portland girls weekend
Birthday Surprise
date: May 22-25, 2026
location: Oregon
camera: Leica Q2 + LeicaLUX App
She Had No Idea. We Had Everything Planned.
Ryan and I had been quietly plotting for weeks — a surprise birthday getaway to Portland for Lindsey, one of her favorite places. The girls arrived Friday and while Lindsey, Ryan, and LoLo settled into their Airbnb, the rest of us checked into Hotel Grand Stark. We met up for food and drinks at the bar before heading out on the town — a perfect way to get to know all the girls before the real festivities began.
Saturday morning we arrived at Pamana early, gift bags placed on every seat, and waited. When Lindsey walked in and saw all her favorite girls gathered around the table, the smile said everything. After an incredible brunch we piled into our van and headed out to the Willamette Valley — first to Antica Terra, her absolute favorite winery, for a stunning lunch pairing and tasting, then on to Domaine Serene where the views were spectacular and the Burgundy-inspired Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were nothing short of sublime. Back at the hotel to freshen up before walking to Nostrana — a beautiful Italian spot with the kind of food, wine, and warm interior that makes an already perfect day feel complete. We sang, she blew out candles, and celebrated in the best possible way.
Sunday started slowly and sweetly — coffee at the hotel before a short walk to Olympia Provisions, a salumeria and restaurant rolled into one with a cool, hip energy and a neighborhood warmth that felt like the best of both worlds. Recharged and fueled up, we made our way to Winery Lane Collective, a wonderful co-op run by women-owned wineries with a sprawling lawn and the most perfectly cozy, plant-nestled seating area imaginable — leaving felt genuinely difficult. Back in Portland, Lindsey and I treated ourselves to a red wine spa soak before massages that left us thoroughly relaxed and glowing. Dinner at Shalom Y'all wrapped the evening beautifully — incredible small-plate Mediterranean, more great wine, and the kind of easy, warm friendship that makes a trip truly memorable.
Monday came too soon. We checked out, headed to the airport, and smiled the whole way — already planning the next one.
