24 hours in Portland, Oregon

I could tell we were in Portland after waking up from my nap and glancing out the window, the cultured architecture released a calming vibe in the city. My first view of Portland was of Burnside street. The street was small and was accompanied by breweries, bookstores, breakfast diners and coffee shops.

A few miles down Burnside we reached the Jupiter Hotel - I loved this place. One night at the Jupiter defines the feel of downtown Portland. Before Joe and I could make it up to our room, one of our friends had already drawn a very mature illustration on our chalkboard hotel door (this got fun quick). We opened the door to find a cute little room with an accent wall painted jonquil yellow with a few white trees, along with probably the comfiest hotel bed I've ever slept in. Our friends room had a painted wall of a woodsy scene with the sun shining down. The rooms were small for the price, but neat. My favorite thing about the Jupiter though, was Doug Fir Lounge attached to it. This funky, alternative bar had indoor seating as well as a peacefully lit outdoor patio. We started our night at the lounge and headed towards the Crystal Ballroom for Modest Mouse.

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Before making it to the ballroom, we stopped at Ringlers Annex Cellar Bar. From outside, this place seemed like a hole in the wall, but when we got down into the cellar there were more people than I expected. The atmosphere was laid back and the service was quick. We ordered some pitchers and a homemade italian sausage and rapini pizza (I only know this because it was the best pizza I've ever had and I looked it up). I don't know if I had enjoyed the pizza so much because I hadn't eaten all day, or because it was spectacular, but I know I'll be back to try it again next time I'm in Portland.

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When we arrived at the Crystal Ballroom for Modest Mouse, I immediately thought of Clutch Cargos in Pontiac, Michigan. The ballroom was a little larger than Clutch Cargos but surprisingly small for such a popular band to be playing at. My boyfriend, our friends and I met a friendly fellow outside that took some pictures for us, and had him join in for one as well (I'd post these photos but I don't have them yet). I wouldn't have considered myself Modest Mouse fan before the show, but that changed after their talented performance. Overall, the concert was great and the venue was beautiful, I'd love to see another show at the Crystal Ballroom.

​After the show, we ended the night back at Doug Fir Lounge. It wasn't long before the day had gotten to us and we were out cold back in our hotel rooms. 

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The next morning, we woke up and walked down the street to J and M Cafe for breakfast. I don't know where I would even begin in describing the look of this place, but I can tell you that it wasn't your typical greasy breakfast diner. The atmosphere in the cafe was far from the usual breakfast location in Michigan and for that matter, any other state I've been to. The menu had items like; ten grain hot cereal, cup of yogurt and fresh fruit, belgian cornmeal waffle, garden scramble and even tofu scramble. I loved that J and M had both light and vegetarian options on their menu, in my opinion there should be more be more places like this throughout the country. I left J and M feeling fresh and satisfied and ready to start another exciting day in Oregon.

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Having spent the last three days in hotel rooms, we were more than ready to head home to Eugene. Every aspect of Portland differed from suburban city living, and it was all intriguing. From our hotel, to the bars, concert venue, and breakfast diner, the 24 hours I spent in Portland gave me a good feel of the hippy city. I look forward to visiting Portland again so I can experience even more of all it has to offer.

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