An Oregonian At Heart

A cute neighborhood in Southeast Portland.

I like Oregon. A lot.

I especially like Portland, Oregon.

What with more than 50 breweries, all those roses, the easy pace, crazy-good food and coffee, the slightly nicer weather (in comparison to Seattle), 12 major bridges, and a clean/accessible downtown, what's not to like? A lot?

Luckily, The Russian's parents live about 15 minutes south of Portland, and when we visit, we stay with them.

They have a green, friendly looking house that sits up on the tippy top of a big hill. The view is amazing - fields and rolling hills as far as the eye can see.

I dream of that land - the wineries, u-pick berry farms, pumpkin patches, and acres of chestnut trees. And not far to the West, the Pacific Ocean.

Don't even get me started about the coast.

Its my lot in life, having the shared heart of a country mouse and a city dweller. Makes choosing a place to call home and raise a family less than clear, let me just say.

And that's also why it's so nice to have a little of both worlds when we visit our Oregon peeps.

Lunch at the raucous Deschutes Brewery, a trip to Powell's City of Books (the worlds largest new & used bookstore), or an afternoon spent discovering one of the city's picturesque neighborhoods - all pretty dang easy.

About as easy as a hike through the woods or a drive out into the countryside. Better yet, a drive out into the countryside that concludes at Ponzi Vineyards Winery - one of my top three favorite wineries and tasting rooms.

Seriously, there's so much to do. If you're interested in planning a day or an entire trip in the Portland area, or Oregon at large, check out these websites: Travel Oregon and Travel Portland.

Yep, I love it down there - the whole earthy, cozy, funky, homegrown, malty, outdoorsy Oregon package. Just can't get enough.

What can I say? I'm an Oregonian at heart.

Thank goodness it's only three hours away. And thank goodness we like a good road trip. :)

A dedicated, gluten-free brewery. The Russian's MomLady is a big fan!

A whole city block filled with books. Mind blown.

A thing of beauty.

Deschutes bar area - always packed.