Before you get the official “welcome to the family” seal of approval, a little extra bonding time with the in-laws-to-be is in order. Whether they’re the adventurous type, more into art or simply enjoy the art of relaxation, there are a variety of places around Oregon where you can connect and celebrate your upcoming union. Take a page from a royal playbook and sit down for high tea at ABIGAIL HALL (@abigailhallpdx) inside downtown Portland’s Woodlark Hotel. The cozy, floral-adorned cocktail bar serves up a classic high tea service every Saturday and Sunday, featuring Smith Teamaker teas steeped tableside in vintage teacups alongside a tower of sweet and savory goodies. For an outing of the self-care kind, treat your soon-to-be father-in-law to a haircut and a hot shave at TROUBLEMAKER BARBER AND ALE SOCIAL CLUB (@troublemakerbarbers) in Portland’s Slabtown. Unwind, then share a pint over a game of billiards in its sleek and stylish surroundings. In the Mount Hood National Forest, plenty of family bonding activities await—no matter the season. MT. HOOD OUTFITTERS (@mthoodoutfitters) provides guided, three-hour snowshoe tours— including snowshoe and pole rentals—during which you can revel in the majestic snowy landscape, spy native birds and learn a little local history.
In summer, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and glide along Trillium Lake. Or, if you prefer to bond over an unforgettable shared expedition, the Adventure Park at MT. HOOD SKIBOWL (@skibowl) offers an 800-foot zip line that will have you and the in-laws flying—securely harnessed, of course—high above the trees. If it’s an art-filled experience you’re after, head to the LINCOLN CITY GLASS CENTER (lincolncityglasscenter.com) in Lincoln City and book your spot to create your own blown glass art under the watchful eye of an expert glassblower. After your masterpieces cool overnight, you and your new in-laws will have cherished keepsakes to commemorate time well spent together.
