I fell in love with Pacific University pretty quickly when I began looking at colleges. There were a thousand things I liked about Pacific but nothing will ever compare to the feeling I got the second I walked onto this campus. I felt like I was home. One of my favorite things about Pacific is that despite the fact it's in a small town is the fact that it's close to Portland. Growing up in the Bay Area I always loved going into San Francisco and now I get to adventure through Portland. So I thought I would share some of my favorite Portland pictures, memories and places.

1. The Coffee

This coffee is from Fuse Bar which is a both a coffee shop and a bar and is conveniently situated right next to Voodoo Donuts, which brings us to item #2.

2. Voodoo Donuts

While this one is sort of obvious, but it is still one of my favorite things. I don't think I will ever get tired of fruit loop donuts to start my day in Portland.

3. Salt & Straw

This is actually a newer addition to my love of Portland (as you can tell my Portland trips are very food motivated) But anyways Salt & Straw is an amazing ice cream shop, with a line out the door tucked on the corner on NW 23rd. They are known for amazing/unique flavors and hand made waffle cones and let me tell you it's worth the wait. (Flavor pictured above is Honey Lavender)

4. NW 23rd Street

NW 23rd Street is home to Lush, Salt & Straw and a million other amazing artsy stores and delicious restaurants. Lined with light covered trees and an amazing atmosphere it is one of my favorite places to walk up and down.

5. Pioneer Square

Pioneer Square is the heart of Downtown Portland. I love it because it's generally when I get off the triment and get to start my day in the city. Tip: instead of going to the Starbucks that's on the square, go to the little coffee shop on the side of Nordstrom. It's delicious coffee with the sweetest baristas and it almost never has a line. Full of people, shops and of course the Pioneer Place Mall it's a great place to people watch, and spend more money than you should.

6. Saturday Market

The Saturday Market is a must-do in Portland! A huge craft market on the waterfront is one of the most Portland experiences and such a fun time. From incredible paintings, wooden sculptures, jewelry, photography and food it has to be one of my favorite Portland things!

7. Lan Su Gardens

Tucked in the middle of Old Chinatown Lan Su gardens gives an incredible tour and also has an incredible traditional tea house. Such serenity in the middle of a big city!

8. Powell's City of Books

You can't have a list about Portland without acknowledging Powell's City of Books. With rooms upon rooms of books, a great atmosphere and cozy corners to nestle into it's an amazing stop to pick up some coffee and (more than) a few good books.

9. Food Trucks

Of course, I end this list by coming back to food, but Food Trucks are a staple. From Hawaiian food to Mac n Cheese and everything in between it's a quick and easy way to get some amazing food and continue walking the amazing streets of an amazing city.

If you can't tell I've fallen in love with this city so obviously there are a million other things to do in and around Portland from the Oregon Zoo to the Japanese Gardens and Art and Science Museums, there's something for everybody. And remember to Keep Portland Weird.