Things To Do

Check Out Our Favorite Places

A quick half-hour from Portland, the Columbia River Gorge is our favorite escape from the hustle of daily life. Phil always describes the area as “world class.”

We hope that you can find some time in-between wedding events to explore the Gorge and the Mt. Hood River Valley. Saturday morning would be perfect for a short hike!

Here is a map highlighting event locations, places to stay, and things to do. Listed below are some of our top recommendations for places to visit in the immediate and surrounding areas.

  • Drive the Historic Columbia River Highway for easy views and tons of waterfalls right off the road. Check out Multnomah Falls, Bridal Veil Falls (on-theme), the Women’s Forum and the Vista House.

    Hiking recommendations: Angels Rest, Beacon Rock, and Latourell Falls. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, try Silver Star or Dog Mountain.

    Good places to stop for lunch: Sugarpine Drive-In (an absolute favorite!) or Thunder Island Brewing Co.

  • About one hour east of the Gorge, you’ll find the wind surfing capital of the world, Hood River. Find a bench by the river and you could watch the wind surfers for ages - it’s mesmerizing!

    Our favorite thing to do in the warmer months is the Hood River Fruit Loop - it’s basically a 35-mile long farmers market, soaking up gorgeous views as you stop at farms for snacks along the way. Fresh fruit, bakeries, wineries, u-pick flowers, lavender… what’s not to love?!

    Head further up to Mount Hood and visit the Historic Timberline Lodge, explore Government Camp, and do some hiking.

    Hiking Recommendations: Mirror Lake, Tom Dick & Harry, Lost Lake, Ramona Falls.

    Breweries: Pfriem (Phil’s all-time fave) and Ferment

    Wineries: Stave & Stone, Grateful, and Hiyu

  • We live in Southeast Portland, on Hawthorne Blvd. Here are a few of our favorite places in town!

    Restaurants: Eem, Apizza Scholls, Hat Yai, Cartopia Food Carts, Mid City Smash Burger, Matts BBQ Tacos, Gumba, Lauretta Jean’s, Ava Gene’s, Ranch Pizza

    Things To Do: PSU Farmers Market on Saturday Mornings, Grab Boba and Go Thrifting on Hawthorne, Get a Book from Powells, Try a Tea Flight at Smith Tea, Use the Lyft app to Rent Nike Bikes, Check out the Bargain Basement at Next Adventure

    Parks and Hiking: Laurelhurst Park, Mt. Tabor, Forest Park, Powell Butte

    Bars: Low Tide Lounge, Sapphire Hotel, Gold Dust Meridian, The Slammer, Roadside Attraction, Baerlic Brewery

  • Drive 2-3 hours west and find yourself at the gorgeous Pacific Coast. If you have time, you won’t regret making the trek! Pro tip: bring a hoodie, even if it’s summer.

    Our favorite places to visit are:

    • Cannon Beach - See Haystack Rock

    • Tillamook - visit the factory!

    • Neskowin

    • Gearhart

    • Oceanside

    • Astoria

  • 2 hours south, you’ll find Oregon’s own little Napa Valley where Pinot Noirs reign supreme.

    A few of Maria’s favorite tasting rooms:

    • Stoller Family Estate

    • Sokol Blosser

    • White Rose Estate

    • Domaine Drouhin