Summer Getaway: Portland

One of the few affordable luxuries that living in SoCal provides is the abundance of (relatively) cheap getaway destinations in close proximity; however, there are only so many times we can do Vegas and Palm Springs, where the gratuitous amounts of UV rays and booze ensure any money we save on travel will inevitably be spent on some serious anti-aging treatments. 

For a decidedly different, Broke-Girl-friendly vacay, we'd recommend a little sabbatical in Portland, Oregon. Seriously. A close confidant (and fellow Broke Girl) has been simply smitten since her recent relocation to Portland and, after just a few visits, we too developed a crush on the city.  Since round-trip tickets are $200 and the dry(er) summer months are gorgeous, we've decided there's no better time than the present to plan for the perfect Portland getaway.

Flight Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes. 

Transport to/from the Airport: Take the Max Line. It's easy and costs around $2 per ticket.

Where To Stay:  Downtown/The Pearl District/23rd Street Zone.  We like the Hotel DeLuxe. Rooms are around $120 and it's got a cute bar called The Driftwood Room. BGG EXCLUSIVE: Mention Broke Girl's Guide when you book at 866.986.8085, and Hotel DeLuxe will comp your internet and an appetizer at Gracie's Restaurant! 

Where to Eat: Cafe Nell, Piazza Italia, Eleni's Philoxenia, Pok Pok, Clyde Common, Produce Row, Aviary, or Little Bird Bistro (try happy hour from 3-5 p.m.). 

Where to Eat Late At Night: Le Bistro Montage

Where to Eat Like Today Is Your Last: Voodoo Donuts. We’ll let the menu speak for itself.

Where to Shop: Walk 23rd Street from Burnside North.  For vintage, go to the Hawthorne district.

Non-Cheesy Must-Do: Every First Thursday of the month, all Pearl district art galleries, shops, restaurants, bars, etc., open their doors for mini-soirees, and the streets are full of people.  According to our local Broke Girls, this is the 'best' Portland activity. 

Little-known fact: Portland is known for its strip clubs, and used to have the most per capita of any city in the U.S. until Tampa took the crown. Mary's Club in downtown is the oldest, and it's legendary. Everyone goes!  It's a must-see. 

Nightlife: Portlanders are too active during the day to while their nights away boozing it up, so their version of bar-hopping is brunch-hopping. The best BGG-approved brunch spots include Isabel, Screen Door, and Mother’s Bistro.

What to Pack:
1. Reformed by The Reformation Chris Cami $59
2. Oasis Spot Print Palazzo Pants $77.58
3. Winston Color Block Espadrille Wedges $100
4. ASOS Premium Luggage Bag with Shoulder Strap $51.72
5. Holga 35mm Camera $48
6. Urban Outfitters Clear Bubble Umbrella $18
7. Fugitives and Refugees: A Walk in Portland, Oregon by Chuck Palahniuk $11.53  Buy it at Powell's. 
8. Hampton Rope Woven Sandal $50
9. Vero Moda Bird Print Frill One Shoulder $44.82
10. Cozy Sharkbite Cardigan $9.99