We’ve all been there…it is the thick of winter. There are grey skies…all the time. Okay, not really ALL the time, but it sure as hell feels that way!
Nevertheless, it seems that we get up in the morning in the dark, we go about our day, and for those of us who work inside with little to no natural lighting or windows, it can get a bit depressing. And when it’s time to go home? Guess what? It’s dark again. Too many days of that can get even the happiest of us down. Seasonal Affective Disorder, y’all. The struggle is real.
You Need a Little Motivation. I Get That.
So often I hear people say “There’s nothing to do in Portland in the winter.” I simply scoff and try not to express my extreme distaste at that statement. Call me a snob, but people who say that are BORING.
And in Oregon? With all of those cloudy days and incessant rain? Yes, all of that glorious rain makes the city parks shine with their greenness and the forests so beautifully mossy. But in the day-to-day, all we want is for that magic yellow orb in the sky to make an appearance. Just once, for a few hours. Is that too much to ask?
A Plethora of Things To Do
Thankfully for us Oregonians, there is plenty of natural beauty, activities, and culture to ward off the winter blues. Portland is the obvious choice for all things culture and beer-related, but venture beyond the city and really get into a remedy that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of the season. There is joy to be experienced in Oregon in the wintertime. Here are some ways to beat back Old Man Winter.
Bagdad Theatre – have a slice of pizza and beverage (yes, beer and wine!) as you watch a first-run movie. The Bagdad has an adjoining pub and is run by the McMenamins franchise. With only two theaters, you will have an intimate experience in a beautiful theater, unlike the huge, multi-screen and sterile conglomerate movie houses.
Soaking Pool. Portland Tub & Tan, Common Ground Wellness Center, Kennedy School, the Grand Lodge in Forest Grove. At PT&T you can soak the blues away at about $60/hour in a private space, complete with music and TV. At Common Ground Wellness, their soaking tubs are very reasonably priced by the ½ hour or hour, along with massage, acupuncture and naturopathy appointments you can book separately. The Kennedy School and Grand Lodge are the most budget-friendly. At only $5 per person, you can soak in their beautiful communal pools as long as you like.
Glow in the Dark Mini Golf. Nothing says ‘get me out of this incessant lull and into some neon competition’ like a rousing game of dark light putt-putt. This is a great place to take the family, your date, or just yourself. Mini golf ain’t just for kids anymore! It’s a black light extravaganza.
Art Galleries in the Pearl. The Pearl district in Portland has the most concentrated collection of art galleries in the entire city. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon, leisurely browsing through all of the incredible artworks by local and international talents. And when you ‘ve had your fill of artistic expression, there is a multitude of restaurants, cafes, shopping and bars to slough off any remaining hum-drums you may have!
Antique Shopping in the Sellwood neighborhood. For true rainy-day therapy, there is no better medicine than good old-fashioned antique shopping! Whether or not you actually buy anything, it is so cool to take a trip down memory lane and peruse all of the old crap (and treasures!) accumulated by these one-of-a-kind shops. Who knows, you may find that one long lost treasure of your childhood to take home with you.
The city’s Best Cocktails. Oregon’s mixology scene is booming. Not just in Portland, but all down the I-5 corridor and along the Oregon coastline, bartenders have been attending to anyone who appreciates a good mixed drink to ward off the not-so-fuzzy feelings of winter. Here is a list of great cocktail bars in Portland.
Take a Hike. (yes, even in the rain this can be epic!) Forest Park is my ultimate favorite. Spanning over 5,000 acres and seemingly endless hiking opportunities, this is one of the country’s largest urban parks. And arguably the most beautiful. The mossy trees alone will make any lingering blah’s hit the pavement. There are over 70 miles of trails, the longest being a 30-mile loop that starts (and ends) in Washington Park. It’s the best Portland psychotherapy that is FREE.
Drive to The Oregon Coast. Even when it’s cold and drizzly, something about walking along the shore of the Pacific Ocean is so calming. The first time I ever “saw the Pacific up close and personal”, it was a cold day in December and the fog was so thick you couldn’t even see 3 yards ahead of you looking out into the water. All I knew was that a big beautiful ocean was there past the fog and that the next piece of land was thousands of miles away. And I could hear it. I could hear that big beautiful ocean and it took my breath away.
Rent a cabin or stay in a B&B anywhere along the coast. Buy a bottle of wine or other tasty beverage, cook up some seafood from the local seafood vendor, put away your cell phone and computer, and just BE. I promise you, the blues will lift completely.
Ski the blues away at Mount Hood. I tried this winter-time remedy and found that it just wasn’t my cup of tea. And that’s okay. I’d much rather sit in the lodge and sip my hot toddy, watching other’s ski away their day. Works just as well for me!
There’s really no reason to be down in the dumps, any time of year in Oregon. With just a little imagination and sense of adventure, the winter blues will be taking a hike out of your psyche any time you choose. Don’t stay balled up on the couch, binge-watching Netflix.
Get up, get out and enjoy Oregon!!
