A Long Weekend in Portland: Coffee, Trails & City Vibes

We just spent a long weekend in Portland, Oregon, and it was the perfect mix of city life, nature escapes, and seriously good food. Whether you’re into art, hiking, vintage shops, or craft everything—Portland has something for everyone, and we made the most of every moment.

We started our mornings the Portland way—with coffee. Between cozy neighborhood cafés and hipster-favorite espresso bars, we were never far from a great cup. From there, we explored the city’s distinct neighborhoods—browsing records and books in Hawthorne, strolling through the Pearl District’s galleries, and wandering Nob Hill’s tree-lined streets. We also got to walk around the Farmer's Market.

One of the highlights of the trip was a hike to Multnomah Falls. Just a short drive from the city, this iconic waterfall is every bit as stunning as it looks in photos. We took the trail up to the top of the falls, where the view of the Columbia River Gorge stretched out in every direction. The sound of rushing water, the mist in the air, and the lush green surroundings made it feel like a different world—so peaceful and dramatic all at once.

One of the most unexpectedly fun parts of the weekend was visiting Hopscotch, an immersive and interactive art experience tucked away in Portland’s Eastside. From glowing light installations to hands-on exhibits that played with sound, mirrors, and color, every room offered something weird, beautiful, or just plain fun. It felt part art gallery, part playground, and totally Portland. If you’re into creativity, curiosity, or just taking cool photos—don’t skip this one.

It was the kind of weekend that felt like a little bit of everything: urban exploring, outdoor adventure, and plenty of moments to just slow down and enjoy where we were. Portland has a way of making you feel at home, even if it’s your first visit.

Utah's Mighty 5

Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks offer one of the most concentrated displays of geologic diversity in the United States. Over the course of this trip, we moved from the red rock fins around Moab to the high plateaus of Bryce and the sheer canyon walls of Zion, structuring each stop around early starts, scenic drives, and focused hikes. Our trip began in Arches National Park just outside Moab . Sunrise at Delicate Arch provided the clearest view of the park’s most recognizable formation, with low-angle light emphasizing the texture and color of the Entrada Sandstone. We continued to Landscape Arch, notable for its extreme thinness and span, and stopped at Balanced Rock to see one of the park’s most accessible examples of differential erosion. A ranger-led experience through the Fiery Furnace highlighted the complexity of the park’s sandstone fins and narrow passages. After dark, we returned to the Windows Section for stargazing; Arches’ designation as an International ...

Desert to Sea: Our Baja California Road Trip

There’s something unforgettable about a Baja road trip—the wide-open desert highways, cactus forests that stretch for miles, fresh seafood pulled straight from the sea, and rugged Pacific cliffs that feel untouched and wild. Our four-day drive down the eastern and western sides of Baja California was the perfect mix of adventure, history, and coastal relaxation. Here’s how the journey unfolded. Day 1: El Centro to Gonzaga Bay We began in El Centro, heading south for our border crossing into Mexico. There’s always a little buzz of excitement when you cross over—knowing that just beyond lies a completely different pace of life. 🌮 Stop in San Felipe Our first stop was the colorful coastal town of San Felipe along the Sea of Cortez. It’s laid-back, breezy, and known for its seafood—and we made a beeline for fish tacos at La Morena. Fresh, crispy, perfectly seasoned, topped with bright salsa and lime—they were exactly what you want on a Baja road trip. Simple, authentic, and eaten ...

A Weekend Exploring the Redwoods and Beyond

There’s something quietly humbling about walking among ancient redwoods—their immense trunks and towering canopies put everyday worries into perspective. This weekend we got to spend time at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, took a unique brunch on the water, and wrapped it all up with a hands-on visit to a local lavender festival. The heart of the trip was hiking the trails through the redwoods. Stout Grove is an accessible, peaceful trail lined with some of the tallest and oldest trees in the park. It’s an easy walk, but every step feels meaningful in the shadow of those giants. Nearby, the Grove of Titans is a must-see for anyone fascinated by nature’s grandeur. The trees there are even more massive, and though the trail is shorter and less developed, the experience is unforgettable. It’s a place that invites you to pause and take in the scale and stillness. Next decided to pursue a scenic drive up the Oregon Coast to Brookings, taking time to stop at viewpoints along the Samuel ...

Traveling with Danielle and Paige

Search This Blog