Mother Hoods: Jenna Wilson’s Portland
Written by James Kicinski-McCoy
Photography by Photo courtesy of Jenna Wilson
Are you planning a trip to Portland, Oregon any time soon? Mother profile subject Jenna Wilson has the 411 on all the right spots, from places to shop to places to eat and fun things to do. To learn more about the fashion designer and mama of two, head over here.
Where are your favorite places to…
Eat with the kids? “Dove Vivi Pizza has wonderful gourmet cornmeal-crust pizza and salads. At Conveyor Belt Sushi the sushi isn’t the best but it’s totally okay because the conveyor belt is so fun. There are a few of them around town. Slappy Cakes has pancakes you make yourself, right there on the table and lots of fixins. City State is our neighborhood breakfast spot. We love their biscuits. We also like The Original Pancake House and the local food trucks.”
Eat with adults? “Broder for brunch is a huge thing in Portland and so good. I like Gruner, the handmade pastas at Luce, and you’ve gotta try the Chirashi Bowl at Bamboo Sushi.”
Something sweet? “Salt N Straw has the best handmade ice cream. There’s a flavor with Lucky Charms in it called ‘Pots and Rainbows!’ Pip’s Original Doughnuts is great for mini donuts made to order in only a few flavors like honey/sea salt and strawberry/rhubarb. They are unreal. I inhaled a dozen this past weekend. Its other specialty is chai, it has 4 different varieties and there’s even a flight of mini chais if you’re like me and want to try them all.”
Shop for kids? “Branch + Birdie has really cute kids stuff (and women’s). Also, A Children’s Place Bookstore.”
Shop for yourself? “Palace, Frances May, Branch + Birdie, Steven Alan, House of Vintage, and Lowell.”
Thrift? “Palace, Rad Summer, House of Vintage, and Animal Traffic.”
Play with your child? “Laurelhurst Park, Oregon Pacific Railroad, and OMSI.”
Play with your adult friends? “All of the old theaters in Portland. There are so many great, old, historic theaters here. Many serve beer and wine and have real food in addition to popcorn, etc. And they are super cheap! I love to do this on a Thursday night with friends—pitchers of beer, pizza, salad, and an independent movie. Laurelhurst Theater, Hollywood Theater, and Baghdad Theater are great. Also Angel Face, a brand new adorable bar with delicious drinks and eats.”
Get out in nature? “Mount Tabor Park, Laurelhurst Park, and the Oregon coast.”
Peruse museums? “The Portland Art Museum is worth a visit with the kids, and OMSI is amazing.”
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