Crazy for Portland and Indulge Conference 2015

I spent last weekend in beautiful Portland, Oregon with the Indulge food bloggers conference. I was there to learn and get inspired, sure, but this mama also needed a little getaway with some of her foodie besties.

And I got just that! The weather was perfectly warm and sunny, the company was stellar, and the food— oh, the food!— all of it just made me fall head over heels for the rose city. Can I tell you all about it?

Kelley and I landed at lunchtime and, after checking into our gorgeous suite at the Hotel Monaco Portland, we raced over to Lardo to meet up with Lauren, Deb and Krista. I split a killer fried chicken sandwich and a pile of some of the best fries I’ve ever had, and then we headed across the street to Ruby Jewel’s for a scoop of salted caramel ice cream topped with candied coconut.

I was in heaven! After a few months in my tiny desert town Portland seemed huge, and filled with so much stellar food it was making my head spin.

The conference officially kicked off Friday evening with drinks and apps and gorgeous views at the Portland City Grill. I mingled with old friends and new until my back reminded me I was 6 months pregnant and I had to haul myself back to the hotel.

And lo and behold, a box of Voodoo doughnuts was waiting for us back in our room! Best night cap ever.

We kicked off Saturday morning with pastries and coffee at Pearl Bakery before pulling out our notepads and sitting down to learn from our peers. I loved Kristen’s session on finding happiness, Bev’s tips for Instagram, and got some great ideas to shake up my food photography from Heidi, Ali and Amy.

In between conference stuff you better believe I got out to find more good eats and see some of the city. We hit up some food trucks, snagged the last few doughnuts from Blue Star Donuts before they closed for the day, and even did some wandering around the famous Powell’s Books.

Saturday evening I had the privilege of attending a private dinner hosted by Harry and David at Urban Farmer where they spoiled us with a fabulous meal and so much fun and laughter my cheeks hurt.

On Sunday, sadly our last day, we left Portland behind to explore a little more of the Columbia River Gorge and the Hood River Valley with Travel Oregon and OXO. We stopped at one of my favorite spots, Multnomah Falls and also visited Draper Girls Country Farm, had lunch (and fresh hard cider!) at The Gorge White House, and wrapped up the day at Sakura Ridge farm and bed and breakfast.

The day was filled with so many beautiful sights and places. I always forget how green the Pacific Northwest is, and it just takes my breath away. I think I took about 700 photos on my phone.

Oregon and Portland may have stolen my heart! I’m already plotting when I can go back.