A few days after Halloween and the shelves are stocked with stocking stuffers while holiday jingles blare over the store sound system. Yes, it’s too soon. No, we’re not ready to give up on our favorite holiday full of costumes and candy. We are still in our spooky era so let’s indulge Portland’s funkier, freakier side. And who better to delight in the mystical and peculiar than your tween who snubs your suggestions as boring. Here’s where to go for the unexpected and to keep the spine-chilling vibes alive.
Black Cat Frozen Custard
Start the day with a far-from-ordinary treat shop at Black Cat Frozen Custard. At its surface, it’s a three-flavor custard shop with vanilla, chocolate and seasonal (this fall it has been pumpkin). They have a number of fun sundae and shake options. With purple painted walls and some small spooky touches, the setup is fun and simply asking for an Instagram post. (Check out our reel here!)
After you’ve finished your custard, visit the secret cafe, the Conspirators Coffee Lounge. Entry is through an actual hidden passageway, requiring a secret passcode (this is for real!) that must be whispered to the staff at the counter — no need to wait in line. If you’re desperate for a hint, check out the lounge’s socials. Your teen will love the high drama of access and appreciate the exclusivity upon entrance. Pro tip: The cafe is for ages 13+ until 5:30 pm, and then it’s for ages 18+. If you visit the cafe, you’ll need to enjoy your Black Cat custard first; Conspirators does not allow outside food. Your teen will love the high drama of access and appreciate the exclusivity upon entrance.
Paxton Gate
For the ultimate, out-of-the-ordinary shopping, visit Paxton Gate, a store of curiosity and oddities meant for ogling. Highlights include an embalmed snaked, giant stuffed bison, pinned and preserved butterflies, plus plenty of colorful and varied gems and crystals to draw the eye. With two locations, you can visit either daily from 11am-7pm and take a taxidermy class, get a book on fossils or buy a unique necklace.
The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium
While Paxton Gate focuses on the peculiarities of the natural world, The Freakybuttrue Pecularium is a destination of a whole other kind. A giant figure of Krampus welcomes visitors to this self-proclaimed “world’s weirdest art gallery.” The $10 entrance fee seems steep for the small size, but you’ll soon discover that it’s worth it once your kids start to explore on their own, uncovering all sorts of unhinged and off-the-wall finds including a massive Bigfoot. There are tons of photo ops, complete with optical illusions (pictured above). Make sure your teen brings pocket money, as the gift shop is equally full of quirky weird delights, like a 3D bat car air freshener, finger puppets and $5 mystery bags that are worth it!
Foxtrot
An antidote to the camp of Black Cat, is the authenticity of Foxtrot, a Victorian house in Southeast that is a vibe all on its own. Head to the expansive heated outdoor patio with plenty of small little nooks to hide away in. Or explore the varied interior rooms with detailed touches that are fun to peruse. Order pie as you and your tween settle in and sip tea from dainty cups. Pro tip: Appreciate this house of treasure before 3 pm, when it becomes strictly 21+.
Seagrape Apothecary
Round out your day with a stop to a metaphysical shop to learn more about magic, rituals and powers. This welcoming metaphysical store focuses on self-care and love, leaning into strong witch vibes. With rows of books and oodles of tarot cards, this store is a delight for the senses where incense, candles, soaps, and herbal bundles abound.