Recently, I went on a road trip with some friends to Portland and briefly explored the Willamette Valley wine region and the coastal Cannon Beach area. We took our 2013 Ford Explorer Sport on the road for the urban pursuits, the beach escape, and through the winding, hilly roads of wine country. We booked a room at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco for 2 nights and enjoyed the central location, service, and amenities provided. Stepping inside the luxe lobby, I was immediately taken with its colours and unique vintage décor. Our Monaco King Suite was stylish appointed with unique prints and artwork, an unforgettable vanity counter, and even a goldfish pet to soothe you after a long day visiting Portland. Staying on the hypo-allergenic floor, I was appreciative of the lengths the hotel took to ensure we had a comfortable stay like the complimentary organic morning coffee service, and a yoga mat to continue your healthy regimen. We were pleasantly surprised to receive an elegant bottle of Lange Estate Winery 2010 Pinot Noir and chocolates to enjoy upon arrival as I had signed up previously for the Kimpton InTouch loyalty program, which also allows me up to $10 worth of (gluten-free) honor bar selections. Other perks that we unfortunately didn’t get to enjoy were the cruiser bicycles and the hosted wine reception hour. We had fun lounging by the gorgeous fireplace sipping whisky and playing the piano late into the night. We also received cocktail vouchers for the lively Red Star Tavern next door as part of the “We Love Our Northwest Locals” promotion.

In Portland, we visited the food carts, Blue Star Donuts, Pok Pok Restaurant, Clyde Common for pre-dinner drinks and Mother’s Bistro & Bar for brunch. I enjoyed visiting the vintage Decades boutique shop. Portland boasts a strong bike culture and a pretty waterfront promenade in addition to beautiful, old but well-kept buildings amidst modern high rises. I spotted a sleek residential condo with three wind power turbines and it added to the eco-chic and DIY aesthetic that is so charming about Portland.

We visited the Beaux Frères, Argyle and Archery Summit wineries and enjoyed the renowned Oregon Pinot Noir offerings at each vineyard. At Beaux Frères, we tasted a flight of elegant Pinot Noir wine grown in the tradition of Burgundy. The 2011 Willamette Pinot Noir was my favourite: it displayed dark ruby colours with a nose of cherries, raspberries, and a subtle wood spice. At Argyle, we treated ourselves to a flight of the sparkling wines and lounged outside by the courtyards of the beautiful white heritage house. Archery Summit proved to be a destination worth visiting at the top of a winding hill with vistas that blew us away. We really enjoyed sitting outside on a hot day and tasting their lineup of vintages. I especially enjoyed the off-dry 2012 Vireton Rosé, with a Bing cherry aroma, and their award-winning signature 2011 Premier Cuvée Pinot Noir, velvety and complex with an herbaceous, mineral and floral structure. We toured their barrel caves and bid farewell to wine country for now.

We then headed to Cannon Beach in our Ford Explorer Sport for surfing and beach contemplation. We had a wonderful time dining in town at the Driftwood Restaurant & Lounge by the fire pit outside and met some entertaining Vancouverites. I enjoyed wandering the boutique shops and gazing at the façade of the historic inns all around while the boys enjoyed surfing near Haystack Rock. As we left Cannon Beach, we drove along Highway 101 down the beautiful Oregon coastline and stopped at a breathtaking scenic viewpoint near Manzanita village, showcasing its long beaches.

The 2013 Ford Explorer Sport transported surfboards easily while looking stylish inside and out. Read more on my experience driving the car around Oregon.

My visit to Portland was fun and filled with discovery of the charming neighbourhoods and fun memories at every corner. I’m looking forward to visiting Oregon again to experience more food, wine and the serenity of the Pacific Northwest sights very soon!