I’m not exactly sure when my priorities changed but over the course of our travels Shaun and I have become increasingly concerned with keeping up our standards for sustainable tourism and eco-friendly properties and locations. When we received an invitation to head to Portland with Hostelling International USA to experience Hawthorne Portland Hostel’s 10th Annual Bike In Movie, it made complete sense. Not only is Portland Austin’s ‘weird’ sister city, but they are considered the most environmentally conscious city in the USA. That is a big statement there. So needless to say we were a little excited to head there… who am I kidding – I was like a giddy ADD child on Christmas Eve.
It may come as a surprise to many of you, but I was a pedicabber (bike rickshaw person) here in Austin for 6 months (hey now, it counts) back in 2010 when I quit my job at Blizzard Entertainment. Bike culture holds a special place in my heart and what these guys are doing is really forward thinking as the popularity of biking as a mode of transportation continues to rise throughout the States. Portland alone has 10% of the population using bikes! This hostel provides bike rentals, racks, a bike repair room, and gives discounts to touring cyclists who find themselves in the area. Combined with my love for the hostel community and experience (even if I really only do private rooms now), biking, green initiatives, a great location on the bohemian side of town (yes, it gets more bohemian), a special place is formed.
So we found ourselves at the 10th Annual Bike In Movie on a perfect end-of-summer night. I mean, they really had me at music, free food, and free BEER. The beer culture had already shown itself to be phenomenal so it was a no brainer. 65 degrees, a long summer evening with good company, great music, and burgers on the grill sums up my summer zen mode. With copious amounts of food piled high on my plate (they even had tofu dogs!), we sat down to enjoy the old-school throwback band, Hot Club of Hawthorne. This year they were previewing the biking documentary “Riding North” about a couple of friends of all skill levels biking an ungodly number of miles across Canada. Great conversation followed with our fellow hostel-mates and it reminded me of why I still love hostels so much. A cheaper alternative to hotels, you get an instant community and friends.
Our last morning we got the ultimate moment in hostel lotteries. A chef from Atlanta had been making his way around the States and prepared an over the top breakfast of champions. While I was ready to devour the free pancakes on hand, quinoa, collard greens, spicy shrimp, and beans were placed in front of me. I damn near drooled all over myself. I shoveled the food into my mouth, relishing every bite. Yup, no hotel could ever have this experience.
Our trip to Portland ended too quickly. Lunch with old friends, a trip to the Japanese Garden, a quick jaunt to Voodoo Doughnut – 2 days was just not enough for us. As I yawned and opened my eyes to the golden morning light illuminating the eco-roof covered in native plants and entering my private room, I smiled. Austin is definitely weirder, but Portland miles ahead in eco-friendliness.
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Disclosure: We were guests of Hostelling International however all opinions are our own.
Bands and outdoor movies? That sells the place without saying a word!
Hostelling International is doing a great job promoting sustainable tourism. The bike in movie concept sounds cool. Looks like y’all had a great time.
It was faaaaabulous! 😀 But yeah, I had no clue that they had that initiative!
cuuuuute!
Amazing! Could this sound more perfect or tempting? I think not! Thank you for the focus on eco-friendly accommodation! We love spreading the word and celebrate when others do too!
That’s awesome! I never knew hostels could be so fun!
I’m always surprised at ANY mention of hostels in the US, so an eco-friendly one is just awesome! Glad you had a good time!
I stayed there a few months ago. I was really impressed by their environmental commitment, and they were super-friendly. Their bike rental is also an incredible deal.
Of course! We do tend to really look for sustainable tourism activities and green accommodations. I’m surprised I didn’t mention other things previously. I honestly have never seen anything to this degree.
There are quite a few reasons we continue to find ourselves in hostels. I love the community.
HAHA. I know. They are elusive, I tell ya! I’m happy to see the few we have thriving!
It is really amazing how many bloggers have stayed at this one hostel. I had no clue it was that popular!
Looks like a great place and sounds like such a fun trip. Portland has been on my to-do list for a really long time, hoping I can make it there soon.
This was our first time around and I couldn’t believe it took me until I was 30 to finally get there! Such an awesome place!
We stayed at the other HI in Portland (which was really good) but I kinda wish we’d stayed in this one or had a few nights in both. I didn’t get to spend as much time in the Hawthorne ‘hood as I wanted to.
We were told to check it out because from what I hear they are totally different vibes. I would go back in a heartbeat.