Adventures in Sweets

Admittedly, one of the most challenging parts of traveling for me is leaving our four-legged, furry roommate behind. When Portland, Oregon, known for being dog-friendly, made it onto our summer travel itinerary, I was so excited to load our black lab, Finely, into the car with us. For context, Finley is approximately 50 lbs with moderate manners. Finley has a heart of gold and tries really hard, but sometimes his excitement can get the best of him. Fortunately, he makes pretty irresistible eye contact and forces his charm on any two-legger in his path.
​
If you are planning a trip to Portland with your furry friend, here are my top recommendations to help you have the best time!

Where to Stay

The Courtyard by Marriott in City Center was dog-friendly and only charged an extra $50 per stay for up to two dogs 80 pounds or less. After extensive research, this was one of the most reasonable pet policies in the city. Finley was a bit of a celebrity around there during our stay and may have scored some treats from the staff. Other dog-friendly hotels that I considered for their amenities, but may have size restrictions or a higher pet fee, were the Woodlark Hotel, Moxy Portland Downtown, and the Dossier Hotel Portland.

Things To Do

I found Finley was welcome in most non-dining stores and shops around town. As responsible dog owners, we would double-check with the store before bringing the fur-ball in, but most were thrilled to see him. I enjoyed picking out a district for a meal and then taking some time to window shop and popping when something caught my eye.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Portland is the International Rose Garden at Washington Park. The International Rose Garden contains more than 10,000 individual rose bushes representing 610 different rose varieties on nearly seven acres. It is both fragrant (I can only imagine what it is like for a dog!) and visually stunning. The roses are generally in bloom from May to October. Other dog-friendly activities in Washington Park include the Hoyt Arboretum, the open field area, and the memorials. Dogs must remain on a leash at all times.
​
For a break outside the city, my favorite dog-friendly excursion was a day at the Columbia River Gorge. It is a 40-minute drive from Portland and includes breathtaking viewpoints, hiking trails, and over 90 waterfalls. Multnomah Falls is known as the “grand jewel” of the Waterfall Corridor, but that also makes it the most crowded, particularly during the popular summer season. For dogs (and humans!) who prefer a little more space to explore, there are options for every activity level. 

Where to Eat

Most, if not all, restaurants with outdoor seating in Portland will accommodate dogs. These spots warranted a special shoutout, not only because they catered to dogs, but their incredible human menus, too!
​
Tin Shed Garden Cafe caters to their furry customers almost as much as their human patrons. Their dog menu includes free-range chicken thighs and sweet potatoes, and a special doggie dessert. Finley sampled (inhaled!) the doggie dessert and gives it five paws. They even sell canine bandanas to support a local rescue in the community. For humans, I would recommend one of the “stacked scrambles” or the breakfast burrito, and do not leave without having a biscuit.

Portland also has a thriving food truck/food cart scene which is perfect for dining with pups. I am still thinking about the hand-pressed house sausage patty in the Yolko Ono breakfast sandwich from Fried Egg I’m in Love in Pioneer Courtyard Square. While enjoying your breakfast sandwich, Pioneer Courtyard Square, also known as Portland’s Living Room, provides excellent people-watching and hosts a variety of events throughout the year. 

Lastly, check out the Barley Pod, home to 10 food carts and Baerlic Brewing Company. The beer garden and numerous food options make it a fun place to camp out for an afternoon or evening with your furry companion. Their current food cart options include Venezuelan street food, ramen, Mexican food, burgers, Colombian & Chilean food, gyros, vegan options, fried chicken, Thai food, and crepes.