It was our second trip to Portland. In our first trip last year, we stayed in the downtown Portland area. This time, my husband, 13 year old daughter, and I wanted stay at a place outside of downtown that could still offer many interesting places to see, eat, and do. Rick's house fit the bill. We wanted our trip to be a car-free trip. A short bus ride and a 30 minute light rail ride takes you to within a 1/2 block from the house.

It was indeed steps away from the lively part of Mississippi Ave. We truly enjoyed the location of the Pink House since it is also close to Alberta Avenue (1.6mi) another cool street to check out. We would highly suggest renting bikes at nearby "Everybody's Bikes Rentals"(1.2 mi away) and really explore the rest of Portland. A 17 minute bike ride can take you to another hip area, the Hawthorne district.

The house is all you need for a short stay in Portland. The description of the house is exact; especially about how steep the ladder-stairs are. We truly appreciated how the house is kept impeccably clean. The pictures on this website do not show the beautiful garden that has since grown in the front yard.

Don't expect any dresser drawers inside so you'll have to live out of your suitcase during the trip. Portlandians definitely know good food. Since you will be eating out anyway, it is logical to not have a kitchen in the house. It has all the amenities you do need though; from a microwave and fridge to plates/utensils, and of course even a bottle opener! The beds were comfortable even the fold-out sofa bed. I didn't even wake up with a tight back like I usually would on sofa beds. As you might have read, it does not have A.C. We stayed during a blistering heat wave when the daily high was would range from 92 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite bike riding in the 90+heat, we would return to the cool and comfortable Pink House and cold drinks waiting in the fridge. On hot days, be sure to keep the windows closed and the curtains closed. The well-insulated construction along with the live foliage on the roof really do keep the place as cool as a cave!

Word of warning: Expect to talk about the Pink House if you are hanging out on the porch. In the course of reading a couple chapters on the porch, four groups of people had approached and asked me what the Pink House is all about. Of course I told them to check it out on AirBnB!