A Runcation in the Rose City

One of my favorite aspects of the Rock N Roll events is that they are always in fabulous cities, and thus a great opportunity for a runcation.  Being from the PNW, one of my all time favorite cities to run in is Portland. But Portland has so much more to offer than just fabulous scenery to enjoy; make sure to make the most of your time in Portland and enjoy all the Rose City has to offer. 

FAMILY FRIENDLY:

 Oregon Zoo: One of my favorite places to visit when traveling to a new city is their zoo. The Portland Zoo is  a quintessential Portland experience.  

Rock N Roll Denver

OMSI: The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is a scientific, educational, and cultural resource center dedicated to improving the public's understanding of science and technology. OMSI makes science exciting and relevant through exhibits, programs, and experiences that are presented in an entertaining and participatory fashion. 

While at OMSI, make sure to take a tour of the U.S. Navy's last non-nuclear, fast-attack submarine, the USS Blueback (SS-581)! The Blueback was the first battle-ready class of submarines to use the teardrop hull. It was in official operation throughout the Pacific Ocean for 31 years. The USS Blueback served in the entertainment industry too! It appeared in the hit movie The Hunt for Red Octoberand an episode of Hawaii Five-O and has been used as a location for a Discovery Channel documentary and various commercials.

FOR THE ADULTS IN THE GROUP:

One word that most runners love is BEER! Grab up to 15 of your friends, fellow runners, & cheer squad {must be 21 or older}, and pedal your way through a by seat tour of Portland's finest breweries:

Combining Portland’s love of handcrafted beer and biking, the BrewCycle will take you, as fast as you can pedal, to your next ice cold brew! Where you take your bike is up to you, but here are some possible stops:

WHERE TO EAT IN AMERICA'S MOST ORIGINAL FOOD DESTINATION: 

Portland is know for their fabulous restaurants, and the options are endless, but here some of my top picks:

Pok Pok {Thai}

A culinary mecca where chef-owner turns out "lip smacking," "mind -blowing street food" like "unbelievably good chicken wings"

Little Big Burger 

This "hip" local fast-food chain with a penny-pinching, six-item menu slings "fantastic" "made-to-order" sliders that are "tiny but full of flavor" and complemented by "wonderful" white truffle oil–laced fries and ketchup with a "kick"; good thing the service is "rapid", because its no-frills, red-accented shops offer "limited" seating and the line is "often out the door" – it "blows other burger bars away."

Caffe Mingo:

Like dining at your Italian grandmother's house; lovingly prepared pastas and main meet up with a fantastic wine selection

Tasty N Sons {Breakfast}:

drop dead deliciousness

Ox

The custom-made, wood-fired grill stars at this  Boise-Eliot Argentinean that's pulling in crowds for its sizzling mash-up of South American and Pacific NW cuisines

Laurelhurst Market

It's all about the meat

And of course a trip to Portland wouldn't be complete without a stop at the world famous, Portland quintessential,  VooDoo Doughnut for one of their bacon macon bars, VooDoo dolls, or any of their unique, one-of-a-kind donuts {and yes, you will have to wait in line}

And of course, a trip to Portland wouldn't be complete without dining at one of their infamous food carts:

With over 500 Food Carts to choose from, it can be quite a daunting task :) These are my favorites:

The Grilled Cheese Grill: Where else can you enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich on the second story of a double decker bus?

FlavourSpot: Home of Portland's Original Waffle Sandwich.  Being willing to get out of your comfort zone and try the Sausage and Maple OR Ham and Gouda, I promise you will be happy you did. For the more conservative taste buds, the S'more Waffle is mouthwatering deliciousness.

The Whole Bowl: Vegetarian; comforting and healthy medley of brown rice, red and black bean, fresh avocado, salsa, black olives, sour cream, Tillamook cheddar, cilantro, Tali sauce and trace amount of attitude
PBJs Grilled: Oh my, this isn't your average PB&J sandwich.  I really want to try the Spicy Thai: PBJs Peanut Butter, Siracha, fresh basil, curry, and orange marmalade. 

If you are someone who has a hard time making a decision, especially with so many fabulous options, why not take the Food Carts Portland tour?? Join Brett, the defacto food cart ambassador, for a fun and informative tour, while enjoying sample from several of Portland's best carts.

Aren't you excited for a weekend in Portland now, I know I am!!! If you haven't already signed up for the Portland Rock N Roll, you still have time, but HURRY {you only have til the 12th} ! Use "HOLLYROCKS" to save $10  off your  registration