Where is Home?

Having first moved halfway across the country over 4 years ago and then moving even further away from home last July, I have many times considered this question: Where is home? Is it the place where you've spent most of your life or is it the place where you feel like you belong? For me, home is where I look forward to returning and where I feel most like myself. In honor of my one-year anniversary since moving to Portland, OR, this post is dedicated to the place that I call home today. Below are some of my favorite things about living in Portland. 

Flowers

Flowers, flowers everywhere. One of Portland's many nicknames is Rose City and in the rose department, it doesn't disappoint, but there are so many other beautiful and unusual flowers growing all throughout the city--some of which grow year-round! I am constantly in awe of how beautiful this city is. 

BEACH & mountains

The mountains and the beach are 1.5 hrs away. You don't have to choose if you love both. There is so much to explore including stunning state parks, hiking trails, and quaint bed & breakfasts. 

wine country

The Willamette Valley is a popular destination for some of the best wines in the country and grape growing conditions have been compared with France's Burgundy region, producing some of the best Pinot Noir wines. For white wine aficionados, I highly recommend tasting any of the sparkling brut wines from Argyle Winery located in Dundee, OR.

food & drink

Portland is no New York City (my original home) in the realm of restaurants, but it is a strong competitor in all things edible and drinkable. The food cart scene serves some of the best fusion food I've had and coffee making is an art form. For home cooks, Portland State University campus hosts one of the largest farmer's markets in the country with over 150 vendors every Saturday year-round. For those of you who grew up in big cities, you'll know what I mean when I say that strawberries sold at this market taste like real strawberries.

all around good

Friendly, dog-loving, health-conscious people live here. If any of those traits are aligned with your lifestyle, then you too should live here. Everyone thanks their bus driver and offers directions without you having to ask, and you never feel rushed. Come see for yourself sometime!