Get Outdoors

The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the country's most

beautiful scenery and local parks. And luckily, a lot of it is accessible from

Portland/North Plains (where our farm is).

For those who are unlikely to venture outside the city limits, be sure to check out Washington Park, which is home to the famous International Rose Test Garden blooms and the Japanese Gardens.

One of our favorite spots in the park is Hoyt

Arboretum, which is home to one of the largest and most diverse tree populations in the world.

For some more local nature access, Forest Park is well worth a visit. At 5,200 acres, Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the country. With over 80 miles of trails, long and short, it is also a local favorite for hikers, runners, bikers, and birders.

For folks that are feeling a bit more ambitious, and up for a

short drive, we recommend a visit to the Columbia River Gorge—driving in the historic highway, Latourelle Falls, Bridal Falls, Multnomah Falls, the Vista House, and Sugar Pine Drive for a meal. Reach out to us if you want some hike suggestions—we can recommend a hike for any skill level!

Two other highly drivable areas to consider adding to your itinerary:

The Oregon Coast (about a 1.5-hour drive from North Plains): A couple of highlights would include Haystack Rock, a coffee at Sea Level Bakery, a hike at Cape Kiwanda, and a meal at Pelican Brewery.

Mt Hood/Hood River (about 2 hours from North Plains): Highlights include views from Timberline Lodge, a hike or picnic at Frog Lake, a meal looking at the Columbia River at Ferment Brewing in

Hood River.

Bend/Central Oregon(about 3.5 hour drive from North Plains): Just a few highlights of this area include: Hiking at Smith Rock, floating the Deschutes River, shopping at the Old Mill District, grabbing lunch at Jackson's Corner, petting some alpacas at the Alpaca Farm, enjoying the mountain views and paddle boarding at Sparks lake.

Family Friendly Events around PDX

Looking for family-friendly events in the Portland area for the

weekend?

Check out this troll and have a Swedish breakfast at Broder. Grab some flowers and PNW souvenirs at the Beaverton Farmers Market

Go to storytime or walk around the world's largest independent bookstore, Powells Book.

Or explore, discover, and experiment at OMSI (Oregon

Museum of Science and Industry)and IMAX

Dine & Drink

Portland is known for its great restaurant scene, as well as

breweries, urban wineries and coffee shops.

Whether we're talking food cart pods or chef's tasting menus,

there is something for everyone when it comes to food & drink in PDX. Here

are a few of our favorites:

· Food carts & markets: Hawthorne Asylum, Cartopia, Cooperativa

· Breweries: Migration Brewing

· Wine: LeCaves, Coopers Hall, Bar Rione

· Sweets: Papa Haydn, Pips Original Doughnuts, Salt & Straw

· Coffee: Upper Left Roasters, Prince Coffee, Never Coffee

· Breakfast: Proud Mary, Jam, Tin Shed, Broder, and Pine State Biscuits

· Trendy: Canard, G-Love

· Best of the Best: MEC, Pizza Thief, NORMANDIE

We could go on and on...Needless to say, Portland has a lot of

great food & drink!

Visit Oregon Wine Country

While it may not be Napa Valley, the Willamette Valley region in Oregon has made a name for itself in recent years for Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Riesling.

If you have access to a vehicle while in town, a short drive south may be the perfect pairing to the weekend.

Argyle Winery In Dundee is a favorite. Lots

of space, modern design, and delicious wine.

A few other top picks include Bella Vida, Rex Hill, De

Ponte Cellars and Bells Up, but there are countless other

amazing wineries to visit, as well as winemakers to checkout, throughout Oregon wine country.