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Here's your plan for a scenic fall hike up God's Thumb with stunning views and nature breaks. Watch the video 👇

Back with another beautiful hike! Here’s a fall day trip to God’s Thumb, where the scenery and foliage are unbeatable. Only 2 hours from Portland!

Fall Hike at God’s Thumb 🍁

Drive to the Knoll Open Space Trailhead, where you can park easily and prepare for your hike with water and snacks.

Trailhead Arrival

✅ Before you go
• Check which trailhead you want to start from - plenty of parking at both trailheads!

💪 Pro tips
• Bring water and snacks to enjoy at the top

Drive to the trailhead

Embark on a steep hike to God's Thumb in Lincoln City, enjoying ocean views and vibrant foliage. Check weather conditions before you set out.

Hiking Adventure

✅ Before you go
• Check weather conditions and visibility to make sure you can see the ocean and foliage

💪 Pro tips
• Be ready for some steep terrain

Hike to the Thumb!

Here's how to spend a perfect fall day hiking.

The God's thumb with me, your resident hiking guide, Alex from the nudge.

You'll pull up and park your car with your furry

friends and then start your ascent up the trail.

This trail is heavily shaded and there's a lot of great places to stop for a breath.

After around two miles, we came into a clearing and it got a lot more sunny.

ready to get up to the thumb. We finally made it past the hard part.

Got to the top and then made our way to the actual thumb part of the trail.

This part of the trail gets a little treacherous.

So we celebrated that we were almost there and then

spent a little time soaking in the amazing views,

cracking open a cold one and hanging out for the day.

Save this plan for a fun and scenic fall day trip.

If you’re a sucker for a good deal, you’ll love visiting this community-owned wellness center. Head there for an $18 soak & sauna session next time you need a self-care day! 

Budget soak & sauna in NE ($18!) 🧖‍♀️

Book an $18 soak and sauna session at Common Ground Wellness Co-op for an affordable and relaxing self-care day in Portland's Concordia neighborhood.

Soak & Sauna

✅ Before you go
• Book your session here: https://www.cgwc.org/scheduling

💪 Pro tips
• learn more about their affinity hours here: https://www.cgwc.org/affinityhours
• if you’re willing to spend a little more, I’d recommend booking a 60-minute session for $30 (vs a 30-minute session for $18)! We were there for around 45 mins & definitely could’ve spend more time! 

1. Book your soak & sauna session at Common Ground 

Relax in Common Ground's saltwater pool and cedar sauna—bring your own towel and snacks for a cozy, affordable self-care session in NE Portland.

✅ Before you go
• bring your own towel! Or plan to rent one for $2 
• the showers have soap, but if you want shampoo and conditioner - plan to bring your own 

💪 Pro tips
• you’re allowed to bring your own drinks and snacks! you just can’t bring anything in a glass container/bottle, and no alcohol. they also have a selection of drinks and snacks for purchase  pop

2. Enjoy your relaxing soak & sauna sesh at Common Ground 

Would you believe me if I told you this spa session in Portland costs less than $20?

and you can find it at Common Ground Wellness Co-op.

They're a beloved community-owned wellness

center that's affordable and approachable.

I recommend booking one of their soak and sauna sessions.

They start at just $18 and give you access to their lush outdoors

Keep in mind that Common Ground is an all genders clothing optional bathhouse.

and they even have dedicated affinity hours every Tuesday

night like women-only hours and QTBIPOC hours.

So if you're looking for a spot to truly unwind without breaking the bank,

Here's your plan for exploring storybook scenes, themed rides, and a fun rollercoaster adventure. Watch the video 👇

If you need a day to feel like a kid again, explore Enchanted Forest. Best described as a much smaller version of Disneyland that focuses on storybook tales, with a dash of Renaissance festival thrown in. 

Meander through the Enchanted Forest 🎢🧙🏻

Explore whimsical storybook trails, themed lands, and quirky rides at Enchanted Forest in Turner—perfect for reliving childhood magic on a playful day trip.

Theme park adventure

✅ Before you go
• Wear walking shoes! It’s a large park with many twists and turns.
• The park has food vendors in case you get hungry. 

💪 Pro tips
• Rides require tickets, so make sure you stock up when entering the park. But don’t feel pressured to use them all – if you don’t use them, you can get them refunded when exiting 🙌🏻


Enchanted Forest

This place has been on my bucket list for a while now,

and I think it can be considered one of the most unique day trips near Portland.

An hour outside of Portland near Salem lies the Enchanted Forest.

version of Disneyland that focuses on storybook tales,

but also has a dash of Renaissance festival thrown in.

The park begins with a stroll through Storybook Lane where you

pass by sculptures like Humpty Dumpty and Hansel and Gretel,

all while being surrounded by tall trees and mossy greenery.

but we loved just being surprised by something around every turn.

The park has multiple different themed sections and

we walked through a semi-scary haunted house,

and we even went back in time on cobblestone streets in the Olde English village.

My personal favorite of the day was riding the ice mountain rollercoaster,

If you need a day to feel like a kid again,

it's totally worth it to explore Enchanted Forest.

Here's your plan for savoring unique seasonal pastries and must-try cinnamon rolls at Banquette Bakery. Watch the video 👇

I say this with my whole chest: Banquette is Portland’s most slept on bakery! They’re only open on weekends and they sell out quick - so get there early this weekend! 

Portland’s Best Hidden Gem Bakery (really!)

Treat yourself to inventive cream puffs, cult-favorite cinnamon rolls (Saturdays only), and rotating pastries at Banquette Bakery, a hidden gem in Buckman, Portland.

Bakery Treats

✅ Before you go
• if you want a cinnamon roll, you have to go on a Saturday! Get there as close to opening as possible - they sold out within the first hour after opening when we went 
• if you want a big order of something, you can always order ahead to ensure it’ll be there for you! 

💪 Pro tips
• try a cream puff! It’s one of Banquette’s specialties, and they are to die for
• if you’re a matcha fan - their recent special has been a matcha passionfruit cake… SO good 
• they also sell drip coffee and some other simple beverages if you’re looking for a drink to pair with your treats! or you could find a coffee shop in the area to swing by before heading to Banquette - I recommend Above GRND, which is less than a 10 minute walk away!

Indulge at Banquette Bakery 

one of the best hidden gems in Portland's Buckman neighborhood.

and you'll usually be greeted by Destini’s smiling face.

and I actually love them so much that they made the desserts for my wedding.

Banquette is that they're constantly rotating creative seasonal

flavors and they have a mix of both savory and sweet in the case at all times.

I'm personally obsessed with their cream puffs because I mean,

Banquette’s other cult fave is their cinnamon roll,

which you can only get on Saturdays and always sells out,

Is this the best cinnamon roll you've ever had?

Here's your plan for a cozy, organic wine tasting and relaxing outdoor sips near the city. Watch the video 👇

This winery experience will make you feel like you’ve stepped into your stylish friend’s living room, where you’ll sample 5 wines made from organic grapes sourced from steps away.

Cozy wine tasting near the city ($35) 🍷

Reserve a cozy wine tasting at Haakon / Lenai, sample 5 organic wines, and add a charcuterie board for extra delight. Reservations recommended due to limited space.

Wine Tasting

✅ Before you go
• reserve here: https://www.exploretock.com/haakonlenai-vineyard

💪 Pro tips
• you have a few options for tasting types when you make your reservation - I recommend picking a Purple Hands tasting! 
• while walk-ins are welcome, space is super limited since the tasting room is small, so you’ll definitely want a reservation!
• when you make your reservation, you have the option to add on a charcuterie board for $25. my friend and I split this between the two of us, and I recommend adding it on if you know you’ll be peckish during your tasting! 
• the $35 tasting fee can be waived if you purchase 2 bottles of wine or sign up for for their wine club during the tasting! 

1. Make your reservation for a wine tasting at the Haakon / Lenai Tasting Room 

Enjoy an intimate wine tasting of organic, sustainably-produced Purple Hands wines at Haakon / Lenai Tasting Room, with knowledgeable staff ready to answer all your questions.

✅ Before you go
• Learn more about Purple Hands Winery here (the owner’s story, their sustainable practices, sourcing methods, etc): https://www.purplehandswine.com

💪 Pro tips
• If you’d prefer to sit outside, I recommend calling to let them know after making your reservation! +15036873848
• ask the tasting room staff alllll your questions! they’re super knowledgeable and approachable as well. I asked all kinds of questions and they were super kind to answer all of them in great detail! 

2. Sip the day away 🍷 at Haakon / Lenai Tasting Room 

If you love wine tastings that make you feel

like you're lounging in your stylish friend's living room,

you'll find the Haakon / Lenai tasting room.

The intimate space contributes to the living room

vibe and there's gorgeous outdoor seating too.

I came specifically for a Purple Hands Winery tasting because I tried them at

an event recently and it was seriously some of my favorite wine I've ever had.

I also love that they use environmentally friendly practices,

including sourcing organic grapes and building

Plus the tasting room staff are involved with the winemaking process,

so they're a great resource for learning more.

Share this with a wine loving friend and have fun!