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Fun Things to Do in Reno, Nevada and Tahoe
Looking for a quickie trip to the Reno Tahoe area? Well, you came to the right place! I have to be honest with you though, there is so much to do there. Seriously, so much. The best way to explore the area, especially if you're in a rush, is to spend one day in Reno & one in Tahoe. From art galleries to local restaurants, there are plenty of fun attractions and things to do in Reno, Nevada. It's the perfect weekend trip. And of course, your list of Reno things to do isn't complete without a visit to the casino.
The Reno Tahoe area is incredibly versatile. Reno, Nevada calls itself "The Biggest Little City in the World.” After visiting the city, I understand why. There's such a range of fun things to do in Reno, Nevada depending on your preference, so I broke it down into some essentials.
Pick & choose what you're into. You can get a lot done if you figure out what you're interested in.
Pick & choose what you're into. You can get a lot done if you figure out what you're interested in.
This 48-hour guide to Reno Tahoe is meant to help you figure out how to get the most out of a limited amount of time.
If you want to explore in a jiffy, here are a bunch of attractions and fun things to do in Reno, Nevada.
Let's begin with the essentials: food, drink, & nature. These are my favorite parts of Reno Tahoe, the things that you can't live without. Let's get to it!
The Essentials
Food
Whether you're craving pan-friend dumplings, homemade soup, or an all-you-can-eat buffet, there's a huge selection of restaurants in the Reno Tahoe area. My tip: Figure out what you're in the mood for because the options are vast. If you need some help, Visit Reno Tahoe has an extensive list of eateries by category.Reno
Midtown Eats has a fantastic beer-battered cauliflower appetizer. My friend swears that Jox Sports Bar & Grill has the best wings in town; Fred loved the honey-glazed barbecue wings. If you're into pasta & pizza (who isn't?!), Campo came highly recommended. The city has a lot of tasty grub to offer.Tahoe
Do a search for Lake Tahoe lakefront restaurants to see what comes up. Lone Eagle Grille has lakefront Tahoe views & an entire vegetarian menu (if you ask for it). I recommend the Vegetable Linguini, Roasted Cauliflower Pizza, & the Baked Tahoe for dessert. Drool. The jackfruit “carnitas” tostada bites from Bite American Tapas sound absolutely heavenly too.Drinks
From bar crawls to wine walks, there's no shortage of coffee shops, breweries, bars, pubs, sports bars in Reno & Tahoe. It all depends, do you want a cocktail, a beer, a coffee? Well, they have it all. Visit Reno Tahoe has a cool interactive map of breweries & distilleries in the area.Reno
IMBĪB Custom Brews has delicious sour beers. Death & Taxes has photo-friendly cocktails. Seriously, just look at this drink. My favorite: the Arlington Tea made with Earl Grey. A local recommended 1864 Tavern. French-inspired Chez Louie sits inside the Nevada Museum of Art & has an incredible maple latte.Tahoe
From porters to pale ales, Alibi Ale Works has core beers, rotating seasonals, & some fancy limited release brews too. Get fresh orange, grapefruit, & even carrot juice at Fire Sign Cafe. There's also Tahoe Mountain Brewery, Jake’s on the Lake, & West Shore Café.Nature
Are you a fan of the great outdoors? Me too! Reno, Nevada & the Tahoe area offer a range of natural beauty, vista points, & exciting activities. Whether you want to brush up on your ice skating, camp for a couple nights, picnic by the beach, or simply take a walk along the river, Reno Tahoe genuinely has whatever you're looking for. Stroll the scenic Truckee River and savor some of the free things to do in the heart of the city. Your outdoor adventure includes parks, trails, river views, and more. Enjoy Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in Washoe County. At 580 acres, Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is Washoe County's largest and most dynamic park with a range of amenities and facilities. Hit the trail!Reno
You can get a stunning view of Reno from the Nevada Museum of Art penthouse. Enjoy a scenic stroll with bridges, walking paths, & art installations as you promenade along Reno's Truckee River Walk, the RiverWalk is a popular spot. Take a walk at Wingfield Park, Mount Rose, or San Rafael Regional Park. Take off your shoes & get your feet wet. Better yet, hop in & go tubing or swimming. We took an evening saunter through Idlewild Park & it was quiet, relaxing, & peaceful. The list of Reno things to do just keeps growing.Tahoe
Take in as much nature as you can & stay at one of the many Reno Tahoe campgrounds. My tip: book in advance because campsites often get fully booked during peak season. Lake Tahoe has endless possibilities that range each season. In winter, you can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, snowboarding, or maybe you want a sleigh ride instead. Once it warms up, try biking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or just lounging around at the beach. Go skiing at Mount Rose Ski Tahoe if you want to savor the snow.Now for the fun stuff: go shopping, check out the casinos, explore the events, & then browse through my favorites!
The Fun Stuff
Shopping
Get in, we're going shopping! Like seriously, there's everything. The Reno Tahoe shopping options are extensive. From The Legends Outlet at Sparks to The Summit in Reno to The Shops at Heavenly Village in Tahoe, you could spend your 48 hours just shopping if you wanted to. Definitely stop by Junkee for clothes & antiques.Casinos
Your visit wouldn't be complete without a trip to the casino(s). There are casino options nearby in Reno, Tahoe, & also the Sparks area, such as Atlantis Casino Resort. Whether you gamble or not, it makes for great people-watching. Fred & I did a couple dollar slots then left to explore the area more. You could opt for a spa day at the casino resort spa. Read more about my experience Playing & Staying at the Atlantis in Reno, Nevada. Visit here.Museums
If you like museums and exhibits there's the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center, Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, National Automobile Museum, Nevada Museum of Art. There are local art galleries as well. Take the family and take in the interesting culture and exhibits.
Events
Local events and entertainment change daily & range for every single season. My tip: check the events calendar & do a little bit of online research to see what's happening while you're in town. Or maybe the whole reason you're visiting is because of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, The Great Reno Balloon Race, or Northern Nevada Pride. So much to do, so little time.Hotels
In Reno, you will find hotels near the center of town such as Whitney Peak Hotel, Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, Plaza Resort Club, Sands Regency Casino Hotel, and more.
My Favourites
♥ Arlington Tea cocktail from Death & Taxes ♥ Blue waters of Lake Tahoe ♥ Strolling the Truckee RiverWalk District ♥ Midtown Reno's murals ♥ Nevada Museum of Art ♥ Browsing Junkee for hidden treasures ♥ Evening walk through Idlewild Park ♥ Stillwater Spritzer at Stillwater Spa & Salon ♥ Driving through the mountains in Tahoe ♥ Dipping your toes in Truckee River or Lake Tahoe ♥ Beautiful nature ♥ Hanging out with an old friend in Reno ♥ Baked Tahoe at Lone Eagle Grille ♥
Have you visited Tahoe or Reno? I'd love to hear your top recommendations. :]
Playing & Staying at the Atlantis in Reno, Nevada
The Reno, Nevada temperature read 103°F. The local radio personality said it was a heat wave for the start of summer. We'd camped the night before, driven 4.5 hours from Lone Pine, California to Reno that morning, & we were in desperate need of a mentally & physically refreshing shower. We wanted to check into our hotel immediately. We arrived in Reno, & the Atlantis* stood tall like a welcoming giant. We followed it like a beacon, found parking, & went inside. The cool air conditioned casino breeze felt like an oasis from the harsh heat.
* Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with Atlantis Casino Resort Spa.
We arrived at Atlantis Casino Resort Spa as soon as we could check in, 3 p.m. We checked in, got our keys, & made our way to our room as fast as humanly possible. Atlantis was kind enough to give us a Concierge Tower room on the 25th floor. It wasn't until later we realized that Concierge Tower guests can get VIP check in. It wasn't until day two that I realized our windows were tinted purple.
The Concierge Tower
I got a kick out of the key-card access glass-enclosed elevator ride up to our room. These elevators are exclusive for Concierge Hotel Tower members; you literally have to scan your card in order for the elevator to move. I loved using it in the evening because you could see Reno light up at night. Concierge Tower hotel rooms include custom furnishings, robes, slippers, TV in the bathroom, as well as access to the 25th floor Concierge Lounge.
We tried to utilize all the benefits of the Concierge Lounge such as the morning breakfast & afternoon hors d'oeuvres. We went every single day. If anything, just go for the view. Get a table by the window & sip your morning cup of coffee with sweeping views of Reno. The Concierge Lounge service was absolutely incredible.
The Spa
Spa Atlantis is luxurious & convenient! Head on over to their full range spa & salon. I received a Swedish massage, while Fred enjoyed his Spa Day Pass. We met up after my massage & enjoyed the Brine Inhalation-Light Therapy Lounge, the indoor whirlpools, & the Nature Experiential Shower. I pretty much tried every version of their spa waters. They have recipe cards for all of their waters; I regret not grabbing the cards!
The Casino
The Atlantis Reno is a player's paradise. Slots, table games, poker rooms, keno, race & sports book. They have it all. I'm a terrible gambler, but casino life is part of Reno & the Atlantis. Smoking is allowed on property, so head on over to the designated smoke-free areas if you have smoking sensitivity.
The Food
The dining options at Atlantis Reno are plentiful, even as a vegetarian. There are bars, lounges, delis, buffets, grilles, sushi bars, & basically anything you could dream of. Bistro Napa came highly recommended. We grabbed gelato with a friend at Café Alfresco. We had breakfast buffet at Toucan Charlie's but I'd opt for lunch next time or perhaps the Sunday Champagne Brunch.
The Amenities
I kid you not when I say Atlantis has it all — atrium pool, cabaret, Fitness Center, spa, salon, slots, wedding packages, & more. I joked with Fred that you could just stay inside for a week & never explore anything else in Reno because there is that much to do within the Atlantis. They aim to ensure that you're completely entertained during your stay. I'd say that's accurate!
The Verdict
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is genuinely a great option if you're in Reno, Nevada & want a place to stay in the heart of the city. I received nothing but impeccable service. Whether you're there with family, as a couple, on business, with friends, by yourself, there are options to suit your needs. It's buzzing with life. It's air-conditioned. It's a Reno staple.My Favorites
♥ Afternoon hors d'oeuvres at the Concierge Lounge ♥ Nature Experiential Shower ♥ Melon water at the Fitness Center ♥ All the spa waters ♥ Fluffy white robes ♥ Watching TV in the shower ♥ Desserts at Toucan Charlie's buffet ♥ Evening elevator rides ♥ Sweeping views of Reno ♥ Blogging/working from the hotel room ♥
Have you ever stayed at the Atlantis? What about Reno? I want to hear your thoughts! :]
*Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. I was not paid, but did receive free hotel stay, buffet breakfast, & Swedish massage. All opinions are 100% mine aka Carmen's. Learn more about my disclosure. :]
*Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. I was not paid, but did receive free hotel stay, buffet breakfast, & Swedish massage. All opinions are 100% mine aka Carmen's. Learn more about my disclosure. :]
How to Spend 48 Hours in Portland, Oregon: A Travel Guide
Portland, Oregon is a beautiful city in the Pacific Northwest known for its parks, bridges, microbreweries, coffee houses, & eco-friendliness. This is an ideal destination for travelers in the USA seeking a 48-hour trip, definitely a popular city on the West Coast.
My pro tip: visit in the fall so you can see just how glorious it can be. If you're looking for tips on how to spend 48 hours in Portland, Oregon, this is it! Stroll around downtown Portland, listen to music, play games at the arcade, buy local goods and products, eat food like fresh-baked bread or pizza, sip wine, & relish in everything that is Oregon. Spend a day or two in this magnificent city.
Consult this two-day Portland travel guide if you want to experience all the Portland essentials (but you should stay longer if you can :] ). If you have a travel bug or want to do some more traveling the United States, check out this city.
Consult this two-day Portland travel guide if you want to experience all the Portland essentials (but you should stay longer if you can :] ). If you have a travel bug or want to do some more traveling the United States, check out this city.
Whether enjoy shopping or local craft beer or food, there is a little bit of everything in this city. You'll feel included in some capacity. You'll find a hotel room or restaurant to suit your taste. From Powell's City of Books to scrumptious street food, there's a lot you can do in 48 hours in Portland, Oregon.
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First 24 Hours in Portland: Day 1
9 a.m. - Grab a coffee & pastry from the closest cafe to where you're staying. There are so many delicious patisseries in Portland, you can't go wrong. Try the Tarte Abricot Amande at St. Honoré Boulangerie or the almond croissant at Ken's Artisan Bakery. There are lots of great restaurants and brunch spots. *Instagram-friendly spot!
10 a.m. - Make your way to Waterfront Park for some remarkable river views. Walk the path as you digest your breakfast & take in the fresh air. Sit down and do some people-watching. *Personal Favorite
11 a.m. - Head to Portland Saturday Market, which opens at 10 a.m. This is the spot to thrift if you like vintage shopping. Browse through the vendors & see if anything catches your eye. Grab lunch while you're there. We got some amazing perogies from the Polish food cart.
Spending the Afternoon in Portland
1 p.m. - Spend the afternoon exploring Lan Su Chinese Garden, one of the most authentic Chinese gardens outside of China. The garden melds art, architecture, design, & nature in serene harmony. Tickets are $9.50 for adults. *Personal Favorite & Instagram-friendly spot!
2:30 p.m. - Still hungry? Stop by Alder Street Food Cart Pod or Bamboo Sushi for a bite to eat. Both had a respectable amount of vegetarian options. The city has quite a lot of budding food carts & trucks if you want more affordable, quicker food. There are plenty of restaurants too. You could spend 48 hours in Portland just savoring the different dishes and cuisines.
3:30 p.m. - Make sure to carve out some time for Powell's City of Books in the Pearl District in downtown Portland. You won't want to miss this gargantuan book store. It's more of an experience than a store, really. We grabbed a couple books & some souvenirs. The Pearl District has a lot to offer. *Personal Favorite & Instagram-friendly spot!
5:30 p.m. - Bring some bills & let out your inner child at Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade. Play Creature from the Black Lagoon pinball, Frogger, Donkey Kong, & more.
7:00 p.m. - Like beer? Get a flight of beer at Rogue Distillery & Public House. Pickled Piper was so delicious but opt for a taster rather than a full pint. Getting a flight allows you to sample a variety of the house beers. Wine lovers - there are local spots around downtown for you too. You'll find a menu with craft beer, wine, cocktails, mocktails all around town. There's a bit of everything.
8:30 p.m. - Stand in line & nab a pizza slice at Sizzle Pie in West Portland. Browse the menu while you wait. Grab a seat if you can or simply eat as you head to the next stop.
9 p.m. - Catch a movie at the Living Room Theaters. Seats are super comfortable & you can even drink a beer as you watch your movie. The theater is 21 & up after 7 p.m. Cinema 21 is a bit further away, but it's a great choice if you're looking for indie films. You can purchase beer or wine there too.
2:30 p.m. - Still hungry? Stop by Alder Street Food Cart Pod or Bamboo Sushi for a bite to eat. Both had a respectable amount of vegetarian options. The city has quite a lot of budding food carts & trucks if you want more affordable, quicker food. There are plenty of restaurants too. You could spend 48 hours in Portland just savoring the different dishes and cuisines.
3:30 p.m. - Make sure to carve out some time for Powell's City of Books in the Pearl District in downtown Portland. You won't want to miss this gargantuan book store. It's more of an experience than a store, really. We grabbed a couple books & some souvenirs. The Pearl District has a lot to offer. *Personal Favorite & Instagram-friendly spot!
5:30 p.m. - Bring some bills & let out your inner child at Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade. Play Creature from the Black Lagoon pinball, Frogger, Donkey Kong, & more.
7:00 p.m. - Like beer? Get a flight of beer at Rogue Distillery & Public House. Pickled Piper was so delicious but opt for a taster rather than a full pint. Getting a flight allows you to sample a variety of the house beers. Wine lovers - there are local spots around downtown for you too. You'll find a menu with craft beer, wine, cocktails, mocktails all around town. There's a bit of everything.
8:30 p.m. - Stand in line & nab a pizza slice at Sizzle Pie in West Portland. Browse the menu while you wait. Grab a seat if you can or simply eat as you head to the next stop.
9 p.m. - Catch a movie at the Living Room Theaters. Seats are super comfortable & you can even drink a beer as you watch your movie. The theater is 21 & up after 7 p.m. Cinema 21 is a bit further away, but it's a great choice if you're looking for indie films. You can purchase beer or wine there too.
11 p.m. - Voodoo Doughnut is open 24-hours a day, so avoid the massive line & go at night. It's a popular spot for tourists & maybe a local or two. The Voodoo Doll doughnut is iconic, but I recommend the Memphis Mafia doughnut with its banana chunks & cinnamon, covered in a glaze with chocolate frosting, peanut butter, peanuts, & chocolate chips. The sign looks better at night anyway. *Instagram-friendly spot!
9 a.m. - Sip on some of Portland's famous coffee. It's one of the city's finest attractions, well the most caffeinated at least. There's Coava Coffee Roasters, Stumptown Coffee Roasters, & so many other options. Check a map to find one close to you. Bonus option: go for tea at Steven Smith Teamaker. Go on a coffee tasting tour! *Instagram-friendly spot!
10 a.m - Breakfast begins at Blue Star Donuts. Yes, donuts again! I went to Blue Star in the afternoon on two different days & they were either closed or sold out. Go in the morning. The longer you're in line, the better everything looks. We got the Raspberry Rosemary Buttercream & the Meyer Lemon & Key Lime Custard donuts. *Instagram-friendly donuts!
11 a.m. - The Portland Japanese Garden is a haven of beauty dedicated to authentic Japanese garden design. Stop and smell the roses at International Rose Test Garden or head to Washington Park. Pittock Mansion is nearby & worth seeing.
2 p.m. - Time for some food & grub. Get ice cream at Ruby Jewel or Salt & Straw. Get a flight of beer & a cup of beer cheese soup at Cascade Brewing Barrel House. Eat the veggie bagel sandwich at Petunia's Pies & Pastries. Loads of tasty options in Portland. Lots of food options if you're staying in downtown Portland, Oregon!
3 p.m. - Head back into downtown & explore the Portland Art Museum. Tickets are $19.99 per adult, which is a bargain if you're an art lover. This may be the perfect place to spend the afternoon if it's particularly rainy or glum outside. Make sure to check museum opening time. They close at 5 p.m. every day besides Thursday & Friday.
5 p.m. - Snap a selfie at the Keep Portland Weird mural on 3rd Street between Burnside & Ankeny before it gets dark. *Instagram-friendly spot!
6 p.m. - After you're done at the mural, walk the Burnside Bridge to check out the White Stag sign. You only need to walk halfway across the bridge to land a good photo. The sign looks better at night. *Personal Favorite & Instagram-friendly spot!
6:30 p.m. - Do you like dive bars, a place that's low key, where the locals are, where everybody knows your name? You've had a long weekend & your trip is winding down. Kells Irish Pub is one of my favorite spots in Portland. Sip on one of their house-made brews & stay for dinner. Their fries are definitely in my top 10 fries EVER. Decent amount of vegetarian options too!
10 a.m - Breakfast begins at Blue Star Donuts. Yes, donuts again! I went to Blue Star in the afternoon on two different days & they were either closed or sold out. Go in the morning. The longer you're in line, the better everything looks. We got the Raspberry Rosemary Buttercream & the Meyer Lemon & Key Lime Custard donuts. *Instagram-friendly donuts!
11 a.m. - The Portland Japanese Garden is a haven of beauty dedicated to authentic Japanese garden design. Stop and smell the roses at International Rose Test Garden or head to Washington Park. Pittock Mansion is nearby & worth seeing.
2 p.m. - Time for some food & grub. Get ice cream at Ruby Jewel or Salt & Straw. Get a flight of beer & a cup of beer cheese soup at Cascade Brewing Barrel House. Eat the veggie bagel sandwich at Petunia's Pies & Pastries. Loads of tasty options in Portland. Lots of food options if you're staying in downtown Portland, Oregon!
3 p.m. - Head back into downtown & explore the Portland Art Museum. Tickets are $19.99 per adult, which is a bargain if you're an art lover. This may be the perfect place to spend the afternoon if it's particularly rainy or glum outside. Make sure to check museum opening time. They close at 5 p.m. every day besides Thursday & Friday.
5 p.m. - Snap a selfie at the Keep Portland Weird mural on 3rd Street between Burnside & Ankeny before it gets dark. *Instagram-friendly spot!
6 p.m. - After you're done at the mural, walk the Burnside Bridge to check out the White Stag sign. You only need to walk halfway across the bridge to land a good photo. The sign looks better at night. *Personal Favorite & Instagram-friendly spot!
6:30 p.m. - Do you like dive bars, a place that's low key, where the locals are, where everybody knows your name? You've had a long weekend & your trip is winding down. Kells Irish Pub is one of my favorite spots in Portland. Sip on one of their house-made brews & stay for dinner. Their fries are definitely in my top 10 fries EVER. Decent amount of vegetarian options too!
Our first 30 minutes arriving in Portland late one evening, Fred & I felt hungry, tired, & unmotivated to figure out what to eat. I ultimately stepped up to lead us on a walk to nowhere. Most things were closed & I didn't have a plan but we just happened upon Kells Irish Pub. I swear those fries tasted like the most decadent fries in the entire world. We left with our bellies full & our minds happy with the start of our Portland trip. *Personal Favorite
8 p.m. - The night is young. Giggle a bit at Helium Comedy Club. Listen to some tunes at the historic Crystal Ballroom. Hit up Commons Brewery. Make a pit stop at Splash Bar grab a drink & play some of their free arcade games.
8 p.m. - The night is young. Giggle a bit at Helium Comedy Club. Listen to some tunes at the historic Crystal Ballroom. Hit up Commons Brewery. Make a pit stop at Splash Bar grab a drink & play some of their free arcade games.
No matter what you like in life, spend one day or two in the heart of Portland. You'll have a nice experience walking the area, stop to shop if something catches your eye. Hike some trails & take in Portland's gorgeous views, especially in autumn. I love the way the sunbeams & light hits the leaves. It will remain in my heart.
Got extra time? Want to try something that's not on the Portland travel guide list?
- Attend a Portland Timbers game.
- Spend the day at Colombia River Gorge looking at all the waterfalls & nature.
- Visit the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium for some oddities & curiosities.
- Go to Washington Park.
- Have a fun-filled day of adventure, snowboarding, and more on Mount Hood.
Take your family and enjoy the features of this Pacific Northwest location. Walk around the streets and explore the neighborhood. No matter how long you spend in the city, you'll find ways to have fun throughout your experience. Would you spend one day or more a few days in Portland?
The Best Coffee Shops in Portland, Oregon + What Is a Coffee Cupping?
When I think about Portland, I picture those golden trees with leaves galore, the nippy mornings, the endless walking, the delicious donuts, & the coffee. Oh, the coffee. In order to stay alive & function with all the steps we trekked, Fred & I definitely needed some caffeine.
Related reading: How to Spend 48 Hours in Portland, Oregon: A Travel Guide
Thanks to Third Wave Coffee Tours*, Fred & I spent one morning exploring some of the finest coffee options in Portland, Oregon. I opted for their Pioneering Eastside Roasters Coffee Tour, a three-hour guided tour on the east side of the Willamette River.
The Eastside tour starts at 10 a.m. on Fridays & introduces you to top-notch espresso, cold brew variations, & even a cupping experience — the practice of observing the tastes & aromas in brewed coffee, basically a coffee tasting. This tour introduces you to the pioneering micro-roasters that sparked the third wave coffee revolution.
The Eastside tour starts at 10 a.m. on Fridays & introduces you to top-notch espresso, cold brew variations, & even a cupping experience — the practice of observing the tastes & aromas in brewed coffee, basically a coffee tasting. This tour introduces you to the pioneering micro-roasters that sparked the third wave coffee revolution.
The tour began at Portland Roasting Coffee — a sustainable & carbon neutral company — where we waited a few minutes for the rest of the tour members to join. We tried the small but mighty macchiato with a bite of cookie before we were on our way to the next stop, Steven Smith Teamaker.
Yep, we went to a tea place during the coffee tour. Steven Smith is actually the mastermind behind Tazo Tea as well as Stash Tea. Go figure. We tried nitro chai tea with a touch of half & half. It was utterly glorious; I still dream about it. We also sampled both the iced & hot tea versions of the Sparkling Strawberry Honeybush. As a tea fan, this was my favorite stop of the day.
Then we began the journey to Stumptown Coffee Roasters, a brand that focuses heavily on sustainability, direct trade, & paying their coffee farmers liveable wages. The Stumptown visit was abundant in its information & coffee samplings. We sipped on quite a view varieties, but I was particularly in love with the Stumptown Chocolate Cold Brew, which is essentially coffee spiked chocolate milk. Yes please.
Next up on the tour was Coava Coffee Roasters with their cool & open wooden interior. Instead of using the traditional but wasteful paper filters, they created their own handmade cones with tiny holes to strain the coffee. We tried a single shot Guatemala macchiato & nibbled on bits of a cookie.
Our last coffee shop spot was Upper Left Roasters, where we sipped on their cold brew coffee with hazelnut macadamia milk. To wash everything down, we got a bite of their delicious country wheat toast with macadamia nut butter & banana. I'm not ashamed to admit that I grabbed a second piece of toast.
I left the Pioneering Eastside Roasters Coffee Tour feeling high on coffee & ready to take over the world. It's the perfect experience for any coffee lover, & I give it bonus points because there was time for tea. If you're in Portland & enjoy your fair share of coffee, Third Wave Coffee Tours is spot on.
Then we began the journey to Stumptown Coffee Roasters, a brand that focuses heavily on sustainability, direct trade, & paying their coffee farmers liveable wages. The Stumptown visit was abundant in its information & coffee samplings. We sipped on quite a view varieties, but I was particularly in love with the Stumptown Chocolate Cold Brew, which is essentially coffee spiked chocolate milk. Yes please.
Next up on the tour was Coava Coffee Roasters with their cool & open wooden interior. Instead of using the traditional but wasteful paper filters, they created their own handmade cones with tiny holes to strain the coffee. We tried a single shot Guatemala macchiato & nibbled on bits of a cookie.
What is a Coffee Cupping?
A cupping is a coffee tasting where you observe the tastes & aromas in brewed coffee. For our cupping experience, we ventured to Buckman Coffee Factory. The cupping begins with smelling the freshly ground coffee & pointing out any odor descriptors such as earthy, floral, spicy, etc. Step two is to add water & smell again. The third step is to break the crust by taking a spoon & pushing the floating coffee grounds away while smelling again. The last step is to taste the coffee & compare notes with the others.Our last coffee shop spot was Upper Left Roasters, where we sipped on their cold brew coffee with hazelnut macadamia milk. To wash everything down, we got a bite of their delicious country wheat toast with macadamia nut butter & banana. I'm not ashamed to admit that I grabbed a second piece of toast.
I left the Pioneering Eastside Roasters Coffee Tour feeling high on coffee & ready to take over the world. It's the perfect experience for any coffee lover, & I give it bonus points because there was time for tea. If you're in Portland & enjoy your fair share of coffee, Third Wave Coffee Tours is spot on.
* Disclaimer: Third Wave Coffee Tours provided the tour in exchange for an honest blog post about my experience. All opinions are 100% mine aka Carmen's. Learn more about my disclosure. :]
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