Portland by Train August 3 2013

Yesterday we took a train from Seattle to Portland and back. I love taking trains. It reminds me of Europe. Plus I find it relaxing. We took 7:30 a.m. train from King Street Station. Seattle train station is beautiful - an old building recently renovated.

The train ride took about 3.5 hours. We got to Portland Union Station after 11 a.m. The train station in Portland is conveniently located in the Pearl District. We were hungry and headed for lunch to Clyde Common. I have heard about this place before and it was a good time to try it. The restaurant is located in the Ace Hotel and seems spacious and lively. We had a burger, pate and radicchio salad. All were good except the fries, which were just ok.

After lunch we decided to hit famous Voodoo Donuts. But the line was so long we decided to skip the sugary treats and head to the Washington Park. We walked passed Goose Hollow neighborhood passing restaurants, coffee shops, old and new buildings. I was impressed to see some wind mills on a top of a skyriser.
 

Rose Garden was in full bloom. It was very nice to walk among the beautiful roses. There was a harpist playing there as well adding more romance to the experience.

We walked back to the Goose Hollow neighborhood and stumbled upon a cupcake place Saint Cupcake. That building reminded me of New York - old brick buildings with ladders on a side. We enjoyed an espresso and few mini cupcakes. Cupcakes were pretty and moist. Frosting was delicious as well. I love cream cheese frosting.

It was 4 p.m. and it was time to slowly head back to the train station. We passed by another bakery and few more shops, stopped at Whole Foods to grab dinner to eat on a train. The train back was at 6:15 p.m. and we got to Seattle around 9:30 p.m. in time for the end of the Sounders game. It was a great day trip. Highly recommend to everyone.