If you’re looking to capture the charm of the Pacific Northwest and the culture of a pulsing city, look no further than Portland, Oregon. Dubbed the City of Roses for its award-winning flowers and annual Rose Festival, Portland offers a bevy of natural attractions and exciting destinations, sure to keep you and yours entertained for the duration of your stay.
MUSEUMS
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a great place to learn about geology, weather, biology and more in a fun, educational environment. Take advantage of hands-on lab exhibits, step into a simulated earthquake room or build your own river as you explore the wonders of nature. In addition, take a tour of the historical USS Blueback submarine (permanently docked here) or catch a musical laser show in the planetarium. Located at 1945 SE Water Avenue. Call 503-797-OMSI for more information.
Explore Asian, Native American and African art, European painting and sculpture, and American contemporary art and photography at The Portland Art Museum. Featuring rotating exhibits that change frequently, you’ll have the opportunity to discover new treasures each time you visit. Located at 1219 SW Park Avenue. Call 503-226-2811 or visit www.portlandartmuseum.org for current displays and hours.
HAUNTED PLACES
Experience turn-of-the-century luxury—and maybe catch a glimpse of a ghost—at the elegant Pittock Mansion.Pioneers Henry and Georgiana Pittock lived in the structure in the early 1900s when Henry was a successful businessman and his wife was a community advocate for women and children. Today, tour the restored mansion decorated to represent their era, and enjoy a spectacular view of the city. Past visitors have reported smelling roses (Mrs. Pittock’s favorite flower) when none have been present, and seeing an elderly female that can’t be accounted for. Located at 3229 NW Pittock Drive. Call 503-823-3624 for hours; the mansion is closed on all major holidays and throughout the month of January.
The Portland Underground has been called the most haunted place on the west coast. See for yourself by taking a Shanghai Tunnel Ghost Tour, led by the Cascade Geographic Society. During your tour, you’ll learn about the ‘Shanghai’ practice of kidnapping blue collar men (in the late 1800s and early 1900s) to be sold into slavery, for corrupt sea captains en route to the Orient. It is said their spirits can still be felt and sometimes seen beneath the streets of Portland. Reservations are required and certain portions of the tour may be physically difficult for some; call 503-622-4798 for a tour appointment. The meeting place is at Hobo’s Restaurant located at 120 NW Third Avenue in Old Town. Be sure to call a few weeks in advance of your desired tour date to ensure your space.
LOCAL LANDMARKS
The 36-feet tall Portlandia is a hammered-copper American statue second only in size to the Statue of Liberty in New York. You can view this wonder, created to represent the female in Portland’s city seal who welcomes traders to the port, free of charge. She’s on permanent display 365 days a year. Located on top of The Portland Building at 1120 SW 5th Avenue.
The Oregon Zoo enjoys national acclaim for presenting over 1000 species, including an exceptional group of Asian elephants. Since the zoo’s humble beginning in the back of a pharmacy in the mid-1800s, the landmark has grown to one of the largest tourist attractions in Portland, greeting over a million visitors per year. Bring the kids and delight in a four-mile train ride on The Washington Park and Zoo Railway which travels through gorgeous Evergreen trees, or pack a picnic and enjoy a cozy lunch amidst the sounds of nature. Located at 4001 SW Canyon Road. Call 503-226-1561 for hours. The zoo is easily accessible from the MAX light rail line and public parking is free.
NATURE
The romance of roses blooms beautifully at the International Rose Test Garden. Journey through this 4.5 acre space to discover some of the most amazing flowers in one of the largest test gardens in the country. Following your self-guided tour, visit The Rose Garden store for charming rose-themed gifts. Located at 400 SW Kingston Avenue. Call 503-823-3636 for more information.
You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the outdoor splendor of The Grotto Catholic Sanctuary. 62 acres of vibrant gardens make up this lush spiritual setting which offers breathtaking views, sacred statues and peaceful waterways. Tours are available for people of all faiths, and regular Catholic mass services are offered. Located at Sandy Boulevard and NE 85th Avenue. Visit www.thegrotto.org or call 503-254-7371 for more information.
SHOPPING
For a true taste of the flavor of Portland, you must make a pit stop at Portland Saturday Market. At this legendary open-air craft bazaar you can find unique jewelry, stained glass, wood works, art and more—sold directly by the persons who created them. There’s also a delicious sampling of ethnic and local foods to munch on as you shop. Open Saturdays and Sundays, March 6 – December 24. Located at 108 West Burnside Street, under the Burnside Bridge. Call 503-222-6072 for additional information.
If you’re a student, teacher, casual reader or unabashed bookworm, you’re bound to love Powell’s City of Books. Stocking a million new, used and out-of-print books, and taking up an entire city block, this mammoth structure is the largest independent bookstore in the world. Stop by to browse the selection, have a cup of coffee or listen in as a famous author reads from their latest creation. Located at 1005 W. Burnside. Visit www.powells.com for hours of operation, or to shop online.
In closing, Portland is a lively city—diverse enough to offer unique cultural and natural attractions, yet small enough to treat you like an old friend.
