Last month, my dad messaged me about an amazing fare sale ($122 RT ai) on United from EWR (Newark) to PDX (Portland). With a fare like that, it’s impossible to resist, and I immediately thought of two words: mileage run!
Back in December, I set Kevin up to be the mileage-run guinea pig in this household because he was only a couple of thousand miles shy of United Premier Gold status. Luckily, we found a great deal of $221 round trip from EWR to SEA (Seattle), departing and returning in the same day, allowing him to successfully obtain his status. I’ll have to admit though, I was a bit jealous of his mileage run without me, but it’s refreshing to know in the end that he’s always a perfect gentleman when it comes to giving me his upgraded first-class seat when we travel together (I’m only Premier Silver with United… boo hoo).
Personally, I have yet to take part in a mileage run, and I’m usually the type of person who likes to at least see the places that I land in. With that in mind, I suggested an itinerary where we’d at least have one full day to explore Portland (and possibly drive to Seattle). It worked out perfectly – Dad and I were able to find a span of dates allowing us 1 and a half days to explore Portland at the amazing price of $122 and change.
As far as hotels for this trip – I’m leaving it entirely up to chance. Back in January, I blogged about the iPhone app, HotelTonight. Apparently this app is favored among many travelers, but believe it or not, I’ve yet to use it myself. What’s a better time than now to give it a go? I have about $205 in referral credits (thanks guys) that I can use towards 2-nights of rooms (I’ve been keeping an eye on Portland and 90% of the time there are rooms less than $90 a night available on the app).
Another amazing and generous touch to the trip was that J.R., the winner of my AirAsia credit shell, had unexpectedly offered me some of his regional upgrades on United because he’s now living in Asia and did not have a use for them in the near future. That was SO kind of him to do so, and we’re so grateful of his generosity. It’ll be my dad’s first time flying first-class, and it just so happens to be his birthday week that we are traveling, so you can bet that he was escatic when I told him the news. I am constantly amazed by the kindness and how closely-knit the points and miles community is as a whole – you guys are pretty amazing people. Thanks again!
With Portland coming up in less than 2 weeks, I’m pretty excited myself. I’ve yet to visit any of the northwest, so I’m glad a simple mileage run could inspire a mini-vacation with Dad.
Does anyone have any recommendations for things to see, do, or eat in Portland/Seattle? If so, please do share =).
excellent! cant wait to hear about your trip
My fiancee really enjoyed the rose garden in Portland. Other than that, I can’t claim it’s a city that really appeals to me. (Snooty Seattlite that I am. Everything you see in Portlandia is true.)
Love Portland. Try to eat at Le Pigeon if you can. And Powells may well be the best bookstore in the US.
If the weather is good, consider renting a car and driving down the stunning Columbia River Gorge.
It’s a beautiful city and area!!!! Tons of great day hikes available in the area if you like active sports.
Also you obviously have to visit the legendary Voodoo Donuts!! Very interesting and tastey
Food trucks!
Walk down Mississpippi street. Very Portland. And make sure you eat at Mississippi Pizza.
Wow thanks so much for all of your amazing suggestions! I’m excited to try them all :)
If you go to the Rose Garden or Zoo, make sure you get off at the MAX station “Goose Hollow” and directly across from the station is Goose Hollow Inn (http://www.goosehollowinn.com/) which advertises the best Rubin on the Planet and indeed IT IS! Everytime I go to PDX, I make time to visit Goose Hollow. Be prepared this place is a local dive, but a nice and friendly local dive. Also if you like books then make sure you visit Powells Books (http://www.powells.com/) and spend HOURS lost in their stacks.
The public transportation system in Portland is fabulous. It is very easy to get from the airport into the city. We loved the Rose Garden and Powells Books. Check out Jake’s Famous Crawfish at happy hour. Here is a link to their menu. http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/menus/0001-Jakes-Famous-Crawfish-Portland-OR/Happy.pdf There are many wonderful small shops and restaurants in area near Jake’s.
Go to Mint/820 for food & cocktails. You won’t regret it.
Get up to mt hood if you can. It is an awesome site to see. I’ve lived her in Oregon for the past 6 years (I’m originally from MA) and mountains are no joke out here. Check out a blazer game at the rose garden if you like basketball. The brazil grill is an awesome all you can restaurant in Portland. It’s a carnivors paradise. Voodoo donuts is cool to Check out. Just get out at night and you’ll have a pretty good time.
Hi Angela,
I live in Portland. I would srongly recommend a visit to the Chinese Garden downtown (very near Voodoo doughnut) Beautiful garden built by artisens from Suzhou China…. take a look downtown-the Pearl district is great with wonderful eateries… Rent a car then go up I-84 to Multnomah Falls-this drive takes you through the Columbia Gorge-my favorite drive really in the entire world!! (Its about an hour from downtown) Powell’s Books is a must – park in their parking garage – the drive in is an experience in itself!! Wander around in there and enjoy some coffee downstairs…. Eat at Jakes or Dan and Loius Oyster Bar (all dwontown near Powells.) Enjoy and let us know what you think!!!
If you make it to Seattle….go to UMI SAKE HOUSE on 1st avenue. Its my favorite sushi place in the states. They have an awesome happy hour from 4-7pm and again from 11pm-1am. Have a great trip!