By Julia Robertson, June 11, 2025
One of my favorite things
about living in the Pacific Northwest is how there’s always something new to discover—even in places I’ve known for years. Whether you’re local or just visiting, here’s a list of some of my current favorite spots—some old loves, some new gems, and a little something for every mood: food, drink, adventure, and views.
1. Cascada – NE Portland
This new holistic spa and luxury micro-hotel is an absolute vibe. Think warm wood, thoughtful design, and a sense of calm that hits you the second you walk in. Come for the infrared sauna and curated treatments, stay for the ambiance and leave feeling completely reset.
2. Little Conejo – Downtown Vancouver, WA
Hands down, my favorite taco spot north of the river. Start with the pescado taco—crispy, perfectly seasoned, and topped just right. The carnitas are another must (especially with their house-made tortillas), and their variety of tequilas and mezcals make it easy to linger a little longer.
3. Mt. Tabor – SE Portland
An easy hike with a big payoff. Great for solo morning walks or bringing along little ones. Pro tip: find the bench that sits above Hawthorne Blvd and pause for a quiet moment with a view of the city—it’s magic.
4. Junbi Matcha – SE Portland
Grab a refreshing matcha iced tea (or latte if you’re in the mood for creamy) and head straight to Sellwood Park for a stroll or picnic. A sweet little treat in more ways than one.
5. Korean BBQ at Washington Square Mall – SW Portland
Yes, the wait is often long. But here’s the move—put your name on the list and go shop while you wait. By the time you’re ready to eat, you’ll have worked up the perfect appetite for sizzling meats and all the fixings.
6. G-Love – NW Portland
This spot nails it with elevated small plates, killer cocktails, and truly next-level customer service. It’s the kind of place where they remember your name and your favorite drink. Big yes to the crispy cauliflower and anything from the bar.
7. Loop de Loop Winery – White Salmon, WA
An absolute hidden gem tucked into the Columbia Gorge. The wine is phenomenal, the vibe is relaxed, and the views? Pure magic. It’s my go-to for a peaceful weekend drive and a little tasting adventure.
8. Husubis – Vancouver, WA
Open Friday to Monday and always until they sell out (which happens fast!). Show up early, bring your patience, and prepare to be wowed. This little spot is making big waves with flavor-packed bites that are 100% worth the wait.
9. DOSALAS – Vancouver, WA
Head straight to the upstairs patio and order a Coco Chanel cocktail and the bone-in tomahawk ribeye. You’ll be living your best life with views over the Columbia River and flavors that hit in all the right ways.
10. Cape Horn Trail – Columbia River Gorge, WA
If you love a challenging hike with epic views, this is it. Sweeping panoramas from the cliffs above the river, wildflowers in the spring, and enough switchbacks to get your heart rate up—Cape Horn is one of my all-time favorite hikes in the PNW.
Whether you’re craving a new place to eat, looking for a relaxing weekend escape, or itching to get out and explore the Gorge, I hope this list gives you something to look forward to. Got a favorite local spot I should check out next? Drop me a message—I’m always down for an adventure!
If you’re looking to explore both sides of the river to buy, sell, invest, or rent– I can help. You’ll find me at our downtown Vancouver office or any of our Portland locations. Stay in touch with me on my instagram @realestatebyjulia, where I’ll be sharing all things real estate, food & fun, and hosting upcoming classes and events.
Cheers,
Julia Robertson, Realtor | Oregon, Washington, & Utah
541-505-1111 | @realestatebyjulia
Julia Robertson
WA Designated Managing Broker | Earth Advantage | WA, OR, UT
During a two-plus decade career in real estate, Julia has approached her job with one overarching goal in mind: to help people get from where they are, to where they want to be. Julia moved to the Pacific Northwest 19 years ago and genuinely loves showing the city to clients who are considering whether to relocate. Julia constantly explores neighborhoods so that she can accurately match clients with a part of Portland Metro or Vancouver that is perfect them. She believes that everyone deserves the chance to own a home in an area or neighborhood that they love.
Since a real estate purchase is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, Julia works tirelessly with her clients to build a trusting relationship and help them find not just a house, but a home. She has experience working with a broad range of clients to fulfill their diverse and unique needs. Whether it be a downtown condo, home in the suburbs, or a property with acreage, Julia can help you come up with a plan that meets your timeline, your budget and your needs. If you’d like to meet for coffee or lunch to discuss potential real estate opportunities, Julia would love to hear from you.
From an early age, Julia loved everything related to homemaking. Her childhood spent moving from town to town and always having to be “the new kid” gave her the personal confidence to meet new people and boldly operate in the high stakes world of real estate. Julia has lived in every state across the West - Arizona, California, Utah, Montana, Oregon and Washington. In 2006, Julia rented a uhaul and drove to Eugene where she proceeded to fall in love with the beautiful state of Oregon. She spent six years as a marketing specialist for a global furniture company, until she settled down to start a family. Now with 13 years in her real estate career, Julia has honed in on Southeast Portland and Vancouver as an area specialist. She provides full service listings for sellers, including professional staging, professional photography, drone footage, social media marketing, and networking with agents across the United States. Julia is a licensed Realtor in Oregon, Washington, and Utah as a Seller Representative Specialist(SRS) and Earth Advantage-certified broker. She served on the Living Room Realty broker advisory board(2015-2017) and attended the Portland B corporation meetings.
When Julia represents a client in the sale or purchase of a home, Julia goes above and beyond to serve her clients. She considers the client’s budget, bottom line, area preferences, and future plans. While Julia doesn’t consider herself a “sales person,” she does have over twenty years of experience in the field of sales and knows how to conduct herself in negotiations and details. Your business is Julia’s top priority, and she always makes herself available.
Along with her husband, son and dog, Waffles, she and her family love traveling, taking trips to their favorite beach in Encinitas, California, and searching out new adventures—usually with an eye toward finding new and unique places to eat.- T: 541-505-1111
- julia@rebyjulia.com
