I LOVE PORTLAND OMG.

So glad we had that talk.

My Time in Portland / Bev Cooks

Portland. Oh my gosh, Portland. That city won my heart. Won my eyes, ears, mouth and nose, too. #toddlermom I’m going to try to plow through these photos because I want to avoid you gnawing through your own jugular. Wait, can you even do that?

I can’t get over how much I love that city! That whole area. The Pacific Northwest. Plus it’s like, only a few hours away from Edward Cullen!

I just lost the last itty bitty amount of credibility I have to my name, didn’t I?

My Time in Portland / Bev Cooks

There’s something about Mary. But there’s also something about the city of Portland that oozes such friendliness! Along with a healthy amount of hipster vibes, succulent coffee aromas and an impressive array of beards. I live in the Midwest (KC), and we gots some dang nice folks here. But you guys out in the Portland, man oh man, you’re nice. You’re happy. You’re hip. And I like you.

I’m going to give you guys a quick play-by-play of the trip through my eyes. I swear I’ll go fast! (see jugular gnawing above)

Of course we hit a bunch of food carts. You can’t visit Portland and not eat at 13 trillion food trucks/carts.

My Time in Portland / Bev Cooks

Here’s my man making my tacos! He’s not my man. I have no idea who he is. But he was so nice! Portland has nice people. And insanely delish street tacos. I had one chicken, one pork and one shredded beef. Best decision of my life. (besides that whole IVF thing)

My Time in Portland / Bev Cooks

So yeah, as soon as Kristen, Shawn and I landed, we checked into our hotel (Monaco <said like Monaco and Chandler> – CRAZIEST hotel ever. Like, patterns on patterns on patterns everywhere. Wildest, most colorful style. Usually I hate that sort of thing, but I loved it! Only in Portland.), and ventured out to eat. There’s my weird looking chicken taco, but I swear it was so simple and flavorful I wanted to punch it. I did punch it! With my face.

Also, I was with Kristen basically the entire time, so all the purty aqua nails in every single photo are hers. I forgot to ask her the color! I’m bad at life.

My Time in Portland / Bev Cooks

Here we are eating our little food. There aren’t really places to sit after you grab your noshies, but miraculously I spotted a tiny wooden table with three gnarly metal chairs, so we grabbed it! I was afraid we’d get kicked out since the table didn’t belong to the food cart right in front of it, but no one cared! They’re too busy being happy because they live in Portland.

My Time in Portland / Bev Cooks

Then of COURSE we had donuts right after. Doughnuts. Donuts. Whatever. In Portland it’s like, YOU HAVE TO GO TO VOODOO DOUGHNUTS. But theeeen the other half of people are like, SKIP VOODOO AND GO STRAIGHT TO BLUE STAR. So we hit Blue Star. And it was awesome!  So white and light and bright. Right up my doughnut shop alley. My donut shop alley. Whatever.

My Time in Portland / Bev Cooks

You guys, who is his celebrity look-alike!? Can you guess? CHRISTOPHER MELONI! Right? I kept wanting to ask him how many murders he’d solved with Benson that day. Or if he’d fondled his sweaters yet. (if you get that second reference we’re soulmates for life.)

My Time in Portland / Bev Cooks

Donuts! Doughnuts. Whatever.

Mine’s the Matcha Green Tea one and it was perfection.

My Time in Portland / Bev Cooks

Here we are walking back to our hotel to register for the conference. We met up with our last roomie, Deborah at the donut shop! It’s so funny finally meeting someone you’ve been e-pals with for SO MANY YEARS. I totally dig Deborah. She has some wicked ombré hair. I touched it! She didn’t bite me.

Very hard.

My Time in Portland / Bev Cooks

Then of course I spot a white wall on the way back and drag everyone over for a little photo sesh. At this point they are seriously regretting agreeing to room with me/be seen with me outdoors.

I’d also like to assure you that I do not in fact have a Charlie Chaplin/Hitler mustache, no matter what this photo suggests. Thank you for your time.

My Time in Portland / Bev Cooks

Later that evening we attended the opening reception, which was in this STUNNING little room on the 30th floor of Portland City Grill. Incredible view of the city, yummy appies, and all the bloggers in all the lands. That photo of the city at the very top is riiiight to my left. There were glass walls that wrapped around half the room. I actually took a photo from the other wall, looking out into the hills, but the sun was intensely bouncing back my reflection and all you could see in the photo was my nostrils. So I opted out of posting that one. You’re welcome.

My Time in Portland / Bev Cooks

After the reception, a bunch of us blogging pals walked to dinner at Tasty and Alder. Oh heavens, that place was beyond. But obviously first we had to stop and document our sun-blasted selves. Starting from the left we have Carrie, Shawn, Kristen, Lori, me, Elise, Heidi, Ali, Amy, her beautiful teenage daughter with sinfully perfect skin, and Sandy! Oh, and the shadow of the dude taking the photo. He was so nice. People in Portland are so nice, you guys! Ugh.

My Time in Portland / Bev Cooks

We had reservations, but the party before us kept doing just that. Partying. But Portland doesn’t skip a beat! The staff served us prosecco while we waited outside, as an “I’m so sorry about this.” Kindest restaurant ever. So, obviously a bunch of selfies commenced.

I think Lori gave me a Wet Willy right about then.

My Time in Portland / Bev Cooks

Next day! (See, we’re getting through this. Are you so bored right now?)

The morning part of the conference went really well. Inspiring speakers and healthy snacks galore. There was even a cold brew morning break and I wept, it was so delicious.

Here I am eating the world’s most enormous chicken shawarma from yet another food cart. Don’t I look so classy and refined with my foaming, unhinged jaw?

Don’t answer that.

My Time in Portland / Bev Cooks

After we all selected our food truck lunchies, a bunch of us walked down to a little city park to eat. Flawless temperatures, you guys. GAH I LOVE PORTLAND.

I’ll chill.

My Time in Portland / Bev Cooks

Flowers! Can’t not post a photo of flowers.

My Time in Portland / Bev Cooks

Okay we’re skipping to the middle of the day when I got to judge a guacamole contest. Look at everyone go! These people are serious about their guac ingredients.

This was right after my presentation, but don’t even ask me about it. I can’t remember what I said because I was in a coma. I think I called everyone a psycho at one point? This is why I shouldn’t be allowed to speak and/or be seen in public.

My Time in Portland / Bev Cooks

Anyway, guac. Lots and lots and lots of guac. Fifteen teams of guacamole, to be exact. Life = made.

My Time in Portland / Bev Cooks

After the conference was over, I met up with one of my deaaaaarrreeeest of dearest of all time, Lisa. That gal is as genuine as genuine gets. I think she was pulling a string out of my ear or something. Fishing line?

My Time in Portland / Bev Cooks

We walked the streets of the hip, quaint Pearl District and found ourselves a drinky drink. We laughed so, so much. We even cried a little. We gushed over baby photos and leather bags. She calls them begs. I giggled.

Here she is laughing at one of my lame jokes. Wait, I think she’s laughing. Crap, is she crying? I’ll get back to you on this.

My Time in Portland / Bev Cooks

After a night of perusing the bustling streets, stumbling upon a random 10K filled with runners dressed in the wildest costumes at 8pm at night (who has a race on a Saturday night!? PORTLAND DOES. I love Portland. Have I told you how much I love Portland?), and of course the elaborate Starlight Parade making its roaring way through downtown (who has a giant parade at 11pm at night? HELLO, PORTLAND), Kristen and I set out for a slow-paced Sunday morning. (that whole sentence was really annoying.)

We started at the friendliest, cheeriest, yet maintaining a comfortable level of hip, coffee shop called Public Domain. Bold mustard patters on the walls, lots of light, lots of good looking beards. This place was cozy and perfect.

We also handed out cheese to homeless people, but that’s another story for another day.

My Time in Portland / Bev Cooks

Next up was brunch at Kenny and Zuke’s! Fabulous food. Casual, chic atmosphere. Even more mustard walls. I’m attracted to mustard walls apparently. THE FRIENDLIEST waitress in all of time. What is WITH all these friendly people, pretty mustard walls, amazing coffee and good looking beards? It’s Por!- right.

My Time in Portland / Bev Cooks

Theeeeen Kristen and I stumbled into my new favorite little store in the historically history of history. Are you even seeing this? Woven baskets, handmade rugs, little amber apothecary jars, hippie candles, Santo Palo sticks, on and on and on. I didn’t buy a thing!

I probably bought a little.

. . . I bought way too much.

My Time in Portland / Bev Cooks

Right after that, we met up with an old bearded friend of mine from back in my indie rock days. Then Kristen and I wrapped up our trip with a slice of Mod Pizza, overpriced airport wine, and headed back to our beloved flyover state.

This is me blowing kisses to the city! Just kidding I didn’t do that. I was taking a photo. (okay, and blowing kisses to the city)

Massive thanks to the ladies behind Indulge Conference for organizing such a well-planned, Porlandlicious weekend.

And thank you, Portland for showing me the light. And some really good looking beards.

(Don’t tell Kansas City I said that.)

 

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46 Responses to I LOVE PORTLAND OMG.

  1. Sarah@WellDined June 3, 2015 at 10:08 am #
    I totally get the sweater fondling reference - let's be best friends! Also - Portland is the best!
  2. Gawd, you make me laugh out loud. Like, pee my pants... laugh out loud. I'm a blogger too, and thought that I would finally come out from behind the bushes and scream a huge HELLLoooooo!! Keeping rocking it out loud! PS. Your instagram makes me lose my mind. So funny! Thanks for my bladder attacks. Lynne xx Design The Life You Want To Live
  3. Natalie June 3, 2015 at 10:15 am #
    Ah I wish I knew you were in town, I would have tried to coincidentally run into you on the sidewalk all, "OMG Bev Cooks?! I'm obsessed with your blog". probably why you didn't announce your trip, right? Glad you enjoyed the city!!
    • Bev Weidner June 3, 2015 at 10:18 am #
      Oh I would have loved to have met you! I definitely announced the trip! Like, way over-announced it. :)
      • Natalie June 8, 2015 at 1:22 pm #
        Dang it! I wish I was on top of my game and realized that! You'll just have to come back!
  4. Annalee June 3, 2015 at 10:23 am #
    I LOVE PORTLAND TOO!!!! I went there last year with my manfriend and we had such a freaking blast. Loved reliving it through your photos! Thanks as always for sharing! PS I said the same thing about Edward Cullen.... Almost got broken up with ;)
  5. Gaye June 3, 2015 at 10:29 am #
    I'm glad you liked our little town. We rolled out the red carpet for your weekend visit. BTW, that little city park is called the Living Room.
  6. Dee @ The Kitchen Snob June 3, 2015 at 10:38 am #
    I've been fantasizing about moving to Portland lately but I don't think I can get the hubs to move there, so this post HURT me deeply ;-) Gahh! It looks so awesome! I used to visit there as a teenager but didn't get to experience it on my own (without parents). I'd love it there!! Maybe I need to attend a conference there soon :-)
  7. Kristen June 3, 2015 at 10:55 am #
    I had the best time with you! Happy happy happy :) I've been looking at houses in Portland ever since and am ready to pack up the family and move, stat. Just need to find my husband a little thing called a job there...whatever. I felt like we were in an alternate universe the entire time we were out and about because the people were so freaking friendly! Let's go back!
    • Bev Weidner June 3, 2015 at 11:20 am #
      AH KNOW. Remember when we were standing at that coffee truck, and I was in love with the music the gal was playing? I've been listening to it ever since and maaaaybe getting all teary. We have to go back! I LOVED our time together.
  8. Deborah June 3, 2015 at 10:57 am #
    Highlight of the weekend? Meeting you. So glad to have you as an internet friend (and real life friend, now, too!!)
  9. Sarah @ Will Run for Pasta June 3, 2015 at 11:11 am #
    Yay, so glad you loved it! And so glad you went to Blue Star ;)
  10. Heather June 3, 2015 at 11:12 am #
    Just moved to Portland at the end of last year and it was the best decision that we made! Love the city :)
    • Heather June 3, 2015 at 11:17 am #
      p.s. The past few days have been rainy, but luckily the weather was gorgeous for when you were here!
  11. Erin June 3, 2015 at 11:14 am #
    PLEASE tell me about those black pants you are wearing...are they pants? are they leggings? Need them in my life! PS - you look fab in every photo, so I plan to copy your style...hope you don't mind!
    • Bev Weidner June 3, 2015 at 11:22 am #
      Why thank you! Are you talking about the jeans in the first few photos? With the tan flat sandals? They're actually dark denim from trusty Old Navy!
      • Erin June 3, 2015 at 11:44 am #
        Yep - those are the ones....and I knew I could count on you to be cost efficient! Thanks for the info!
  12. jessica June 3, 2015 at 1:04 pm #
    it really is the greatest city ever. Also, I feel like I have to tell you that I was there to shoot a video for a hospital, and at the end of the day they casually told me all the hospital scenes from Twilight were shot there. And I definitely didn't proceed to take a million photos in every spot they shot... nope...
  13. Erin June 3, 2015 at 1:25 pm #
    Wet Hot American Summer is maybe the most genius film ever. Glad your trip to Portland was about as much fun as a trip into town.
  14. Erin @ Platings and Pairings June 3, 2015 at 1:58 pm #
    What a great write up and the pictures, gorgeous! Do you really take all your photos with your phone? You went to all of my favortie spots! I'm lucky enough to work just blocks from the food cart pod and Tasty n Alder - Yumm!!!
    • Bev Weidner June 3, 2015 at 2:15 pm #
      I sure do! All Instagram, lifestyle posts and Friday Flotsam posts are all just my iphone! (6) The only posts that are my big girl camera are my food posts. And thank you!
  15. Amanda June 3, 2015 at 2:09 pm #
    As if I didn't already love you, there is an Edward Cullen reference. Forks Washington is on my bucket list of places I want to visit. Obviously. Your photos are gorgeous! Portland looks amazing.
  16. Deanna June 3, 2015 at 2:58 pm #
    SQUEE!!!! You were in PDX!!! I've been here for 12 years now and love it. :) Also, I am so glad you didn't go to VooDoo Donuts - they are overrated. Blue Star Donuts is where it's at.
  17. Mary @ The Kitchen Paper June 3, 2015 at 3:11 pm #
    GAAH! You've captured Portland, and this weekend, perfectly! Glad to have had you here! xo
  18. Annalise @ Completely Delicious June 3, 2015 at 5:28 pm #
    So fun to finally meet you! Love your recap of the weekend. And I couldn't agree more, Portland was so charming!
  19. Kathi @laughingspatula June 3, 2015 at 10:47 pm #
    I was supposed to be there but life caught up with me at the last minute. I live in Seattle and Portland is my BFF. Serious eats there. So sad to have missed it...next year!
  20. Shawn @ I Wash You Dry June 3, 2015 at 11:42 pm #
    Oh my gawwwwsh. Spending the weekend in Portland with you and all those other fab ladies and all that food was amazing. You're such a sweet sweet lady. Mwah!
  21. Sandy @ Reluctant Entertainer June 4, 2015 at 12:27 am #
    I ADORED sitting next to you at dinner that one night, even though I was horse the next day. It's true, Amy's daughter had Snow White skin ... I wonder if she saw me staring at her (so beautiful). Loved the food, stories, Kristen is the best travel partner, the weather, it was all fantastic! Love you Bevvy-girl. xo
  22. Sandy R June 4, 2015 at 1:10 am #
    You crack me up. I loved reading this. My husband and I are taking a long road trip this year. I am adding Portland to the list.
  23. Liz @ The Lemon Bowl June 4, 2015 at 6:24 am #
    Ahhh - I loved following your trip!!!! So sad to miss seeing you and everyone else but I almost felt like I was there. Especially when you were about to dive into that pita. I was there then.
  24. Sara @ Cake Over Steak June 4, 2015 at 7:28 am #
    I just love the way you write. You're hilarious. I need to go to Portland!!!!!!!! I'm also glad to have another conference to add to my [wish] list. :-)
  25. Sarah @ People,Places&Plates June 4, 2015 at 3:50 pm #
    Sounds like an awesome trip! And not that I'm biased but you gotta come to Vancouver next time :)
  26. Brian @ A Thought For Food June 6, 2015 at 9:35 am #
    I am DYING to get to Portland. We've been meaning to go for years and this is just making me so anxious to get out there. So many lovely people you got to hang with. Totes jels (had to). And WHAS might be the best comedy ever, if only for Meloni's role (though every moment is amazing)! :-)
  27. Adam Barnett June 9, 2015 at 3:13 am #
    I've never been to Portland, but it looks amazing! Seems like you've had some fun
  28. Lindsay June 12, 2015 at 11:15 am #
    I may or may not be totally sobbing. I am a teacher in Korea at the mo .... but that is my home. Gahhhhh Portland is the bees knees. So glad my beautiful gal gave you such a great time. She truly is magestic. Nope, not homesick at all. Not one bitty bit. (Lies lies lies) ♥
  29. Sara Moskovitz June 25, 2015 at 4:17 pm #
    I just saw your summer salad post on heymama and then stumbled onto your P-town posts! You loved Portland! I am so glad. And happy. Actually I'm happy every day because as you so kindly noted, Portlanders are just a dang happy bunch. I'm a rare breed of born and bred Portland and I just baked my very first pie (made with u-pick fresh blueberries from Sauvie Island, another magical place here you will have to visit next time) so we obviously have talents to trade. Come back! I'll give you native tips and in exchange, maybe you can show me how to make my pie crust prettier. Because it wasn't.
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