So what do we do to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday? Take the pup with us down for an impromptu overnight trip to Portland, of course!

Portland is always so much fun to visit. Being a longtime Nike fan and former employee, I've always made a beeline straight to the Nike employee store in Beaverton, then spent most of my time near Downtown and the Pearl District. Only in the last couple of years have we really explored other parts of the city.

Do you have any favorite places to visit in Portland? Let me know in a comment! In the meantime, here's a photo diary of our brief trip. 

Family photo. Look at that tongue!

First stop: The Grotto, an amazing Catholic sanctuary in NE Portland. I hadn't been there since I was a child and have always wanted to show my boyfriend. Luckily, they allowed dogs (on the lower level only.)

Wassup Portland!

We were so happy to find out our favorite Portland hotel, the Jupiter Hotel, is also dog-friendly! Spike made himself at home there.

The parking lot of the Jupiter / Doug Fir Lounge documents the history of bands that have come through and played or stayed there.

The Jupiter Hotel's chalkboard doors are so fun!

Drinks at Doug Fir Lounge

Mmm...burgers & cheeseboards

Alive & Well beanie / Kelly Wearstler tank / TOMS sunnies (similar) / Forever 21 shorts / Zara boots (similar) / vintage cross-body bag (similar)

I asked him to take me to see the Cullen house from the first Twilight movie. At Twilight :)

Late night pizza at Sizzle Pie

Cooling off inside the Brooklyn Industries store in the Nob Hill/Alphabet District

Yummy beet & carrot juice from The Greenery

My finds from Redux & Sloan

When I asked my Twitter friends where to eat in Portland, Tasty & Sons got the most votes. Unfortunately, they don't allow dogs, so instead we found the new Alberta Food Pod - such a great concept! Chicken katsu curry, ube fries and mango shaved ice hit the spot.

Where are you traveling this summer?