International Rose Test GardenCity/Region: Portland (
Oregon)
The foremost of Portland's famed rose gardens, the International Rose Test Garden was founded in 1917 during World War I, when hybridists sent roses from around the world to keep them safe from the bombing in
Europe. Since then the garden has served as a testing ground for new varieties. The 7,700 rose bushes, representing 550 varieties, are enhanced by fountains, paths and statues, with free tours offered by trained volunteers. Highlights of the garden are the award-winning miniature roses planted along the
center aisle, the Shakespeare Garden in the southeast corner, and the Frank L Beach Memorial Fountain, designed and built by local artist Lee Kelly.
Address: Washington Park, 400 SW
Kingston Ave
Phone Number: (503) 823 3636
Website: www.rosegardenstore.org
Transport: MAX train to Washington Park Station, and then Bus 63
Hours: Daily 7am to 9pm; tours at 1pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays (May to September)
Admission: Free
Oregon ZooCity/Region: Portland (Oregon)
The award-winning
Oregon Zoo is the oldest zoo west of the
Mississippi, founded in 1887. It covers 64 acres and is home to a vast variety of animals, including Asian elephants, Peruvian penguins and Arctic polar bears. All are housed in their natural habitats, and the zoo is also an internationally recognized center for wildlife preservation and research. Combined with a program of summer concerts, a variety of seasonal events and an olde worlde railway ride which connects to Washington Park, the zoo is Portland's favorite attraction, drawing around a million visitors a year.
Address: 4001 SW Canyon Road
Phone Number: (503) 226 1561
Website: www.oregonzoo.org
Transport: The zoo is on the MAX light railway, or bus 63 to Washington Park from Main Street, downtown
Hours: Daily 9am to 4pm (16 September to 14 April); 9am to 6pm the rest of the year
Admission: $9.75 (adults), $6.75 (children 3-11)
Portland Classical Chinese GardensCity/Region: Portland (Oregon)
Named the 'Garden of Awakening Orchids', this walled classic garden in Portland's Chinatown is a replica of traditional gardens found in
Suzhou, Portland's sister city in
China. It combines the elements of water, stone, architecture, literature and plants to create balance and harmony. The garden is both a living museum of flora and fauna and a cultural heritage garden. The classical tea house in the evocatively named Tower of Cosmic Reflections offers a tactile experience of the art and culture of Chinese tea.
Address: Between NW 3rd and NW Everett
Phone Number: (503) 228 8131
Website: www.portlandchinesegarden.org
Transport: MAX train; or bus 1, 4, 5, 8, 10, 16, 33, 40, and 77
Hours: Daily 10am to 5pm (November to March), 9am to 6pm (April to October). Daily tours at 12pm and 1pm
Admission: $8.50 (adults); concessions available. Children under 5 are free
Pearl DistrictCity/Region: Portland (Oregon)
The most atmospheric neighborhood in downtown Portland, the Pearl District is the place to see and be seen. Old warehouses have been turned into desirable loft residences and the streets are lined with restaurants, cafes, wine bars, upmarket shops and art galleries. Gallery walks are held on the first Thursday of each month. 'The Pearl' is home to Portland's iconic Powell's bookstore.
Website: explorethepearl.com
Transport: Buses 17, 20 and 77 serve the Pearl District
Museum of Science and IndustryCity/Region: Portland (Oregon)
The
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a feast of fun for young and old. It includes fascinating permanent exhibits dealing with maths, science and technology, and laboratories where children can undertake science experiments. The complex also contains a planetarium (one of the most technologically advanced in the country), the Omnimax theater and the submarine
USS Blueback, which featured in the popular movie, 'Hunt for Red October'. The museum also hosts a plethora of interesting temporary exhibitions.
Address: 1945 SE Water Avenue
Phone Number: (503) 797 6674
Website: www.omsi.edu
Hours: Daily 9.30am to 5.30pm
Admission: $11 (adults), $9 (children 3-13).
Da Vinci: The Genius exhibition: $5 for Adults, $3 for Youth/Senior. Omnimax shows: $8.50 (adults), $6.50 (children)
Cannon BeachCity/Region: Portland (Oregon)
Cannon Beach is Oregon's most famous and popular coastline among Portland tourists. The beach is dominated by Haystack Rock, a 235-foot (71m) steep formation that can be walked to in low tide. The first tourist to the beach was
William Clark, during the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1805. The same nine miles (14.5km) of sandy beach, beautiful hiking trails, and tidal pools filled with sea life are there for new explorers to discover. A touristy beach town gives present day visitors quaint hotels, cottages and restaurants.
Mt HoodCity/Region: Portland (Oregon)
Mount Hood Meadows, 67 miles (108 km) east of Portland, is one of the largest ski resorts in Oregon. It has both alpine and nordic ski areas and offers night skiing. Its position on the sunny, wind-protected east side of
Mt. Hood gives Mt Hood of the best snow in the
Pacific Northwest. There is no accommodation in the resort itself although many nearby hotels and lodges offer shuttles to the slopes. The scenery over the snow-dusted Central
Cascade Range is magnificent, reason enough to pause between runs.
Phone Number: (503) 337 2222
Email Address: mhminfo@skihood.com
Website: www.skihood.com
Transport: Meadows offers roundtrip weekend and holiday transportation to the mountain from Portland. The pickup locations are located next to TRIMET park and rides and transit centers. The round-trip price is $59 including lift pass.
