Being creative is not always go go go. You need to take a break, you need to recharge your creative batteries, you need a getaway.

A few weeks ago I took a little road trip with Mr. Yams to Portland. It was our first time driving down the West Coast and boy did we have a blast. Today I bring you a few tips and suggestions so you can plan a similar trip, artful city walks style!

Before you leave town, make sure to get a BIG meal. You’ll need it, the waiting times at the border are sometimes are pain in the ass (USA, you know I still love you, right?). If you’re around False Creek I recommend you stop to grab some fresh fruit, pastries and a sandwich over at Granville Island Market. The view on a sunny morning is just breathtaking.

Ok you made it! Holy shit, so happy they didn’t find that live stock and blood samples in your bag. Phew. Now that you are in the marvelous US of A it’s time to hit the pavement via the I-5, first stop: Seattle!

Seattle: an almost identical twin to Vancouver. Almost.

By the time you get here you’ll probably be hungry – at least we were. Even if you don’t need to eat you can always stretch your legs before you continue with the journey.

Must-see: Pike Place Market. Yes, it’s very touristy but you definitely need to stop here. The energy at the market is fantastic, so much to see! So many colors and textures – and donuts. This market is an oasis for any instagramers / photo addicts looking for great subjects.

Must eat: Fish and Chips located in the corner market. I suggest you eat them sitting on the sidewalk, there’s usually lots of stuff going on – including an all-American-style banjo band. Who knows, if you’re lucky enough you may even get to see a bunch of crazy tourists waving flags – like the ones above!

Last stop in Seattle: The park by Westlake Centre, on the corner of 4th and Pine. That’s where I spotted these blue tree installation. So artsy!

Even if you don’t find the same installation, there’s always entertainment happening – street performers, lots of people-watching and crazy street bums pulling really weird stunts. We get lots of those in Vancouver, but it’s always good to see some fresh talent ;)

Ok – hit the road! Continue on the I-5 all the way down to Portland, you wanna get there before it gets dark. Safety first.

Yay! You made it to Portland. Is your bladder about to explode? Had too much coffee? Yup. Been there.

Ok, so now settle in your suite. Don’t do what we did – book at the very last minute and risk almost not getting a room and having to think if buying sheets to make the back seat a bed was an option.

Fortunately, there are plenty of places to choose from – you can go for something super luxy like The Nines (highly recommended by friends) or go budget friendly on airbnb or Travelodge near the city centre – I know I know, we stayed there cuz there was nothing else left but I swear it was pretty decent – plus – it’s very close to one of the best viewpoints in the city: the radio tower at Council crest. Beau-ti-ful. Mind you, a crazy looking cat-lady appeared from nowhere near some bushes and we almost shat our pants BUT, the view was just spectacular! Totally worth it.

Now that you’re all settled. It’s time to hit the must-see/visit/eat spots!

Must visit: Portland Art Musem. We were lucky enough to catch the 5 Monets / 100 days exhibition, gah! Just speechless. This museum has lots of nooks and crannies so be prepared because you’ll spend half a day – at least – in there, if not more. We were those annoying tourists that keep running away from the guard that’s kicking out people, we’re wild huh?

Must see: Powell’s Books on Burnside and the Pearl District. If you like books and good food, this is the hood you need to hit. First, Powell’s Books store is HUGE,  if you are a book lover, you’re in for a real treat. They even have a “rare book” section with books older than you and me together. The Pearl District has many restaurants to choose from, a few of my favorites below:

For breaky: Isabel Cantina. Best.eggs.ever. (thanks Rachel for the recommendation!)

For lunchy: Little BigBurger. Affordable.deelish.easy.

For drinks and dinner: this is my absolute favorite – drums please – the Clyde Common at the Ace Hotel. Best drinks in town (actually rated one of the top places in North America for cocktails!) even better food and a great atmosphere – you sit in this huge communal tables where you can have small talk with your neighbor about how FUCKING GOOD the truffle popcorn is – yes, get the truffle popcorn. You’re welcome.

For the sweet tooth: Voodoo Doughnuts. Get their triple chocolate penetration(that’s the actual name) and get ready to be ganged banged by 50000-oh-sweet-jesus-this-is-fucking-unreal calories. Do I need to say more?

Not full yet? Well, I hope you are either wearing maternity pants or a long shirt that can conceal your unbuttoned pants because you have one more stop to do before we head back. The food trucks! Pretty much Portland was the one that got the whole food cart movement going – at least on the West Coast – so the fellas running them know their shit to a tee. Click here to see the map with cart information.

Are you full now? Cuz we gotta head back to Vancouver…on the scenic route!

First stop on your way back from Portland will be Tillamook. On the way there you’ll pass through their AMAZINGLY lush forest. Such a treasure! Make sure to take a moment to stop on one of the many marked viewpoints, get out of the car and breathe some fresh ocean breeze. Once in Tillamook, guess what, you’re going to the Cheese Factory! Oh em gee – Homer Simpson would be so proud of you right now.

Ok, I gotta be honest here – the factory itself isn’t huge and magnificent – it stinks like cow poopy and the cheese is well – just your normal grocery store cheese BUT it’s very, very cute AND you get free cheese samples. Win! Plus, when have you seen an almost fully automated cheese factory? Other than watching it on “how it’s made” on the discovery channel, yeah – pretty high tech stuff happening here. Also, you can get a “i loaf you” t-shirt like the dude in the picture! Another win!

After you’re done in here continue to drive on the 101 highway to Aberdeen – this will take you along the beautiful coast (this detour will add an extra 3 hours – at least – to your trip, so plan accordingly).

aaand the last tip: get a coffee at one of the Espresso stands in any of the coastal towns. They serve your average java brews but you can totally pimp it with a single pump of cinnamon syrup and voila! Also, we don’t have those cute stands in Canada so you should definitely not miss the opportunity to try them.

Alright, head back to Canada! Once you arrive at Aberdeen, take the detour to get back on the I-5 towards Vancouver and welcome home.

Hope you enjoyed this quick West Coast guide. Get out there! Get inspired!

photos: Mark Yammine and me.