Architecture Archives - Keena Elkington Photography

New York City, NY

Posted on June 9, 2020by Keena

NYC was on the top of my US bucket list as a little girl and it met or exceeded all of my expectations. There is so very much to do, see and eat that it’s on the top of my list to revisit when the 2020’s doomsday vibe subsides.

This was my first trip travelling alone in the US and will always have a special place in my heart for that reason alone. The architecture, 1920’s vibes, skyline views, the food etc. make NYC one of my top two US cities alongside the Portland area. I can certainly see why many creatives are inspired by the big apple.

Chicago, IL

Posted on May 25, 2020by Keena

I went to Chicago on a work trip with little expectation of falling in love with the city. All I really knew of going in was of the L-train, the Bulls, the architecture, the food and the crime in the outskirts. I stayed downtown and wandered the core area alone without any issues.

I extended my trip to spend my birthday here and it was a lovely trip for some much needed me time. The water is ridiculously teal and the architecture is unreal. I visited the aquarium, the zoo, lots of great restaurants, the navy pier, the shopping areas and went on an architecture tour. I adore big cities as an extrovert as they never truly seem to sleep. The view from the Willis Tower is unreal and in my opinion rivals that of the Rockefeller Center in NYC. I got a nasty sunburn and some great memories from this city. I’d strongly suggest checking it out if you haven’t been.

Portland, OR – Fall 2019

Posted on May 18, 2020by Keena

We went to Portland on a whim last fall for a much needed break from the chaos of daily life. Portland is one of my favourite US cities as it’s home to forests, oceans, bridges, doughnuts, coffee shops, small batch local everything. Lots of people showcase their vibrantly coloured hair, pin collections and body modifications at all ages. The city displays signs with their slogan of “Keep Portland Weird” which is accurate and just as awesome as they are down there.

On this trip I revisited some of my favourite places in the city and finally drove through Forest Park. We detoured a little on our way home to see Cannon Beach as I’d never been to the most famous of the local beaches with Haystack views. It was a chilly, drizzly day on the beach and yet it was just beautiful. I ran into the cold ocean with my shoes on and we saved Belinda the crab from being attacked by a seagull. She looked like she was having a rough go of it.

10/10 would visit again.

Some e places I would suggest you check out if you visit the Portland area:

Creo Chocolates
Bridge City Cafe
Peets Coffee
Forest Park
Portland Japanese Garden (see Portland 2016 post for photos)
Oregon Zoo
The rose garden
Powell’s bookstore
Alberta Street – Art District
The rows of food trucks downtown
Pioneer square
Biscuit Bitch restaurant
Stumptown coffee
Random Order Pie Bar
Moonstruck Chocolates

I’m not a drinker but Portland is known for it’s large number of micro-breweries that I have heard are amazing if you’re into that.