Austin invades Portland

I don't even know where to begin with this post. There's just so much to say. 

I had the best stay-cation ever when Austinites Jenny and Andrea came to visit last weekend. They'd been planning a trip to the Rose City since I moved back here three years ago, but it just didn't work out until now. To be fair, I should mention I refused to let the girls come before summer started. Who wants to show off a city covered in rain? Not this girl. 

OK. Back to the weekend at-hand. We packed in all the sites, traveling from Mt. Hood to Cannon Beach, and everywhere in-between. We ate our way through Portland, too. Mmm. What a delicious trip. 

I'll let (just a few of) the photos do the talking, but before I do, I'd just like to give a shout out to these girls. They're just fabulous. Everyone I introduced them to and every random clerk or patron of the various shops, restaurants, and bars we frequented agreed. Not trying to get too sentimental here, but I think our friendship has grown stronger since I left Austin. I admire Jenny and Andrea for all they've accomplished and continue to accomplish in their lives. They are great examples of chic and savvy independent women. I'm so happy they're in my life.

Come back soon! 

  

After a half-day of work, I picked up the gals and we went shopping in NW, had a late lunch at Jo Bar, licked some ice cream at Salt & Straw, and then hit up the Rose Garden. After that, we enjoyed happy hour and the view at Portland City Grill before getting in a pinch more shopping downtown.

Then, we came home to cheese and champ. Hello! My favorite cheese-loving friend (aside from my sis), Jenny D. was in the house!

The next morning, we started the day with a breakfast feast at my parents--mostly so my dad could hear some sweet Texans say "y'all"--before we headed for the Gorge. Here we are doin' the tourist thang at Multnomah Falls.

Allison did not have to work, so she came along for the day trip!

Cutest tourists ever.

Our chauffeur for the day, my best! 

Watching the wind- and kitesurfers on the Columbia River in Hood River.

Picking up Taylor's and my favorite coffee at 10 Speed in HR.

First stop: Cathedral Ridge. Nice people. Good wine. Tiny pours. :(

LOVED this bench with my favorite girls overlooking THIS!

Next up: Marchesi Winery. I knew I was going to love this place when our hostess brought out a complimentary meat and cheese board.

Lunch at Full Sail Brewery. We really tried to fit it all in.

Here we are at Mt. Hood Winery. We actually didn't end up staying here because they closed five minutes prior to our arrival. Even Jenny's thick-accented-sweet-talking didn't keep the door open.

Taylor and his girls.

We ended up spending our final moments in Hood River at the White House...what the locals call the "chamber of commerce of wine" in the area. I'm so happy we did. A sweet lady and her hubby run this place, and we fell in love with them and their story.

Next up: Taylor drove us up the highway to Timberline Lodge at Mt. Hood. He thought it would be neat for the girls to see the snow. They loved that the lodge was the site of the filming of The Shining. 

Getting down was pretty hilarious. 

Saturday morning = Voodoo Doughnut.

And then the Portland Farmers' Market.

And then a quick drive to the coast to Cannon Beach. CUTE OUTFIT ALERT!

Just a little windy.

Lunch at Mo's...impressed by the clam chowder but not so much by the fish and chips. 

Back to Portland for some pampering!

Our final dinner at Southpark Seafood.

A drink or two at the Driftwood Room in the Hotel deLuxe.

After a request to see some true Portlandia, we finished the night at Prost! on Mississippi. 

CHEERS to volleyball-playing tall girls. Ha ha ha. Just in town to grab some gear at Nike and off to the Olympics.

Good morning goodbye breakfast at Pine State Biscuit. 

With that, we did a little tour of eastside neighborhoods and the girls headed to the airport. What a trip!