Portland Oregon Fall Favorites
Autumn is by far my favorite time of the year. In Chinese medicine it is associated with the element of Metal and is a time of dryness, and resonates with the Organ Systems of the Lungs and Large Intestines. It is a time to learn how to process and let go, a time of harvest and abundance.
If you are lucky enough to live in the Pacific Northwest, or have a chance to visit during autumn you can experience its true charm. The rain, the salmon spawning, the migrating Swifts, the snow dusted mountains… Portland really knows how to turn up its charm this time of year.
Being an Autumn baby myself, I have a special affinity toward this time of year, but sweater weather, pumpkin spice and herbal hot teas definitely make it better.
I have added some of my all time favorites to help you transition to Fall easier and sweeter.
Food and Drinks
By far one of my favorite tea shops in Portland, which is a bold statement I know as we also are the home of some amazing shops (such as the Tao of Tea, and Smith Tea Makers), but Tea Bar is truly unique with its modern decor and its heightened flavors. Tea Bar has two locations in South East (4330 SE Division) and North West (1055 NW Northrup). They really help set the stage for the autumn vibe with their pumpkin spice matcha (pictured above), pumpkin spice boba and pumpkin spice soft serve. Their flavors rotate seasonally but they always have the staples of herbal teas, matcha and boba on their menu. They source teas directly form family run farms and have a dedication to not only tradition but style.
This bar is serving up looks all year long, but it just hits different in autumn with their spooky sexy vibes. They are a haunted themed bar with spooky cocktails and creepy bites. The drinks are delicious and the atmosphere is amazing. Located 235 Southwest 1st Avenue. Really helps set the stage for the Halloween season! They host events as well as curated evenings to get the full experience, or you can just drop by with some friends and grab a drink. I appreciate anyone that keeps the spooky season rocking all year long, but make sure this bar is on my rotation in October.
Family Fun
Not just for families with kiddos, but fun for everyone! Go for the donuts and stay for the vibe. This is a family run farm nestled in Tualatin, Oregon that has events and festivals all year long, but they pull out all the stops when it comes to the Fall Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch. Hayrides, a pumpkin patch of course donuts, corn maze, animals, a great playground, and more. They also have a coffee shop and farm store stocked with pies and cute decor. The main question here is apple cider or pumpkin donuts (or both?!)
This little gem is tucked away about 30 minutes from the city and is totally worth the drive. The cutest boutique farm store I have been to, and I have been to a few! They have fresh farm eggs, Chug coffee pop-up shop on the weekend, the cutest goats, a dope WokeFace mural, cool events and a store that make you just want to buy everything. Located at 27875 SW Grahams Ferry Rd. Sherwood, Oregon 97140. They also host a yoga class in the old barn and pop up markets. It makes a great day trip adventure especially on the weekend!
These cute migrating birds put on quite the spectacle every almost evening September and most of October. Every evening right before sunset thousands of birds swarm into a big ol’chimney in Chapman Elementary School in Northwest Portland. The show gets real exiting when the local Hawk comes for dinner too! Stay up to date about their migratory pattern and when they are in town with the Audubon Society. Their is also a turf field to play soccer and a large hill the kiddos love to slide down on sheets of cardboard, so bring a blanket, a friend, a charcuterie board and enjoy the show! Its quite the spectacle.
Entertainment
Spooky, Sexy and talented aerialists and performers put on an annual Halloween show that is sure to excite. Every year the venue changes so check out their website to see where the show will be! They are extremely talented and its amazing to watch, some shows are rated “R” so make sure to plan a evening away from the kiddos for this one. Also be sure to purchase tickets ahead of time as most shows sell out. Night Flight Studio also offers a bunch of classes if you are inspired to try out the circus arts after the show! A real Halloween treat!
Self Care
One of my favorite spots in town to get some self-care. They are full of talented massage therapists, estheticians, and my favorite self-care activities a Cedar Sauna! The sauna has private or group sessions available. Read this research study to learn more about the benefits of Sauna. They have two locations, 3525 NE MLK Jr Blvd. and 2713 SE 21st Ave, kind of hidden away, this spot is a real gem. Public sauna days are all gender and swimsuits are required during these times. If you want a more private, and naked, experience, make sure to book a private sauna session. A basic sauna visit is 2 hours for only $30, such a great deal and a perfect compliment to your Autumn.
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Oh Portland how I love you. Stay weird and rainy… What are some of your Fall Favorites?