My travel companions were losing steam.
It had been a long time since breakfast and much energy had been expended during three hours of browsing local wares at Portland’s Saturday Market. Thirsty for water, due to the surprisingly warm April day, as well as the city’s famous microbrew so often touted, they were understandably hesitant when I suggested we hop a bus from downtown and head to the Oregon city’s northeastern corner.
Things became even more tense when I told them, teachers, visiting a “school” was what I had in mind.
While extremely dedicated to their occupation, the thought of spending their much-anticipated long weekend vacation inside the hallowed halls of yet another learning institution didn’t sit well with them, and rightfully so. However, good friends that they are, they put their trust in me and thanks to the wonder of McMenamins Kennedy School, I didn’t disappoint.
Within minutes of arriving at what we quickly realized was no ordinary school, we found ourselves around a table in an outdoor dining area with the spring sun shining down, happy hour pints ($3.25!) in our hands and sustenance on the way. All was right with the world.
No longer an educational institution, the Kennedy School is a popular destination resort for tourists and locals alike, tucked away in a residential area a few blocks away from Portland’s Alberta Street neighbourhood. Operating as an elementary school from 1913 to 1975, the building had numerous uses before being targeted for demolition; however, McMenamins owners took over and opened it to the public in 1997, adding it to their arsenal of equally unique hotels, brewpubs, restaurants, music venues, movie theatres and spas scattered throughout Washington and Oregon.
A sort of oasis, every corner of the Kennedy School is worth exploring: the décor, evident of the whimsy of McMenamins, and eclectic art lining the walls, preserved from the school’s history, are enough to warrant a visit.
Guests have their choice of multiple dining establishments and pubs — we opted to barhop to take in as much of the atmosphere as possible. Two, cheekily named the Detention Bar, a cigar bar, and the Honors Bar, serving cocktails and premium liqueurs, offer guests an opportunity to relive high school, or reinvent the experience as they see fit.
All rooms boast McMenamins ales, wines and spirits, brewed onsite or at their other properties. My favourite brews included the Ruby, a raspberry ale, and the Workingman’s Red, a spring seasonal.
Apart from eating and drinking, the Kennedy School allows guests the option to spend the night, sleeping in one of 35 guestrooms — formerly classrooms, complete with chalkboards. The old auditorium now serves as a movie theatre, its seating replaced with row upon row of couches where beer can be consumed in addition to standard popcorn. The night we visited, The King’s Speech was playing for $3 a pop.
Quirky and unique, boasting family fun as well as a getaway for friends or couples, the Kennedy School is a must-see for all visitors to the City of Roses.
If you go:
Kennedy School celebrates its 100th birthday in 2015. For more information on the unique hotel located at 5736 N.E. 33rd Ave., Portland, Ore., or other McMenamins properties, visit www.mcmenamins.com.
Other McMenamins properties worth checking out include:
Edgefield
The property was constructed in 1911 as the Multnomah County Poor Farm. It now boasts: lodging, a winery, brewery and distillery; a spa and soaking pool; bars; movie theatre; golf course; and a summer concert series including shows by Willie Nelson, Amos Lee, Fleet Foxes and My Morning Jacket this summer alone.
Located at 2126 S.W. Halsey St., Troutdale, Ore.
Blue Moon Tavern and Grill
Located in Portland’s Alphabet District, this spot is on a street lined with many pubs, restaurants and shops worth checking out. It has all of the charm of McMenamins in a close-to-downtown location.
432 N.W. 21st, Portland, Ore.
Crystal Ballroom
Our Radio Cab driver couldn’t stop talking about this popular Portland music venue. Centrally located, shows in May include M. Ward, Ghostland Observatory and Iron and Wine. 1332 West Burnside, Portland, Ore.
Info: mcmenamins.com.
