Portland Road Trip Instagram Posts

My Portland Road Trip in Instagram Posts

Here is my Portland Road Trip in Instagram posts. It dawned on me that many of my photos from this trip were taken with instagram and their old timey filters. I’ve been without an iPhone since my return from living abroad in England (I downgraded to a terrible T9 style vodafone) so it’s been a thrill having new tech again. Because of that, I’m a little behind on the whole iPhone snapshot IG phenomena. I only got Instagram in December 2011, but I’ve been loving the moody quick near effortless snapshots taken in app. It’s a fun departure from the crisp DSLR shots I normally use and much more convenient.

THE DRIVE DOWN

We had a lovely cruise down to Portland, OR in our champagne supernova Rio (it was a champagne coloured Rio that evoked a mashup of Oasis and Duran Duran.) The drive was fairly uneventful until we needed to get gas and our GPS kept leading us to every other gas station than the one we had specified. It took us down the very questionable Old Highway 99 past the Melody Pines Mobile Estates (best name ever). The only thing creepier than backwater roads in Twin Peaks country is if nighttime is falling. J’s favourite move when passing an extra creepy area is to press the door locks over and over again – I think it’s for effect. That said, eventually we did stop and pay a visit to the town of Tumwater, WA for a gas up and a beer run. The first stop on any US road trip usually finds us sussing out some Miller High Life – The Champagne of Beers. Truly a pleasure and unfortunately unavailable in Canada.

THE JUPITER MOTEL

I find it somewhat hilarious that the Jupiter Hotel calls itself a hotel when it’s very much a refurbished motel turned boutique accommodations. However, I will say that I do adore staying there. A mid century modern motorlodge makes my heart sing. In addition to the excellent pedigree of aesthetics, it’s in a great location: the Central Eastside. Everything we wanted to see was within reasonable walking distance. Also, attached to the property is the Doug Fir Lounge – a great breakfast spot AND music venue. Above all, a side of 60s architecture with my logger breakfast is always welcome. 

ROOM SHENANIGANS

Moments after our arrival, J was blasting Shaggy, making fun of the obnoxious number of Poison songs on my iTunes and shotgunning tall cans of High Life. I ended up showering myself in beer like the absolute novice I am. Then I customized our chalkboard hotel room door as this is the resting place of The Moody Jewel. (Me). 

LE PIGEON

Shortly after the champagne beer shower, we made our wobbly way down the block to a delectable dinner at Le Pigeon. Thankfully it is conveniently located around the corner from the Jupiter Hotel. It’s a cozy, eclectic restaurant where the menu changes weekly. When I first caught sight of the eatery, my mind immediately thought ‘PUT A BIRD ON IT.’ It’s impossible not to reference Portlandia whenever I’m in Portland now.

BEAKER & FLASK

The last stop of the evening was at beaker & flask – for drinks. I half expected to be courted by the mixologist from Portlandia. Straight up cooool. Can’t say I didn’t warn you about the Portlandia references.

Portland Road Trip AS SEEN in Instagram Posts

Still to come on this trip is: Voodoo Doughnuts, Bunk sandwiches. Until next time… xo SJ.

photographs - sandy joe karpetz