Casey and I lived in Oregon for about two years. Our home was tucked behind I-5, in Tualatin, located 20 minutes outside of Portland. It was wonderful!
The climate was mostly cool, and not as wet as everyone said it would be. I enjoyed it, because it did rain quite a bit, but it always cleared up at some point in the day. Plus all that rain makes everything green all year round, which for Casey and I made Oregon an outdoor paradise!
Our decision to leave Oregon was a sad one. Although we have hope of maybe returning to that area one day. Casey and I made a list of everything we wanted to see, or revisit, before our departure.
It worked out that my grandparents were taking a road trip across the country to visit different states and Oregon was on their list. They planned on being in Oregon a few weeks before we were planning to move. This was perfect! Casey and I could share some of our favorite places with family before leaving.
There are many beautiful places to see in Oregon and Portland itself has interesting sights. We enjoyed going to the Portland Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. We would take the MAX (Metropolitan Area Express – Light Rail) from Beaverton to Downtown Portland to buy groceries from local farmers.
My grandparents were excited to have a personal tour guide of Portland. As we showed them around, we told them of our memories there. We visited Powell’s bookstore. We visited the Telsa shop in the mall. One morning we grabbed a late breakfast from Voodoo Doughnuts.
Afterwards we explored Washington Park. Casey and I guided my grandparents through the International Rose Garden.
It was early May, and the weather was cool. There were not many roses blooming in the garden this time of the year. My grandma walked with me and told me about the flowers she had grown in her gardens.
In the garden there is an amphitheater, where Casey and I entertained my grandparents with a waltzing performance. It was the same dance we had learned for Nutcracker.
After our stroll through the rose garden, we decided to visit the Japanese Gardens, which are also located in Washington Park. Casey and I had never been to the Japanese Gardens, but we had placed it on out list of places to visit before our move.
It is a little bit of a hike to get to the entrance of the gardens. The path is steep and zig-zags. Once inside there is a lot to see.
I love this picture of my grandparents. Although, a few of the other ones were quite comical, as my Grandad has always been ornery. This one though, this one makes me happy. I have always admired my grandparents relationship, and how well they compliment each other.
We enjoyed the light stroll through the different gardens. I believe the Pavilion Gallery was open, but I cannot recall what artwork was on display. I honestly could probably write an entire blog post about all there is to view at the Japanese Gardens (If you every get the chance, I definitely recommend visiting the Japanese Gardens in Washington Park!)
We also spent some time out in the Columbia River Gorge. There you can find the tallest waterfall in Oregon, Multnomah Falls.
Casey and I have hiked all the way to the top of the falls and around some of the trails behind it. While visiting with my grandparents, we walked up to the bridge for one last memory of the cool mist blowing onto our faces.
On a separate day, I was able to give my grandparents a private tour of the winery I had been working at, ROCO Winery.
We visited a few other places in the Willamette Valley, including Argyle Winery. I had a fun time sampling the wine, and I think my Grandad enjoyed the Riesling best! After wine tasting we stopped by the Red Hills Market. Here you can buy local artisan groceries. The marketplace doubles as a restaurant, so we enjoyed an early supper there.
Oregon holds many precious memoires for me. I am thankful to have been able to share some experiences with my grandparents. My grandparents have always played a huge role in my life. I honestly can say I would not be the person I am today if it wasn’t for them.
If you liked this post then please Like, Subscribe, and Share!
Thanks for Reading!
journeytotheshire.wordpress.com 
Leave a Reply