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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The New York Times released its “36 hours” travel guide on Thursday, unveiling the must-see stops for a weekend in the Rose City.

“Portland’s reputation for weirdness is warranted,” the New York Times wrote, citing, in part, the city’s annual naked bike ride. “But there’s depth to Portland beyond its quirks. Its dining scene is one of the country’s finest, and next year, offerings expand when the James Beard Public Market opens across 38,000 square feet downtown, championing Oregon food vendors.”

The outlet continued, “Its diverse music scene has birthed talents ranging from Everclear to the Decemberists to Aminé, and you can climb a volcano without leaving city limits. Summer is known to be Portland’s loveliest season — especially in September, when it’s still sunny but the crowds have thinned out.”

DON’T MISS: The New York Times updates its Portland dining guide, knocking two off of the list

The New York Times lists four key stops for a weekend in Portland: Mount Tabor Park, Portland State University Farmers Market, Powell’s City of Books and Cascadia Thermal Springs Spa.

The itinerary

Starting on a Friday afternoon, the New York Times recommends hitting Mount Tabor Park to summit the extinct volcano.

“From the airport (as you exit, look up at the undulating nine-acre timber ceiling finished last year), it’s a 15-minute drive south to Mount Tabor Park, where you can stretch your legs like a local. A series of meandering trails will wind you slowly up and around this extinct cinder cone volcano, but you can also climb directly to the summit up the flight of 293 stairs that start where SE Yamhill Street meets SE 69th Avenue. Those piles of pine cones along the steps? Runners marking their laps,” the New York Times explained.

Next, the outlet recommends going on a “thrift & sip,” in the Richmond neighborhood — stopping by thrift stores such as Really Good Stuff and Instant Relatives or stopping for wine at Division Wines or a slice of pie from Lauretta Jean’s.

For dinner, the outlet suggests a visit to the award-winning Haitian restaurant Kann, from acclaimed Portland chef Gregory Gourdet, and ending the night with a stop at Goodfoot, home to Soul Stew, “one of the longest-running dance parties in town,” the Times said.

Kicking off Saturday, the Times offered a few dining recommendations from TwentySix Café’s hazelnut latte to Bernstein’s Bagels’ trout salad sandwich on pumpernickel, which is only available on the weekends.

From there, the outlet recommends a trip to the Witch’s Castle in Forest Park, which is stacked with more than 80 miles of trails. The castle was once a ranger station and restroom before the building was destroyed by a storm and was “abandoned to the moss” in the 1960s.

Next, the outlet recommends enjoying the “Northwest’s best,” including ice cream from Salt & Straw, a visit to Powell’s City of Books, the self-proclaimed world’s largest independent bookstore along with a visit to Tender Loving Empire for vinyl, housewares and apparel.

Next, the New York Times suggests a trip to the PSU Farmers Market, the city’s largest farmers market and the only one that runs year-round.

“At Verde Cocina’s tent, everything is gluten-free, and vegetarian options like tofu mole ($17) are satisfying and tasty. Craving a sweeter treat? Orange & Blossom’s baked goods ($5 to $10) are all vegan, and their flours are sourced exclusively from Pacific Northwest mills. Many menu items are seasonal — think peach pistachio tarts in late summer or poached apple bostock (twice-baked brioche) with apple butter at the approach of fall,” the New York Times wrote.

After the farmers market, the outlet suggests a visit to the Alberta Arts District, highlighting stops at Blind Insect Gallery, Nucleus Portland, Guardino Gallery and Baerlic Brewing for cozy taphouse and beer garden vibes and taking a stroll through Alberta Park to the nearby all-vegan restaurant Feral.

Wrapping up Saturday’s itinerary, the outlet recommends visiting Northeast Portland’s live music scene – highlighting Turn! Turn! Turn, Mississippi Studios and a stop by the Hawthorne Asylum food cart pod.

Rounding out the 36-hour itinerary, the New York Times recommends a hearty breakfast at Dawnbringer, or Carioca Bowls for something lighter, such as their acai bowls.

“Either is the perfect pregame for a soak at Cascada Thermal Springs & Spa, a brand-new wellness-themed hotel a 20-minute drive from the airport. Its silent, phone-free underground baths are a remedy for the busy-ness of travel,” the New York Times suggests. “Explore the saunas and pools before braving the cold plunge or exfoliating with crushed ice. The $100 pass offers three hours of spa access, including the social upstairs pool: plenty of time to let everything soak in before you take off.”

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Michaela Bourgeois

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