Though my recent trip to Portland was short, I managed to pack in enough adventure to highlight a few things Portland is best known for.
A tiny home with giant Sunflower stalks. I want.
I’m fortunate to live just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Portland which makes the 3 hour drive doable without much notice. I’d been spending a lot of time in Seattle lately, and needed a change of scenery.
Can anyone guess where I stopped first upon arrival? After spending 3 hours in my car (with at least 4 bathroom stops) I needed a pick me up.
On my last trip to Portland I was given this card for a free coffee because they forgot my moms bagel. I decided to cash it in, but because it was after 1pm I went with decaf. I told you in my last post what happens if I drink coffee after noon.
I almost got a regular coffee, but these tasting notes were perfect.
In true Brittany fashion, I needed something to pair with my coffee.
What I’m about to say next requires no explanation because I feel no need to justify my decision, however a brief glance into my thoughts might help clarify why I paired my coffee with a non vegan donut.
I’ve been having a lot of issues with food lately, as regular readers will know. It had come to the point where I felt like I had no control over what I was able to eat, and I was feeling immensely restricted and fearful of anything that I put into my mouth. I have my safe foods, which I enjoy, but after a while they get a bit old.
Traditional vegan donuts are full of junk (well, I suppose most donuts are) that my body doesn’t like and my usual go-to’s for donuts are now off the table. Sure, I can make my own, and I plan to in the future, but after walking past Blue Star Donuts and reading their statement on simple, whole food based ingredients I knew I had to go in.
They had one vegan option, but I had been lusting over one specific donut ever since I saw it online a few months ago. Blueberry bourbon basil. If that doesn’t catch your attention I don’t know what will. When I first adapted a plant based diet I always said when I traveled I’d become a “vegan with benefits,” and with French based recipes consisting of whole foods, I benefited that day.
I was caught trying to take a photo of my donut and coffee when someone asked if I wanted my picture taken with them.
So there you have it, I ate a donut that had NO soy, no nuts, no unrecognizable ingredients, but had eggs. I regret nothing. Will this happen again? Not anytime soon, and not unless I’m in Italy because you better believe I’m eating all the pizza.
I don’t quite know why I had the urge to eat this donut, but my mind told me to eat it and I did. Plus, when the ingredients are locally sourced and I know the animals aren’t being harmed for their products, my morals aren’t compromised.
I no longer feel restricted and the donut did its job. Moving on.
Donut and coffee in one hand. Skillz.
Oh and the verdict? Light, fluffy, but the flavor wasn’t what I was expecting. It was delicious, but I was hoping to feel like I took a bite of blueberry pizza (basil) with a swig of throat burning bourbon. It just tasted like an airy donut.
I didn’t feel sick after so that was a win. It also paired beautifully with the caramel and buttery notes in my coffee. Total taste-bud harmonization.
Post donut and coffee consumption, wandering was required. Powell’s bookstore is always a good time, mentally stimulating on so many levels. I’ve been in the market for a new pillow and almost purchased one I saw while perusing the store.
I decided against the giant cat pillow after considering how my main man would react. He tends to get jealous, and these days I try to put others needs before my own.
Even though he was busted ripping things off my wall so that he could lay on them, but I digress.
“I do what I want”
Next I ventured down to the water to soak up the last bit of the sun. I passed some solid cathedrals on my way there, and I’m a sucker for gorgeous architecture.
The only thing that would have made my trip to Portland better would have been a solid hike, and a trip to Multnomah Falls. The falls are on my bucket list, and next time I intend to stare at them until my eyes hurt.
My next trip to Portland will be mid January for round two of Gregory Alan Isakov, but this time with the Portland symphony. Does this make me a groupie?
Not sure a visit to the falls will be a good idea when it’s freezing out in January, but nothing is off the table in my world.
- Coffee scene – check
- Foodie scene – check
- Food trucks – check
- Listening to street musicians – check
- Tattoo’s everywhere – check
- Exploration – check
Portland in a nutshell.
Q: How was your weekend? I have one more day of freedom, and today I’m off to Mount Rainier!
Blissfulbritt 
60 thoughts on “Portland – The Land of Good Coffee and Cat Pillows”
jennysuesmith
The coffee looked delicious! I wish we had flavors like that in Minnesota. I have yet to find a donut I truly love. Usually, like yours, they are airy and little flavor. I usually feel ill if I eat more than half. So, I stick with a regular cake donut, on the rare occasion I actually buy one. Good post. I’m new to your blog. Thanks for sharing!
Brittany
Feeling sick after is always my fear, I was happy that these were light enough that I didn’t! Thanks for the comment. 🙂
Amy @ A Desert Girl
I can’t wait to visit Portland someday. It looks like such a great city. Powell’s is definitely a place I’ll be checking out!
Brittany
With how much you enjoy reading, you will LOVE Powell’s.
Katie
Love Portland and Stumptown and Multnomah and Ranier. AHHHHH!
Rebecca@RunningFoodBaby
Mmmm donuts! LOL those cat pillows.
My weekend was ok. Max and I ran a 1K fun race and yesterday we spent the entire day at the children’s hospital which wasn’t too bad considering it was stupid hot out and the hospital had rockin AC.
pehge
Just posted what my bf and I did in Portland!! Love this post. It was our first time…we stayed in the Southeast area using Airbnb. Did you stay in a hotel? I wanted to go to Blue Star but we just didn’t have enough time 😦 we did have voodoo!
Brittany
I didn’t stay in a hotel this trip, but I have in the past! I need to check out Air BnB. AHH you must get back and try Blue Star. I love VooDoo and the odd factor, but quality wise Blue Star wins.
Lacey
I just went to Portland with my mom a few weeks ago! Totally not ashamed to announce that it was a vegan foodie trip haha! We stayed at a vegan bed and breakfast, ate tons of vegan food, walked around, ate more vegan food, I got a tattoo at scapegoat, and then we ate more vegan desserts just to top it off hahaha! I loved Stumptown, and we did split a vegan donut at Blue Star, but I actually liked voodoo a tad better…but omg I need to move to or around Portland one day its just too magic.
Brittany
What an epic vegan adventure!! I must find that bed and breakfast!
Lauren Rice (@heyricecake)
Hahaha I saw ‘cat pillows’ in your blog title and immediately clicked on it. Stumptown coffee is my absolute favorite! Also, I am totally chuckling imagining you trying to take a photo of yourself with your coffee and donut #bloggerproblems
pickyrunner
We were JUST talking this weekend about how we want to go to Oregon/Portland soon to bike and hike. I’ll meet you there for the donuts. Oh, and the mountains I guess 😉
Brittany
DOITDOITDOOOOIT!
BabetaRuns
Whoop whoop!!!
I’m going to Greece for four days tomorrow… and reading your post just reminded me how insanely I’m looking forward to the trip!!
dave379
Multnomah Falls are definitely worth checking out! The one time I was I Portland my brothers and I did it and then kept going to the top of the ridge (another 5 miles?) and got the long range view, also worth it. And then walked/jogged back on the way down in half the time.
Amy
Oh my gah YESSSSSS. That’s exactly how I feel: terrified to put any food in my mouth at all times. And I’m down to about 10 “safe” foods, so… I definitely feel you on going crazy. SO glad that donut didn’t do anything to you! Donuts are one of my bigger triggers… Sad day. And I love, love, love cathedrals! I made my family go to quite a few when we went to Europe ages ago. We need to hang out and explore sometime soon!!
Angela
Gorgeous photos! You’d love the architecture here where I live, lots of cathedrals and castles! Looks like you are having a great trip and that donut does look good!! xo
Heather @ HeatherRunsFast.com
As usual, JEALOUS of your adventure. I think you made the right choice with the donut. If you’re going to get one, might as well be the best… even if the flavor wasn’t all there. Personally, I would have gotten a filled one. But that’s bc I’m a fatty at heart 🙂 I could hang out in a book store all day. ESPECIALLY with coffee! Oh and it makes me happy you got decaf 🙂
Brittany
I haven’t had a filled donut in…FAR TOO LONG! I must get one. STAT.
The Freckled Runner
oh my those donuts! now i want one!!!! Jealous you live so close to Portland. I’ve never been but dying to go visit!
Leslie @ TriathleteTreats
Fun Portland trip!!! Blue Star donuts are delicious!! but expensive!!
allisonfiorini
I need to go to Portland. You had me at coffee and cat pillows, but then I noticed the DONUTS you were eating. Yes, please! And it’s Stumptown coffee – omg. SO. GOOD!!!
Jade
That looks like a fun trip! I’ve actually never been to Portland and I used to like 45 minutes South of Seattle! I’m hoping to take a Portland trip after I get settled in Seattle in January
Lindsay @ A Runnaroundd Life
Gorgeous photos. And. Um. I totally would’ve bought the cat pillow. MISSED OPPORTUNITY 😉
Ellie
I envy your trip so bad! I don’t think you should feel too guilty about the donut as long as non-vegan things don’t become a habit. The eggs were probably free-range anyway 😉 This weekend I had a race and hitchhiked to it B-) it was a good time.
Brittany
Thanks for the extra justification. 😉
P
Your PNW adventures are always so awesome! That donut looks like it rose up to its name 😛
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I’m a huge fan of food freedom and not making yourself go crazy trying to follow any sort of diet, so I say good on ya for the donut. It’s just a shame that it didn’t taste as good as you were expecting. Personally? I can’t do donuts without chocolate. But then again, I’m kind of biased towards any baked good that doesn’t come with cocoa 😛
Pip {Cherries & Chisme}
Great coffee plus doughnuts? I think you’ve sold Portland to me. Shame the doughnut didn’t live up to your expectations though – that’s the worst when you make a big decision to try something as well!
So glad to have found your blog today 🙂
Brittany
It was still delicious, so I suppose it was a success after all. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!!
thehealthyfoodblogger
Love Portland! Have you been to their Farmers’ Market? Great foodie city!
Brittany
Yes!! FANTASTIC foodie city! ❤
Laur
I always feel like I want to start eating some meat products again. Even if it’s “secretly” so people don’t get mad at my confusing eating patterns, I have a hard time eating poultry or meat. I do get cravings, but they go away pretty quickly. I eat fish, too, so I know I’m getting my omegas and so forth. Sometimes, though, I feel like my body just wants it!
Brittany
I hear ya…I’m trying to decipher between what I want/need.
Laur
It’s hard because you could eat a rotten veggie or something and think something else blew up your stomach. It’s so annoying.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
Thanks for sharing your Portland highlights. I am going to HAVE to go to that donut place. I love that your diet is flexible enough that if you see something you want, you have it and you don’t feel bad about it. That’s the way it should be.
Jess @hellotofit
I need to spend a huge chunk of time on the West Coast. I wonder…how many things can you fit into one hand?! 🙂
Arman @ thebigmansworld
ohhhhhh fun! I want to go to Portland and faceplant non vegan donuts!
PJ Sassifras
I need to make a blueberry basil bourbon cupcake! (I know, you wrote all that and this is what I walk away with). I’d love to add a another vegan recipe to my list. Any chance you’d be willing to look over any recipe I create?
Brittany
I am glad someone could appreciate the sounds of that flavor combo!! Please create one haha. I would happily check it out.
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness
Looks like a fun weekend! Ya know, I’ve NEVER been to Portland before… I haven’t seen a few of the northwestern states and have them on my list, including Wyoming.
I say GOOD FOR YOU for intuitively eating a donut! When I’m traveling my normal diet guidelines take a backseat sometimes too… I don’t go and eat bacon or anything, but I’ll try something that may or may not have gelatin in it or cheese that may or may not be specifically vegetarian. I think sometimes you just gotta throw out your rules and enjoy the moment ya know?
Brittany
I hear ya! Life’s too short and…donuts are good. 😉
Tania // Run to Radiance
Yay! Vegan with benefits sounds perfect. 🙂 So excited you posted about Portland, i’m going there for the first time in November and I can’t waittt!!!!
50statecanuck
My fav food stop in Portlant was Voodoo Donuts…buuuuuuut, that might not be the best for your insides!!!
willrunforpizza
Dude. I’m so jealous. I was just showing my Hus your hiking pictures from your last post and he’s jealous too.
Confession: he just asked me if you were British. Britt-british…don’t ask. But it gets better…I said, “no, she’s Washington.” What?!?! I don’t even know…
Brittany
Bahaha that made me laugh out loud.
emmaeatsitalian
Hi Brittany! That line about being caught taking a photo of yourself with the coffee and doughnut, oh the lols!! Coffee sounds amazing in Portland, must go in this lifetime 🙂 All the best
Rach @ This Italian Family
Fun fun fun! I kind of want to get one of those cat pillows so Oreo can snuggle with it. I think that’d just be presh. 😉
An Unrefined Vegan
Zero judgement on the doughnut. Just sorry to hear it didn’t completely knock off your running socks.
I really, really need to get to Portland. Because I need one of those Stumptown Coffee mugs! Stick trees!!
Melanie
I love Portland, but haven’t been there in forever! I would LOVE to take the fam on a road trip to the coast…we’ll see. That donut looked fabulous, but I’m sorry it wasn’t quite as good as you were hoping. I guess you’ll just have to go back and try a different one…ha ha. Love those cat pillows, btw. Awesome.
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch
I feel like all I need in a city is great coffee and better donuts. That’s it. My roommate is from Portland and so she read this over my shoulder and was loving it 🙂 I’ll have to visit with her!
jejansonius
Ahhh Portland the people there though, one in a million offering to take the photo for you sounds about right! Ha I love it! Also I love that doughnut looks delicious we didn’t hear of the place but I’m thinking if we go back that would definitely need to be a stop! Love your short hair in this post and the next hiking post as well it’s always so cute!
Kayse
What a delicious sounding combo for a donut flavor! I need to visit Portland. If I do, I’ll call you and have you drive down 🙂 Also, those cat pillowssssss!!!!!!
stateeats
Your photos are divine, only surpassed by your hilarious prose. Keep ’em coming! -Kat
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
I told you I have family in Portland, yes? I can’t wait to go and stay with them so I can really see you. 🙂
Also, sometimes you just gotta eat a non-vegan donut. I’ve been craving a BLT lately so I think I’m going to make it happen. I’m not a huge fan of meat and I don’t do it often, but I also don’t like to deny my body something it’s craving. For me, that kind of stuff tends to back fire, and I think cravings are usually a request for something. Maybe I need some iron or just a sandwich which reminds me of the fond days of my youth. Memories……
goodstorysarah
Will you be going to the Vegan Beer Fest in Portland?!
Brittany
Didn’t even know about it until now! Just looked it up, sounds like a blast! Are you going? I’m not a beer fan, but the other stuff looks cool. 🙂
goodstorysarah
I am going! I don’t drink but they have a non-drinking ticket. You get free unlimited samples of kombucha with that ticket!
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness
I’m going through all of your Portland posts to check out spots that you loved there! I’ll be hiking Multnomah Falls this weekend and am excited to see it 🙂
Brittany
Yassss!!! It’s a very popular area, go early!