Tierra Soul Urban Farmhouse

Definitely not your typical B&B! The Tierra Soul Urban Farmhouse is alternative lodging. No doilys, no fancy tea times, just a comfortable place to stay, on a farm in the middle of the city. David and Krista are wonderful hosts who made our visit here feel like staying in the home of good friends. Very homey, informal, friendly feel to it. They don't serve food, but lots of good eats are just a few blocks away, in the Mississippi Avenue neighborhood. If you are not into fancy, but looking for a comfortable alternative place to stay in Portland, this is your place.

First, I didn't rate "dining" because, except for a friendly bowl of oatmeal, I didn't eat at Tierra Sol. Krista and David are correct--you'll mostly want to taste the variety of Portland's cuisine, though I'm sure the B&B's food would be excellent if you wanted to try it. This experience really helped shape my stay in Portland--a visit to family--in the most positive way I can imagine. It was like time traveling, in a way, back to my own lost youth when everyone wanted to live "off the land" and "off the grid" and be positive. In those days, we were a bit too naive and impatient to pull it off, though there were exceptions. David and Krista (and their extraordinarily charming children, Fia and Xoxo) make you feel part of their family in the best ways. The place is lovely, informal, well kept (always smells like something good is cooking!), quiet, welcoming. I could go on and on about the wonderful conversations-on-the-fly we've had--discussions ranging from issues of animal maintenance to the current state of American philosophy--but it would take too much space. I can say from my heart that these young people--unlike myself and many of the friends of my youth--have got it right this time. Tierra Sol combines all the best ingredients of Portland life and serves them up as a delicious soul ragout. HIGHLY recommended!