Amtrak Cascades service connects 18 cities in the Pacific Northwest region along a 467-mile rail corridor that spans from Eugene, Oregon to Vancouver, B.C. Each train typically consists of 12 cars and seats approximately 250 passengers.
Some of my most memorable travel experiences have taken place on trains - that brilliantly sunny day when my beloved father and I went to Whistler months before he passed away; or the years we'd hop on the train from Nova Scotia back home to Quebec after spending the summer at the beach.
So, when I was invited for a weekend getaway to one of America's hippest, most eclectic, food-crazed cities - oh, and let's not forget a top 10 best local microbrew city according to Travel + Leisure, I didn't hesitate.
Whether you call it P-Town, Stump Town, the City of Roses or Bridge City, Portland boasts some of the most lauded food trucks (600 and counting) and eateries, a multicultural blend of residents and a booming art scene. Even the buildings exude a mix of heritage and an avant garde aesthetic.
Meanwhile, there is something fundamentally "old world" about traveling by rail.
We headed to the Vancouver's Pacific Central Station to board an early morning Amtrak Cascades train for our eight-hour trip.
We took our seats and soon pulled out of Vancouver. Within less than an hour as we snaked towards Bellingham, the landscape changed from cityscape to rural.
There's nothing quite like watching the countryside roll by from the comfort of your seat - sipping a glass of wine, smiling at the thought of those stressed-out car commuters stuck in traffic jams.
We soon befriended fellow rail-rider Shannon Sweeney. She was looking forward to a girls' getaway and opted for the train for the same reason as we did - avoid traffic congestion and relax and enjoy the views along the route that one can only see by railway.
We also met Charles, a transplanted Portlandite who was more than happy to talk about the city's best attributes: "There is a common saying about Portland Keep Portland Weird and the city lives up to this in so many ways. We have one bronze sculpture of a naked lady in the centre of town that drew lots of negative comments when it first went in over 30 years ago. It's now a very popular photo opportunity."
Charles went on to say: "Portland is a walkable, clean and well laid-out city, and if one doesn't prefer to walk there are ample options for public transportation that are easy to use. I love architecture and good design, and Portland has done a fine job of re-developing its old warehouses and factories into a district of great restaurants, cool bars, farmer-style markets and many places to shop that emphasize the artisan culture that Portlandites embrace."
As we bid adieu to our new friends, the arrival into Union Station is a wonderful first impression for any traveler who appreciates history and architecture.
When in Rome: You know those one-of-a-kind eateries that are so authentic; those beloved hangouts that you just have to pry the names out of from the locals? Portland is filled with favourite local haunts and we were given front row seats to a few of them.
Here's just a small sampling: A self-professed carnivore, my companion Brent reluctantly agreed to dine at Natural Selections in the Alberta Arts district. This part of town is still being gentrified and it's a diverse mix of little shops and small intimate restaurants.
Brent perused the bill of fare with a resigned look on his face as he checked out such entrees as the kale and Asian pear salad, winter squash tartar and roasted sunchoke with fennel and apple jus. After cajoling him to try them, he dug in forgetting that we were supposed to be sharing. Chef Aaron Woo came over and Brent had to admit that his creative team of cooks changed his outlook about vegan dining.
Another night, we went to one of the most touted hotspots in the city, Andina. This upscale authentic Peruvian restaurant assaults all of your senses in the most delicious way. The dishes and flavours carry stories all their own, as does the music and art work. Words such as adventurous, modern, inventive, and tickle your taste buds can be used to describe the cuisine. You know those eateries where you just don't want the culinary journey to end? That's Andina.
Nestled in the Pearl District, Nuvrei Patisserie Cafe's croissants, macaroons and other Parisian confections would stand proud in France. We arrived mid-morning and the line went out the door but we didn't have to wait long. Brent looked to be in nirvana as he bit into a buttery warm croissant, then into a bright red macaroon. I was equally impressed by the avocado turkey and house-made sage sausage bagel sandwiches.
What do Arnold Palmer, Memphis Mafia and Maple Bacon have in common? They are names of some of the fried holy cakes at Voodoo Donuts. They are nearly a religion here. If there was ever a business that captured the quirky spirit of Portland, it's Voodoo.
Where to Stay in Portland: Portland is one of those cities with a strong sense of self. With its funky, whimsical and exciting art and design scene, many hotels here are nothing short of unique. We stayed at the Hotel Monaco in the heart of downtown, close to the Pearl District, the famous Powell's Books (you can lose yourself for hours in this landmark literature institution) and Pioneer Square. The plush bold fuschia lobby is a great place to be for its nightly lobby complimentary wine and beer socials. (Fabulous appies too and some nights feature a local pianist).
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Next weekend the top of the table Vancouver Whitecaps are in Portland to take on the Timbers in Major League Soccer action.
For an interview with Portland Food Cart Stories author Steven Shomler visit http://bit.ly/1Eka3VM.
For more information on Portland's food cart scene visit http://bit.ly/1bz7tk0.
