so many great places to eat. We ended up booking a hotel just outside of downtown for about $70/night.
I'm craving a Japa Dog right now…I miss Vancouver…
Mmmm… Japa Dog. So good.
I have an aunt in Oregon. She owns a beach resort that is still under construction. She reckons that I may be interested in helping her promote it soon. I will tell you more about it when it’s already available and ready.
If you like nature, I'd say visit Multnomah Falls: http://www.yelp.com/biz/multnomah-falls-corbett It's about 30 mins outside Portland but worth the trip.