The Portland Girl's Spring Bucket List

Enjoy this guest post from Andee S.!A little bit weird, a little bit sophisticated: Portland, OR has a bit of everything. Big-city excitement, small-town charm, unspoiled nature, buzzing culture… and of course delicious food and local produce. Whether you live in Portland or are just visiting for the weekend, there are always new things to see and do. The Portland Girl has rounded up our favorite sights and activities that are perfect for spring in the city--from hiking to treating yo’self, read on to discover what should be on your Portland spring bucket list.

Attend the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

Be quick: until the end of April, you can enjoy the sight of 40 acres of colorful tulip fields, a short distance south of Portland in Woodburn. A cute windmill completes the Dutch feel of this annual seasonal festival. The stuff that Instagram dreams are made of. (If you missed it this year, there's always next year).

Wine tasting day trip to the Willamette Valley

The 150-mile long Willamette Valley, just outside Portland, is home to over 500 wineries! We don’t suggest you visit them all (at least, not in one go), but an afternoon or full-day winery tour is a fun way to see the countryside and sample the local produce. Gather a group of girlfriends and hit the road--with a designated driver or a tour guide, that is.

See a show at the Crystal Ballroom

What could be better than live music? Live music in a gorgeous setting. The Crystal Ballroom dates back to 1914. These days the grand balls have been swapped out for contemporary music of all kinds, so check out what’s on while you’re in town, and buy tickets ahead of time if you can.

Shop at the Portland Saturday Market

No weekend in Portland would be complete without a visit to the Saturday Market. Pick up some fresh organic veggies to cook some nutritious meals at home, or shop for unique, handmade jewelry--whatever you’re looking for, you can find it at the Portland Saturday Market in spades.

Get crafty at the DIY Bar

If you’re looking for a way to creatively express yourself while bonding with friends and enjoying an evening drink, check out the DIY Bar. Choose your medium--leather, macrame, string, and more--and your local beer, cider, or wine, and get crafty. We can’t guarantee that your artistic ability will increase with the more you drink, but you’re guaranteed to have a good time. Bookings are recommended.

Hike to Multnomah Falls

There’s hardly a better way to look after your health than to go hiking in nature. Fresh air, aerobic exercise, and gorgeous views await at the Multnomah Falls, just east of the city in the Columbia Gorge. Spring’s the ideal time to get out into the nature that’s so close to Portland.

Chill out at the Japanese Garden or the Lan Su Chinese Garden

To unwind in the middle of the city, grab a book and find a shady spot at the Japanese Garden or the Lan Su Chinese Garden--or even both! These beautifully landscaped gardens showcase East Asian design and horticulture and are an ideal retreat when you need to switch up the pace of life.

Grab a copy of the Donutocalypse donut guide and coloring book

Portland is famous for its donuts, and a fun way to sample the best while keeping the calorie accumulation in check is to grab a copy of the Donutocalypse coloring book and guide book rolled into one. It not only lists the best donut joints in town but also bike rental places, to burn them off.

See life through tinted glasses at the International Rose Test Garden

Part of the larger Washington Park, the International Rose Test Garden is a gorgeous place to hang out in the spring and early summer, when the roses bloom. It’s a ‘test garden’, meaning that different kinds of roses are sent here from around the world to test their color, smell, resistance to disease, and so on. Fragrant and educational!

Taste tea at Smith Teamaker

Looking for an alternative to your regular old cup of joe in the morning? Check out the tasting rooms at Smith Teamaker, a Portland institution, with two locations in the city. As well as fine teas, you can shop for delightful specialty teaware. Your morning routine will never be the same again.

We hope you’re newly inspired to get your body moving, try something new, and indulge in some guilt-free self-care in Portland this spring.

About the writer: Andee is a recent college graduate from Arizona State University with a love of writing, the outdoors, and funky cafes. You can usually find her hiking or planning her next trip. She is passionate about traveling, her family, and the perfect cup of coffee. Find her on Instagram as @andee_schmidt