Things To Do in the Pacific Northwest

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  • Seattle

  • Portland, Oregon

  • Oregon

  • Washington

  • Digital Nomad Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel

  • Solo Travel

  • Pacific Northwest

  • Relaxation

  • Countryside

  • Romantic

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Fora’s Take

The the Pacific Northwest (PNW) has so many amazing features and you'll never run out of coffee or great places to hike. The PNW consists of Oregon and Washington and is known for its rainy weather, making it the perfect place to relax, breath easier with all the trees around and drink some amazing coffee, wine and beer.

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Things to do in the Pacific Northwest

A road between trees with board saying Welcome to Oregon.

Portland:

  • Multnomah Village: If you like city's old towns, this is the spot for you. With a vintage feel, this little walkable city has everything from Middle Eastern shops to Art Galleries, toy stores, and of course, more coffee!

  • Ardiri Winery: Oregon is known for many things, and wine is one of them! Because of this you'll never be short on any Wine Tours or Tastings. Specifically, Ardiri Winery which has small firepits to sip your wine near, and sometimes even have live music to listen to while you gaze out at the beautiful landscape.

  • OMSI: OMSI, standing for Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, is a must-see when visiting Portland. With rotating segments, you can learn all about sea, space and history. There's also a kid's section with hands on activities to keep the kiddos entertained for hours.

Seattle:

  • MOPOP: Standing for Museum of Pop Culture, you gotta visit this iconic museum. There's a variety of sections from Horror, Fantasy and Sci-Fi where you can see famous costumes from movies like Friday the 13th, The Princess Bride or Alien. There's also a large video game area to learn about the history behind all your favorite consoles and games. And of course, a large portion paying tribute to the PNWs own Kurt Cobain. Learn about the history of the band Nirvana and Kurt Cobain's personal story.

  • Chihuly Garden and Glass: I think the name speaks for itself, but this one-of-a-kind museum has displays entirely made out of blown glass. Here you can learn the history behind the art form as well as visit the beautiful garden complete with glass flowers, and trees.

  • Pikes Place Market: You can't visit Seattle without visiting the historic Pikes Place Market. With a few levels, you can explore small shops, restaurants and record shops. As well as get some fresh caught salmon and visit the worlds first ever Starbucks where the popular chain originated.

Places to eat & drink in the Pacific Northwest

A woman sitting in a restaurant named with Breakfast Lunch written on its window.

Portland

  • Marco's Cafe: Portland never runs short on brunch and while there are so many amazing brunch spots (Kingsland Kitchen, Mother's Bistro or Jam on Hawthorn to name a few), Marco's Cafe, in my local's opinion, takes the cake. Complete with umbrellas covering the ceilings like a canopy, there's no question what city Marco's Cafe is set in. The food and drinks are also to die for. Make sure to get the mimosa flight of seasonal mimosas!

  • Blue Star Donuts: When you read any Portland guide, they're going to mention Voodoo donuts. Voodoo has been a Portland staple since 2000 and have since opened up locations around the world. While Voodoo is a must-visit as well, Blue Star Donuts is a more sophisticated donut with flavors like Earl Gray Chocolate, Lemon Poppyseed, and Creme Brule. They're known for being 'donuts for adults' and be sure to pair your donuts with some Blue Star coffee or Matcha tea.

  • Food Truck Pods: Portland is also known for its Food Trucks. All over the city you can find pods, that have some of the best food in the city. Specifically, the French Quarter (which is also in Multnomah Village) which, has some vintage French shops, and food trucks but also has a variety of food from Philly cheesesteaks to a completely vegan burger shop. Another really good pod is BGs Food Cartel, which is located Beaverton, around 15 minutes outside of the city. Here you can find any and all types of food from Russian to Southern. You can also play a round of Axe Throwing in the food hall after you've finished eating some cheese fries.

Seattle

  • Fat's Chicken and Waffles: Fat's is a Black owned small comfort food spot, that has maybe the best biscuits you'll find. Straight from their website, "Serving fried chicken & waffles, shrimp & grits, red beans & rice and the fan favorite honey butter chicken biscuit sandwich." Highly recommended are the eggs benedict or any of the breakfast sandwiches.

  • Biscuit B*tch: Another biscuit spot, Biscuit B*tch, is a Seattle staple. Although because its rather popular, there's usually a line out the door. Make sure to call ahead or visit during the week!

  • The Pink Door: Ask any local for some recommendations, and they're sure to mention the Pink Door. This is easily one of Seattle's most iconic Italian restaurants, with a view just as amazing as the food.

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