Brunch, Beer, and a Hike in Portland, OR

First of all I can't tell you how hard I tried to come up with another

"B" word to make the title alliteration work. I almost lied to you and told you that we went biking in the woods instead of hiking, but if you ever go on the same trail you'd see that it's not bike-able...so I'd be found out. So, let the record show that I have a conscience...or something like that. Anyway, let's get to the good stuff because oh boy I have some good stuff to share.

First up: Brunch at Pine State Biscuits. A little taste of soft sweet Southern heaven. I'd like to formally request a bed made full of these fluffy cloud biscuits and a pool full of this sweet tea lemonade, thank you. Not only are these breakfast sandwiches to die for (if you hadn't gathered as much by now), we found a place with sweet tea on the West coast! My biscuit had crispy chicken, a happy jiggly fried egg, and locally made honey butter. Gene's biscuit also had chicken and egg but also bacon and an actual single person serving of gravy instead of the ocean of gravy they give you in the south. (Like am I supposed to drink it with a straw after??). Anyway, please go here, you're welcome. (If you can't eat bread, there's a really dope looking vegan food bus right there to check out)

Second: Now that you're full of carbs and love, it's time to add a little beer blanket right next door at Great Notion Brewing. They focus on sours that are actually really interesting and in general not mouth-puckeringly sour. I don't have as many things to say about this place, but they have very pretty beer (not just sours, their IPA is pretty good per Gene) and a lovely little outdoor space. There's also a good brewery across the street surrounded by food carts and honestly this whole area (called Alberta) is delightful -- stay here if you can!

Third and final recommendation for this post: Head over to Forest Park and hike to the Witches Castle. The trail starts at Lower Macleay Park and heads gradually uphill for about .75 miles - you can't miss the ruins of this house in the woods.

There are some cool legends about this place (peep the link above), but my mind can't help but make up all kinds of stories about why this place exists and who might have lived here. It seems like a really peaceful spot but definitely has some creepy vibes. Forest Park itself is really awesome because it's right outside the city and has a trail that spans 30 miles of terrain plus tons of trails that branch off.

Comment below if you've been to any of these places before or have any other cool spots to recommend to us while we are here!