A guest guide by City Cast newsletter editor-in-chief Bryan M. Vance:
Today, join me for a day-trip (via words) to a charming little pocket of Portland. Nestled along the confluence of Portland’s two mighty rivers, the Willamette and the Columbia, St. Johns is a beautiful tree-lined neighborhood with small-town feels.
What to Eat
St. Johns is home to numerous watering holes, food carts, and eclectic dining options. But a new one on the scene has been capturing headlines: visual artist Mike Bennett has opened a new cafe, Wonderwood Springs, with a medieval theme. You can come for the Sparrow Bakery goodies or the lattes — Eater PDX highlighted the “Wonderwood Spiced Latte made with puréed sweet potato and spiced syrup, and the Butter Brew Latte, with house-made butter toffee sauce.” There’s also a destination next door called Wonderwood, featuring Bennett’s hand-painted art, that now till Dec. 1 features an exhibit called “The Scourge of Castle Maplehold.”
What to See
The neighborhood's most significant landmark is the stunning bridge that bears its name. Opened in 1931, the St. Johns Bridge is the tallest and longest of Portland's bridges (and the most beautiful: facts!). Soak up the stunning gothic cathedral architecture and wonder how anyone could ever have thought to paint this bridge anything but green.
What to Do
Kelley Point Park, at the northwestern-most tip of St. Johns, might be one of this neighborhood's best kept secrets.It features hiking trails, grassy fields perfect for picnicking (when it’s not the rainy season), and sandy beaches along the banks of the Willamette and Columbia rivers. Get a taste of the fall foliage along its trails.
