By The Dream Digs Team, September 27, 2018
Bordering the intersection of the Columbia and Willamette rivers, Portland’s St. Johns neighborhood exemplifies the city’s deep connection to both nature and its fading blue collar roots. Its historic downtown provides an eclectic blend of established institutions and newer amenities set against a backdrop of some of Portland’s most striking views.
The atmosphere feels as hipster as it feels authentically small town, and visitors will enjoy the eclectic blend of locally-owned shops, bars and eateries. Representing Portland’s most nature-bound quadrant, experiencing the electric pallet of St. Johns in autumn is a worthwhile experience for residents and tourists alike. Here’s what you need to know about maximizing your day in Portland’s St. Johns neighborhood.
MORNING
Downtown St. Johns is the ultimate place to take a morning stroll, as the district’s main stretch is lined with an exceptional selection of early dining options. For a proper breakfast, local establishment John Street Café delivers both on menu and ambiance. Surrounded by locals, you’ll begin to understand why St. Johns’ takes pride in its tight-knit community. For a lighter breakfast, you can check out one of many coffee shops, which include St. Johns Coffee Roasters and motorcycle-coffee shop combo Two Stroke Coffee Co. The Great North is another charming coffeehouse, which features exceptional espresso options with house made syrups.
If you’re fortunate enough to be in St. Johns on a Saturday, you’ll likely encounter the community farmer’s market. Exceptional for being one of the city’s most engaging and lively markets, The St. Johns Farmer’s Market offers a great selection of vendors, as well as live performances and entertainment.
AFTERNOON
Exploring the central area of downtown St. Johns, you’ll happen across vintage shops, Vinyl Resting Place, home décor and women’s retailer Metamorphic, and Etcetera boutique. These are gems worth exploring, as they are less combed-through than similar establishments in more central areas.
A perfect day in St. Johns would be incomplete without a trip to the neighborhood’s pride and joy, Cathedral Park. If your trip coincides with the market, consider grabbing a food for an impromptu picnic. Alternately, you can make a pit stop to one of Portland’s best-kept secrets: Tienda Santa Cruz. You didn’t hear it from us, but the inconspicuous Mexican grocery actually dishes up the best burrito in the city. Grab your meal of choice and take a scenic walk to the underbelly of St Johns Bridge, where you can explore the breathtaking views of Cathedral Park and dip your toes in the Willamette.
EVENING
Because “too much of a good thing” doesn’t apply to Portland vistas, we recommend surveying Willamette Boulevard. If possible, explore the route by bike, scooter or foot so that you can enjoy the overlook of west Portland and uncover some of the neighborhood’s many charming hidden secrets. Exploring near North Tyler and Willamette will reveal a historic water tower, gorgeous river scenes and artistic accents.
Like a true North Portlander, you should end up at The St. Johns’ Beer Porch. A local favorite, this pod offers a selection of food carts which are outstanding even by Portland standards.
LATE NIGHT
Just because it’s low-key, doesn’t mean St. Johns is tame. In contrast, the area is known for its many dive bars. It might not be flashy, but the late night scene in St. Johns is fun.These are the unpretentious neighborhood haunts where bartenders and locals will often invite you into their worlds for a night, so consider finishing your night off in St. Johns’ downtown stretch. There’s not need to list those bars here, as the glow of neon of signs will no doubt draw you in off Lombard.
What are your favorite activities in Portland’s St. Johns neighborhood?
About Us:
Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped over 200 clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.
THE DREAM DIGS TEAM
Aryne + Dulcinea, Earth Advantage Principal Broker | Earth Advantage Broker | ADU Specialists | OR
The Dream Digs Team are full-service, high-producing agents, who know how to navigate the unique challenges facing the Portland real estate market. The secret to their success lies in their professionalism and complementary skill sets. In 2012, Aryne + Dulcinea seized the opportunity to combine their creative and technical acumen to create a values-driven, client-driven team unlike any other. We are expert negotiators and project managers with a strong background in creative marketing. The Dream Digs Team are fierce advocates for our clients.
Our passion for real estate is connected to our commitment to the Portland way of life - a dedication to sustainability and appreciation for all things local. As Earth Advantage Brokers and ADU Certified Specialists, our team is savvy in all aspects of alternative living practices from versatile housing additions, green building practices, and revenue-generating strategies. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, The Dream Digs Team will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.
Dedicated to serving buyers and sellers with expertise, enthusiasm, and attention to detail, Aryne adeptly navigates the Portland real estate market. Licensed since 2005, she honors our clients' wants and needs using her sharp negotiating skills and professional know-how to achieve the best results for everyone she serves. Aryne loves the Pacific Northwest! Outside of work, she enjoys hanging out with her husband, listening to music, going on road trips, and talking about everything under the sun. She looks forward to visiting her grown-up kids at college and watching them succeed in all their endeavors. She loves yoga, hiking, dinner parties, podcasts, and embracing all that Portland offers.
Dulcinea thrives on working with clients with a range of real estate goals. Born and raised in Oregon, Dulcinea comes to real estate with a background in design and education. She is an award-winning professional and a steadfast advocate when working for our clients. She has a keen eye for preparing properties for listing and finding properties that best serve our buyers' objectives. Licensed since 2013, Dulcinea works in and around Portland. She is the mother of two and wife to her high school sweetie. In her free time, she stays busy with her family, traveling, creating community, cooking, gardening, making art, exploring, and dreaming big!
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