This past weekend we took the bus down to Portland to meet our friends who traveled from Texas. It was the perfect place to meet because it was new to everyone and for us it was just a quick trip down. The first night we had dinner and drinks and caught up a bit. The next day we walked around Powell’s, did some shopping (I showed a great amount of self control when I did not buy the cute handbag), and then we had lunch at Deschutes Brewery.

After a few more stops we rested for the day and then went to our dinner location. I was super excited because they offered a tasting menu which everyone agreed to get (I’m always wanting to do this but we save it for special occasions of which this was one). They brought out plate after plate of tasty food but I was most intrigued by the chickpea fries with butternut squash ketchup. By the time dinner was complete we had been there for 3 hours! Yes 3 hours! Crazy! Needless to say everyone was tired so we called it a night.

The following morning I had made plans to meet some blogger friends. One who lives in Portland and one who was visiting from New York. Thank you blogging conferences and instagram for bringing us together. Yvonne blogs over at Dress This Nest and lives in Portland. We got to meet her super cute son and husband who was really nice. Elita blogs over at inside, out and about she is so sweet and fun and she bought me a donut. Aww.

I couldn’t stay long so after saying goodbye I met back up with my group and we had second breakfast at Pine State Biscuits (sooo good!). With full bellies we headed out to the Hood River area for hiking and waterfalls which I’ll be sharing tomorrow.