Charlie’s Portland, OR Picks September 2023

Jun 26

Hi! Charlie (he/they) here, founder of Everywhere Is Queer. I started EIQ in January of 2022 out of Bend,Oregon. I made the jump to move over to Portland,Oregon May of 2023. I am so grateful to start my next chapter in Portland. It's SO queer and welcoming here. If you haven’t been, I highly recommend a visit. I do acknowledge my privilege as a white queer human as I write all of this.

I am in awe of all of the queer owned spaces. I’d love to highlight a few of my favorite Portland,Oregon (or Portland adjacent) spots so far with y’all! DM me at @everywhereisqueer and let me know how your experience was if you check any of them out!

1. Remy Wines / Queer Wine Festival - Dayton, Oregon

My partner and I attended the 2nd annual Queer Wine Festival in June of 2023. We were both on the verge of tears because of how beautiful this event was. It was so queer and welcoming. 19 queer owned or queer operated wines came together to share their wines with the audience. We got to taste anything from a Pinot Gris to a heavy Tempranillo (obviously lots of Pinot Noirs as we were in the Willamette Valley). Remy Wines is a queer owned winery about 45 minutes south of Portland in the Willamette Valley. Instagram: @remywines

2. Sammich on Burnside

DO YOU SEE THAT SANDWICH. I’ve had the honor to meet the owner Mel a few times. Maybe you have seen her on Guy Fieri’s shows! Mel is originally from Chicago and knows how to make a sandwich. The crew at Sammich smoke their meat right here at the shop, so when you walk up it's always a great smell. There is some cute little seating for you while you enjoy what will be probably the best sandwich of your life. I mean again, look at that one. This is a must stop when you visit Portland! They do have gluten-free bread and a vegetarian option! As well, if you are ever in Ashland, Oregon or Seattle, Washington, they have sandwich spots there as well! Instagram: @sammichportland

3. Arium Botanicals on Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard

Oof. This spot is dang cute! I have also gotten to know Tylor and Anthony the founders of Arium and they are the kindest souls you will meet. This spot is clean and curated so well. Wish I could make my living room look like their shop. They have a ton of local pottery and support a lot of local artists by selling their work in their shop. They host a lot of awesome events (vintage markets etc.) in their parking lot. Even if you are visiting Portland and not shopping for your next plant, this is an awesome queer affirming space where you can feel seen as your authentic self. Make sure to follow them @ariumbotanicals for the latest events and information!