Photographer and Portland native Alivia Latimer, gives us the low down on the “capital of cool”, from glow-getting smoothies to the best vintage tees.
The Hoxton Hotel
SLEEP:The Hoxton Hotel in Portland is only a few months old but has easily become one of Portland’s hotspots to not only stay, but also to hang out, socialise and grab a drink. It has a beautiful interior that brings the outside in. It’s the perfect place to relax, unwind and snap a photo or two.
SIP:We all want good coffee, and living up to its name, Good Coffee, delivers some of the best brews in Portland. Their baristas are the nicest I’ve ever met, and their shop is bustling all day long. My personal favourite is the Tanglewood Chai Tea with oat milk. Be sure to sit and really enjoy the environment too. It’s so quaint.
SHOP:Portland’s streets are lined with great stores but my favourite of late has been Artifact Creative Recycle. It’s an eclectic vintage shop just down the street from my home. They always have something new and unique, from home décor to vintage tees. Portland is known for its thrift stores, and this one is a must.
virtuous pie
EAT:It’s hard to pick a favourite! Portland is such a foodie city and there is truly food of every variety here. For the best vegan pizza and ice-cream around, head to Virtuous Pie. For healthy bowls and smoothies, you can’t go past Canteen and for or great communal vibe and something to please every taste, Pine Street Market is fantastic.
RELAX:One of the best things about Portland is its relaxed atmosphere. People like to take it slowly and I admire that. If you happen to catch Portland on a sunny day, head up to Mount Tabor Park, a little oasis in the middle of the city that truly feels like you’re in the depths of the forest. It’s an ideal place to have a picnic, read a book, walk your dog or catch a sunset.
St. Johns Bridge
SEE:Portland is known as the Bridge City as we have seven bridges within a short distance of each other, and if you look closely, you can see them all at once. If you’re down for an evening stroll, a walk along Portland’s waterfront is always a delight with romantic views and plenty of bridges in sight. It’s always a calming way to end the day and get a glimpse of Portland all at once.