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During your Portland vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Nowhere do rhododendrons do better than in the cool, rainy Northwest, and nowhere in Portland is there a more impressive planting of rhodies than at Crystal Springs. Eight months out of the year this is a tranquil garden, with a waterfall, a lake, and ducks to feed. But when the rhododendrons and azaleas bloom from March to June, it becomes a spectacular mass of blazing color. The Rhododendron Show and Plant Sale is held here on Mother's Day weekend.
Oregon Maritime Center and Museum
Inside this museum you'll find models of ships that once plied the Columbia and Willamette. Also on display are early navigation instruments, artifacts from the battleship Oregon, old ship hardware, and other maritime memorabilia. The historic steam-powered sternwheeler Portland, moored across Waterfront Park from the museum, is also open to the public. Inside this old steam-powered paddle-wheel tugboat there are more displays about maritime history, and docents are on hand to answer questions about the boat itself.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
Located on the east bank of the Willamette River across from the south end of Waterfront Park, this modern science museum has six huge halls, and both kids and adults find the exhibits fun and fascinating. This is a hands-on museum, and everyone is urged to get involved with displays, from a discovery space for toddlers to physics and chemistry labs for older children. Simulated earthquakes and tornadoes are perennial favorites. There's plenty of pure entertainment at an OMNIMAX theater and the Murdock Sky Theater, which features laser-light shows and astronomy presentations. The USS Blueback submarine (used in the film The Hunt for Red October) is docked here, and tours are given daily.Between mid-June and late September, Samtrak (tel. 503/653-2380), a small open-air train, runs between OMSI and Oaks Park Amusement Center. OMSI is also the departure point for several different boat cruises up and down the Willamette River.
Shilo Inn Downtown/Convention Center
The Shilo Inn Portland Convention Center is located just minutes from Downtown Portland with easy access to I-5 and I-84. Included in your stay at our newly remodeled hotel is free local calls and complimentary continental breakfast. All rooms feature a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker and ironing unit.*** Credit card required upon check ...
Courtyard by Marriott Portland North Harbour
The hotel designed by business travelers, Courtyard surrounds you with all the conveniences that make business and pleasure travel easy. The Courtyard Portland North Harbour is located six miles north of downtown and one mile from the Portland Expo Center. All guest rooms are non-smoking and feature complimentary high speed Internet ...
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