There is so much to do in the Portland area, no matter what time of year it is. But sometimes, it’s a bit more challenging to create an itinerary during the winter months, as colder temperatures and rain-soaked streets send us indoors. And yet, Portland is a refuge during those brisk winter days, providing endless activities, from adventures in the snow to cozy meals by the fire.
See how many of these fun winter activities in Portland you can check off your “to-do” list this year! These ideas are bound to keep you busy until spring.
Drink a Seasonal Beer at Stormbreaker Brewing
Portland sure knows its beer, so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of seasonal beers to sip on during the winter months. And Stormbreaker Brewing’s Winter Coat is one of the best — quite literally, as this winter warmer took home a silver medal in the U.S. Open Beer Championship in 2020. Each year, the formula is a tad different; this year’s version was brewed with tangerine and cacao nibs.
See a Movie at Studio One
Photo Courtesy of Studio One
There’s going to the movies and then there’s going to the movies. Studio One takes movie-going to the next level with a multiplex movie theater, restaurant and live entertainment venue all rolled into one. Order food and drinks to enjoy in your luxurious, comfortable seat thoughtfully arranged in a themed penthouse suite transporting you to New York, Paris, Tokyo, Rio or Istanbul. Studio One is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to midnight, but don’t miss their $5 movie special (with a brunch menu!) every Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m.-noon.
Relax in the Soaking Pool at McMenamins Kennedy School
McMenamins Kennedy School has plenty to do on a cold, winter day, including a soaking pool open to both hotel guests and the general public. The heated pool is situated in a private courtyard surrounded by lush gardens where the old Teacher’s Lounge once was. Admission for the general public is $8 per person any day between 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Reservations are required for non-hotel guests!
Hit the Slopes at Mount Hood
We are so fortunate to be within driving distance of several mountains, including Mount Hood, located just southeast of the city. A day of non-stop snowy adventure awaits, whether you want to go snowshoeing, sledding, tubing, skiing or snowboarding. Consult our complete guide to visiting Mount Hood for ideas of things to do, see and eat while you’re there!
Go to a Blazers Game
On cold, rainy nights, basketball fans retreat to the Moda Center to cheer on the Blazers. If you’ve never been to a game before, make 2022 the year you change that! From now until April, check out the Trail Blazers schedule to purchase tickets for an upcoming game.
Discover a Speakeasy
Portland is known for its exemplary cuisine and cocktail scenes, but you may not realize that the city hosts a myriad of lesser-known hotspots, many of which are completely hidden from view. Retreat to one of the many speakeasies in Portland, from a bar hidden behind a bookshelf to an underground botanical gin bar. While their accessibility may vary, each possesses a certain secretive vibe that will transcend you to another era.
Soak in a Hot Spring
Help make your time outside a bit more tolerable by soaking in a natural hot spring! Hot springs mysteriously merge science with relaxation in a unique and unexplainable way. The Pacific Northwest is filled with hot springs, ranging from tiny hand-dug pools to massive hot springs with entire structures created around them. Learn more about the many hot springs sprinkled throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington and get ready for a combination of relaxation and adventure.
Go to the Portland Winter Light Festival (February 4-12, 2022)
Photo Courtesy of Brooke Hoyer via Willamette Light Brigade
Don’t miss the Portland Winter Light Festival (PDXWLF), an annual event hosted by the Willamette Light Brigade, a non-profit arts organization based in Portland. This free, art-centered event is returning February 4-12 for its seventh year, this time as a decentralized, city-wide event featuring pop-up art in windows, businesses and unusual spaces. Visit the PDXWLF website for more information about this year’s event!
Eat Dinner By the Fire
Everything’s better fireside — including eating! There are several restaurants and bars in Portland with fireplaces, ensuring you stay extra cozy while you eat and drink, including Radio Room, The Fireside, Andina, Doug Fir Lounge, and many more. See how many you can check off your bucket list before spring!
Make a Craft at Assembly
Pick up a new craft to keep you busy this winter, with some help from Assembly, a modern craft and DIY studio with both in-person and online classes. Take a look at their calendar to see what in-person classes are coming up, whether you want to make a macrame plant hanger, make a candle, or learn how to embroider. And if you’d rather craft from home, their live online classes include supply kits available for shipping or local pickup.
Eat S’mores at 1927 S’mores Company
What’s s’more cozy than an indoor s’more bar?! 1927 S’mores Company is bringing our favorite childhood treat to the heart of Portland with their brick and mortar “s’morefront” at 1126 SW Alder Street. Cozy up for a delicious sweet treat, including s’mores and other creative offerings like ice cream grahamwiches, a parfait, a 1927 Crispy Treat and more. The s’mores bar is open seven days a week, but you’ll need to make this an evening activity — as they open at 5 p.m. Monday–Thursday, 3 p.m. on Fridays, and noon on Saturdays and Sundays.
Visit the Portland Art Museum
Photo Courtesy of the Portland Art Museum
Founded in 1892, the Portland Art Museum is the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest. The museum’s mission is to engage locals and visitors alike with exciting exhibits of film, art and live interpretation. The artwork is curated from all over the world, so you are guaranteed to find something that inspires you! Check out the museum’s current and upcoming exhibitions to see if something catches your eye.
Go Ice Skating at Lloyd Center Ice Rink
Ice skating is a beloved wintertime activity for many — and while the Lloyd Center Ice Rink is open all year long, it is extra magical this time of year. The rink is conveniently located in the center of Lloyd Center on the first level across from Macy’s. Show up for open skate or freestyle, or sign up for lessons, which is for everyone ages 3 to adults, beginner to advanced!
Happy Winter!
What must-do activities are we missing out on? Let us know in the comments below!
The post 13 Things to Do This Winter in the Portland Area appeared first on Pacific Northwest Real Estate Blog.