Like Loretta Lynn in 2004, last week I too lost my heart in Oregon. Top to bottom one of my favourite cities anywhere, we didn't want to leave at the end. And frankly, if it wasn't located in America with the risk of bankruptcy from healthcare, I'd consider moving there. While there we heard several times about the growing idea of Oregon, Washington and British Columbia seceding and becoming their own nation, Cascadia. It would include socialized healthcare and chief exports would be craft beer, wine, and bad people. I'd live there for sure.

We loved everything about this town. The architecture/city planning, the culture, the dining, the coffee, the wine...all high end and very unpretentious. For Ottawa folks, it's pretty similar to our city, but less government and more as if Centretown, Chinatown, Hintonburg, Westboro and Aylmer became a city with tulips instead of roses and Gatineau Hills or Tremblant instead of Mt Hood.

We tried to fit in as many coffees, beers, cocktails, lunches, dinners and brunches as possible to get a feel for the scene. Here are some highlights:

"Portland Oregon and Sloe Gin Fizz, if that ain't love, then tell me what is." - Loretta Lynn and Jack White

International Rose Test Garden

Great coffee at Patisserie St. Jack.

Getting my hipster on for a day...rented cruisers, coffee, and vintage stores...

Amazing all-Jura meal at Le Pigeon. Pictured: Pigeon dish with Bourdy 06 Cotes du Jura...my kinda flavours.

The Woodsman Tavern, one of my overall favourite places in Oregon. Picture Merle Haggard - The Fugitive playing, while pounding back the best Bloody Mary ever over brunch.

Best beer of the trip: Bad Henry IPA by Fire Mountain Brewery in Carlton, Oregon

Fun impromptu tasting with Tom, owner of the South East Wine Collective and winemaker of Division Wine Making Company.

Division's Gamays, Chards and Pinots were tops. He's got a legit, low alcohol, earthy, sauvage style.

A Beaujolais Nouveau Nouveau, or Oregon Nouveau as they call it. 100% Gamay Carbonique made for a Portland November Nouveau party. This had re-fermented in bottle with some fizz and an incredibly funky nose. Awesome wine, even when flawed.