Nicole in PDX

Nicole in PDX Portland, OR
locals tell me where to go…I report back
food, views, hidden gems + real life

06/08/2026

Thoughts? This is a year old, but I feel like the opinions may have shifted as prices rise….

06/08/2026

How have I lived in Oregon this long and just now made it to TopWire? 🍻

We spent hours here enjoying the sunshine, trying different beers, and eating way too many tacos from Gina’s Taqueria. No regrets.

Between the hop farm views, the huge beer selection, and the laid-back vibe, it’s easy to see why people love this place.

Definitely adding this to my list of favorite Oregon day trips.

8668 Crosby Rd NE
Woodburn, OR 97071

TopWire Hop Project, Brooks Oregon, Crosby Hop Farm, Willamette Valley, Oregon beer garden, Oregon day trip, Portland day trip, Oregon tacos, Gina’s Taqueria, craft beer, Oregon food, outdoor dining, Oregon summer, things to do in Oregon, Oregon travel, Oregon hidden gems, Willamette Valley attractions, Oregon foodie, beer garden Oregon, explore Oregon

06/07/2026

Brunch induced flatline ☠️🍳

06/06/2026

Save this for your next McMinnville day trip! 🚙💨

I spent the day exploring McMinnville with my BFF and my honey buns, and we had such a fun day wandering through town, checking out local shops, finding thrift treasures, enjoying good food and coffee, and ending the day with a beer.

📍 City Park 🌲
📍 3rd Street 🚶🏽‍♀️
📍 🥞
📍 Thrifting 🐝
📍 Local boutique shopping 🛍️
📍 ☕
📍 🎨
📍 🍺

Have you spent a day in McMinnville? What are your favorite spots?

Got it, you already did the heavy lifting in the caption, so this should just reinforce search without repeating everything.

SEO Keywords:

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06/03/2026

there were things we liked and things that were just mid. Would go again, but not running over there anytime soon…….

Saburo’s
1667 SE Bybee Blvd
Portland, OR 97202

🍣 sushi in Portland, Oregon
🍣 Sellwood Moreland 

06/03/2026

Portland, chill with the heat waves 🥵

06/02/2026

My first time at the Portland Japanese Garden and I loved it. It’s a good workout too with all the uphill paths and stairs. It’s accessible in some areas, but if you use a mobility device the experience might feel limited. Still worth going in my opinion.

There are plenty of volunteers and staff around to answer questions and share the history, which makes the visit even more special.

If you’re not using your library card yet for freebies, check my other video on how to do that.

The only thing I was a little bummed about was the cafe. I was really looking forward to the green tea service with ceramic cups and teapots, but they were only offering paper cups for $7. It was good, just not worth it to me. The view from the cafe is serene though, and I’d definitely go back when they are offering the full tea service.

The gift shop had so many cute things, and I can’t wait to return in spring for the blooms. I’m also marking my calendar for the week before Halloween next year because that’s when the foliage was peak.

Have you been?

Portland Japanese Garden
611 SW Kingston Ave
Portland, OR 97205

Japanese Garden

Things to do in Portland, Oregon
Fall foliage, Portland


06/02/2026

Every time I’m in this part of Portland, I have to stop by Sweet & Salty PDX. It’s run by Portland natives and always feels like visiting friends who just happen to make the best cookies and snacks. I’m currently snacking on the honey mustard mix and trying not to eat the whole bag. If you’re nearby, stop in, say hi, and grab a treat — or if you’re feeling cozy at home, you can order on Uber Eats or DoorDash.

🍪 642 SE Stark St., Portland, OR 97214

Hours:
Closed Monday
Tuesday – Thursday 10 AM – 9 PM
Friday & Saturday 10 AM – 10 PM
Sunday 10 AM – 7 PM







Holiday shopping in Portland, Oregon
White elephant gift ideas
Shop local Portland
Sweet treats and snacks

06/02/2026

When I saw the breakfast sandwich already came with Reuben sauce, adding corned beef was a no-brainer for me. This is nowhere near my neck of the woods, but I would definitely go there when I’m in the neighborhood and next time get one of those delicious looking pastries.
Fehrenbacher Hof
1225 SW 19th Ave
Portland, OR

Sandwich Series

Address

Portland, OR

Website

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