March 16, 2018
Kailey of Mermaidens’ Portland Mini Guide
Portland, OR
It’s been awhile since we featured a new city guide, and this time we called in some friends for their input. There are so many cities I haven’t been to, and even for the ones I have, you really can’t beat the recommendations of a local. Coming up, we have a few new mini city guides from my favorite internet and IRL friends, starting with Kailey aka Mermaidens of Portland, Oregon. If you aren’t familiar with Kailey, she’s a darling, fairytale dream with pink hair, great style and a sweet disposition. Her feed is a pastel wonderland! You can find her blog here and her instagram here. Now, for her Portland recommendations on where to stay, eat, shop, and what to do.
Where To Stay:
While I haven’t stayed there myself, the Ace Hotel is a favorite among Portland residents and visitors alike for it’s well reviewed hotel rooms, atmospheric coffee shop and analog PhotoBooth in the lobby!
Where To Eat:
For food, I love Papa Haydn’s extensive menu and Junior’s charming brunch options!
If you are in the mood for a sweet treat, Salt & Straw is infamous for their handmade, unique ice cream flavors. Think Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper and Honey Lavender as well as your more traditional fare like Cinnamon Snickerdoodle and Chocolate Gooey Brownie.
You can’t visit Portland without stopping by Voodoo Doughnuts! Well known for their pink exterior, boxes, and quirky doughnuts – this was my first stop when I moved to Oregon and it more then lived up to the hype! With colorful, instagram-worthy doughnuts, like the one covered in Captain Crunch (aptly named Oh Captain, My Captain), or a more traditional pink frosted confection named after Homer Simpson, there is something for everybody!
Their slogan, “Good Things Come in Pink Boxes” couldn’t be more true.
Where To Shop:
One of the cutest shops I’ve ever set foot in, Darling Distraction is filled to the brim with darling pins, patches, and accessories from some of my favorite brands such as Valfre and ban.do, as well as their own in house brand! I’ve been lucky enough to model for Karina, the founder, a few times and we always have the best time!
Looking for dreamy vintage pieces for reasonable prices? Look no further then House of Vintage – stuffed with a wide variety of clothing from all eras and styles, accessories, magazines, and other curios. I could get lost for hours digging for treasures and imagining who wore that dress in the 70s or who wore that jacket in the 60s… Last time I was there, I managed to find a pink Gunne Sax dress for $25 – such an incredible find.
What To Do:
International Test Rose Garden
The International Test Rose Garden gives real weight to Portland’s nickname, “The City of Roses”! Without a doubt the most beautiful garden I’ve visited – this is the #1 place I recommend to people visiting Portland for it’s stunning flowers, foliage, and design. With over 10,000 rose bushes, you are sure to feel like Alice in Wonderland.
If you are a history fan, you will love the Pittock Mansion – a stunning house built in 1914 that was converted into a museum in the 60s. Not only are the grounds gorgeous, but you get a stunning peek into the lives of the Pittocks, an influential family that saw Portland through it’s “transformation from pioneer town to modern, industrialized city“ via the mansion’s 23 rooms with mini exhibitions sprinkled throughout.
Photography Credits:
Featured image photo by Hana Haley
Salt & Straw photo by Jess N Pierson for Darling Distraction
Junior’s photos by Berta Pfirsich
Thanks for the recommendations, Kailey! Don’t forget to give her a follow on instagram.
