Pearl Guide

Photo: Elliott Schofield

I love love LOVE living in the Pearl District. From the first time I visited Oregon to this very day, it has always been my favorite part of Portland. Even its name makes me happy :) After getting a job in the Pearl and deciding I HAD to live here (it's always been a dream of mine to live downtown in a city at one point in my life), I found a studio that was perfect for me and made the big move. I can walk to work, have countless restaurants and shops at my doorstep, and love feeling like I'm a part of this community. I can not WAIT for summer to get here. You will find me on my balcony every day and walking everywhere within a 2 mile distance. I think my favorite part is that it reminds me of when I studied abroad and lived in Rome. Walking everywhere, taking the time to breathe deeply and take in every sight, acquiring my favorite local spots, and the sense of freedom and adventure that comes with living on your own and exploring your city.

So while I am by no means an expert, I have gotten to know my way around the neighborhood and thought I would share some of my favorite places. So whether you live in Portland and come here all the time, or plan on making a trip from out of town, here's my own mini Guide to the Pearl!

Eat:

• Oba! A "Nuevo Latino" restaurant that has delicious food and drinks, outdoor dining in the summer, and festive orange decor. Order: a guava margarita and their warm banana-cream cheese malassadas (my favorite dessert in the world).
• Little Big Burger. Heaven on earth. Order: cheeseburger with chevre cheese, fries (made with truffle oil), and a root beer float. And use LOTS of the homemade ketchup and fry sauce.
• Via Delizia. Ask for Alex and tell him I sent you. Then try one of their amazing gelato flavors (they change weekly so I can't really recommend one). The breakfast and lunch options are fabulous as well!

Drink:

• Vault Martini. They have one of the best drink menus I've ever seen. I always want to try something new but I hardly waver from my usual: the Poison Arrow (champagne, St. Germaine, and a cherry - or grape - at the bottom).
• Henry's. For the mojitos. Or the beer if you're a beer drinker which I am not.
• I also don't drink coffee so I'm no help in that area (though the Pearl definitely has lots of options) but if you want to try something different, head to the TeaZone & Camellia Lounge and order their green tea peach and almond latte. One of the best and most unique drinks I've ever had!

Play:

• Blitz. I don't frequent this bar too often, but every now and then I'm in the mood for a cheap drink and a good game of shuffle board. Or air hockey.
• Life of Riley. More fun games when you head downstairs, and a jukebox where you can pick the music. I'll challenge you to a game of darts if you're up for it ;)
• Jamison Park. My favorite place to go sit and hang out. Especially in the summer. Watching the kids play in the fun fountains is the best.

Jamison Park at night. Photo: Elliott Schofield

Shop:

• Anthropologie. Duh.
• Leanna NYC. Really cute clothes at an affordable price.
• West Elm. Favorite furniture store.
• Solestruck. Awesome shoes.
• Alchemy. Just to look at the pretty jewelry :)
• Lululemon. If only I could afford it...

Sweat:

• YoYoYogi. Such a wonderful yoga studio. And the founders, Alex and Terri Cole, are amazing. If you want a free class pass let me know and I will hook you up!
• Barre3. I have actually never taken a class here. But the cute, young moms in their head-to-toe lululemon gear and Range Rovers have me pretty convinced that I will need a membership at some point in my life.
• Lululemon. Free yoga (and other fitness) classes are offered almost every day here. Check their facebook for daily updates.

Do:

• Visit Powell's. Just because it's famous. Then grab a book and get lost in one of their hundreds of aisles.
• Get your hair done at Blowout. Really cute atmosphere and it's always fun to get all done up by someone else.
• Come to my place! We'll grab a glass of wine, sit on my balcony (once I have some furniture out there) and watch the world go by. 

View from my balcony